Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbus to Salt Lake City typically costs $3,700–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,698 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Columbus to Salt Lake City
Moving from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT typically costs $3,700–$8,300 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,698-mile move from Columbus to Salt Lake City, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $6,951 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $6,952 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,384 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 18, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Nov 26, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Columbus to Salt Lake City
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Columbus to Salt Lake City might be as low as $2,500, while a four-bedroom could reach $11,100.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Columbus.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,200 to $3,000 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Salt Lake City, UT to Columbus, OH guide.
Best Columbus to Salt Lake City movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Columbus to Salt Lake City
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Columbus to Salt Lake City, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best OH→UT movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 100 Ohio movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Salt Lake City
Many movers find Salt Lake City easier on the wallet than Columbus - roughly 22% less for singles and 33% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,172 for one person in Salt Lake City versus $2,784 in Columbus. For a family of four, it's $4,827 compared with $7,249.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbus | Salt Lake City | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,567 | $1,618 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,957 | $2,727 |
| Average home value | $238,832 | $549,528 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,075 | $63,975 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,784 | $2,172 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,249 | $4,827 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 3.0% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 4.95% |
- Switching from Columbus to Salt Lake City won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 130% higher in Salt Lake City than in Columbus.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Salt Lake City and Columbus, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Salt Lake City. The cost of living for a single person is 22% less compared to Columbus.
- Relocating to Salt Lake City could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 33% lower than in Columbus.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 47% lower than Columbus, Salt Lake City boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Salt Lake City and Columbus (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 41% higher in Utah than in Ohio. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Columbus and Salt Lake City, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Salt Lake City |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.89 | $183.16 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $67.42 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.21 | $4.28 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.98 | $3.36 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $82.50 |
| Gym membership | $46.25 | $27.89 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
- Bread costs less in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbus than in Salt Lake City.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Salt Lake City
| Columbus | Salt Lake City | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 905,748 | 200,133 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 41 | 59 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 74 |
| Crime index | 49.65 | 34.64 |
| Safety index | 50.35 | 65.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Salt Lake City's population is about 78% less than Columbus.
- Salt Lake City's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Columbus's score of 5.
- Salt Lake City is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 59 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
- With a score of 74 out of 100, Salt Lake City is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Salt Lake City's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 34.64 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Salt Lake City neighborhoods are safer than 34.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
- Salt Lake City is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 65.36 vs Columbus's 50.35.
- Air quality in Salt Lake City is Good, and in Columbus it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Salt Lake City move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Utah, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Utah moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Utah, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Salt Lake City without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Utah, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. To increase protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Salt Lake City
Ready to relocate to The Crossroads of the West? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Salt Lake City.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Capitol Hill
- Central City
- East Bench
- Greater Avenues
- Sugar House
- Wasatch Hollow
- Yalecrest
Best neighborhoods for families
- East Bench
- Greater Avenues
- Liberty Wells
- Sugar House
- Yalecrest
Things to do in Salt Lake City
Now that you've made the move to Utah, it's the perfect time to explore Salt Lake City. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Salt Lake City include museums and art centers like the Natural History Museum of Utah, Clark Planetarium, Wheeler Historic Farm, and Joseph Smith Memorial Building.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Big Cottonwood Canyon, Red Butte Garden, Temple Square, and Liberty Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Salt Lake Bees (Pacific Coast League)Utah Jazz (NBA)Utah Utes (Pac-12)Westminster Griffins (RMAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Salt Lake City?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbus to Salt Lake City. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Salt Lake City?
With many people choosing to move from Columbus to Salt Lake City in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Columbus to Salt Lake City take?
Covering 1,698 miles, the move from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT typically takes four to 15 days. Some Columbus movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Salt Lake City can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Columbus offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in Columbus offer AAA member savings. 4 movers provide military discounts. 6 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Columbus can handle specialty items for my move to Salt Lake City?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Columbus, 16 movers can handle pianos. 11 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of OH, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
