($992+) Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT Movers
Moving from Columbus, OH, to Salt Lake City, UT, runs anywhere from $992 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,241 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,417, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,241 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,449 - $5,116, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $992 - $2,890.
- 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 $3,360 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
There are 3 main ways to move from Columbus to Salt Lake City: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,360 - $7,805. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,698 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
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:
- Full-service movers: $2,417 for a studio up to $11,241 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,449 - $5,116 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $992 - $2,890, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,386 - $4,524, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Full-service movers for the 1,698-mile relocation from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $2,417 and $11,241. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $309 - $2,060, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Columbus typically charge a base rate around $325 plus $145 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbus to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,417 - $5,731
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,360 - $7,805
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,391 - $11,241
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Utah. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 — 87% of Columbus movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Salt Lake City, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $515 - $5,150 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and 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 lbs40% 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 items37% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: MVM Moving & Storage | $1,030 - $2,575 |
| Piano | Any piano type53% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All American Moving and Storage | $824 - $3,605 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling23% of local movers | $309 - $1,545 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: E.E. Ward 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. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Columbus, OH. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Moving containers from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah, cost between $1,449 and $5,116. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Columbus typically costs about $65/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbus to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,449 - $2,785
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,029 - $4,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,660 - $5,116
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $721 in Columbus, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $77 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $155 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Salt Lake City, UT, destination before booking.
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 $1,449. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,029 - $4,178, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- EkoMovers (4.3/5), 16 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT
Plan on $992 - $2,890 for a rental moving truck on the 1,698-mile route from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- 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: $992 - $1,966
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,185 - $2,363
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,481 - $2,890
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $992 - $2,890 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 $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbus, Ohio, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $721.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $556 - $636 for the 1,698-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $62 and $335, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $155 per night for hotel stops on the 1,698-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $309 - $464.
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 a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbus, Ohio, to Salt Lake City, Utah. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $927 and $3,246.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbus to Salt Lake City:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,386 - $2,455
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,607 - $3,246
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,106 - $4,524
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
- THE Sygma Network (4.5/5 stars): THE Sygma Network is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
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 moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio to Utah, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 103 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 1,698-mile move.
Our take
A move from Columbus, OH, to Salt Lake City, UT, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,417 - $11,241 on the 1,698-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,449 - $5,116, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $992 - $2,890. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,360 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock 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 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 walkable is Salt Lake City?
Salt Lake City has a walkability score of 59 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 74, compared to 41 and 48 in Columbus. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Columbus, OH to Salt Lake City, UT?
Costs on this route range from around $2,417 to $11,241, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,417 and $11,241, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 do local movers charge in Columbus?
Local movers based in Columbus typically start around $325 as a base rate, plus $145/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Salt Lake City run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Columbus movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 53% of movers in Columbus handle piano moves, and 37% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
