($997+) Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Salt Lake City, UT, runs anywhere from $997 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,834 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,698 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,401, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,834 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,470 - $4,987, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $997 - $2,870.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbus, OH, to Salt Lake City, UT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,335 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving options from Columbus to Salt Lake City fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,335 - $7,020 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 44% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 66% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,698-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,698-mile route from Columbus to Salt Lake City, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,401 - $5,524 | $1,470 - $2,851 | $997 - $1,954 | $1,270 - $2,492 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,335 - $7,020 | $1,880 - $3,835 | $1,132 - $2,369 | $1,443 - $2,945 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,100 - $10,834 | $2,590 - $4,987 | $1,400 - $2,870 | $2,092 - $4,154 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Hiring full-service movers from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah, costs between $2,401 and $10,834. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,698-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $309 - $2,060, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbus and Salt Lake City. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbus tend to start around $325 plus $145/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,401 - $5,524
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,335 - $7,020
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,100 - $10,834
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbus to Salt Lake City.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Salt Lake City, 49% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $515 - $5,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $206 - $1,236/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $309 - $2,472 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% of local movers | $1,030 - $3,090 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,575 - $10,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $771 - $1,466 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items11% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Planes Moving & Storage Company | $1,030 - $2,575 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $824 - $3,605 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $309 - $1,545 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Integrity Moving & Storage | $670 - $2,060 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $309 - $15,450+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $309 - $3,605+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbus to Salt Lake City?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbus, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $1,470 and $4,987. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Columbus costs roughly $65/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,470 - $2,851
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,880 - $3,835
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,590 - $4,987
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Columbus, OH, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $721, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $155 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbus, OH, and Salt Lake City, UT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to Utah move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,470. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,880 - $3,835.
What are the best moving containers Columbus to Salt Lake City?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbus to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbus:
- MVM Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 21 years in business
- All American Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 23 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Renting a moving truck for the 1,698-mile move from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah, costs between $997 and $2,870, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $556 - $636
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Columbus daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbus to Salt Lake City based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $997 - $1,954
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,132 - $2,369
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,400 - $2,870
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $997 - $2,870 does not include fuel ($556 - $636), lodging ($155/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbus to Salt Lake City typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Columbus, Ohio, usually costs about $721 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,698-mile drive falls between $556 and $636, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $309 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbus to Salt Lake City?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,443 and $2,945.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,270 - $2,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,443 - $2,945
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,092 - $4,154
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Columbus, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $721.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $155 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Columbus to Salt Lake City?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Columbus to Salt Lake City. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Columbus, OH vs Salt Lake City, UT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Salt Lake City, side by side with Columbus on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbus, OH | Salt Lake City, UT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 91 | 121 |
| Average rent | $1,441/mo | $1,495/mo |
| Median home value | $233,368 | $495,721 |
| Average income | $65,327/yr | $74,925/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.7% | 3.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 41/100 | 59/100 |
| Safety index | 50.35/100 | 65.36/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Salt Lake City, UT to Columbus, OH guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to Utah, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 214 movers licensed in Ohio, useful context for sizing up this 1,698-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Columbus, OH, to Salt Lake City, UT, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,401 - $10,834 on the 1,698-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,470 - $4,987 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $997 - $2,870 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,335 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Intermountain Healthcare and Alsco.
FAQs: Moving from Columbus, OH, to Salt Lake City, UT
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,132 - $2,369. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($556 - $636), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $155/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 4 to 15 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 11% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.