($1,814) Movers From Portland, OR to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from Portland to Columbus

Moving from Portland to Columbus comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Columbus is generally more expensive than Portland, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Columbus are 6% lower than in Portland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
  Home prices in Columbus are 54.3% lower than in Portland.
• Income in Columbus is 24.2% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 8.2% higher than in Portland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Columbus, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 19.3% higher than in Portland.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 17.39% lower than in Portland.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbus are 7.50% higher than in Portland.
• One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 64.65% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,247.28 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Columbus

• Columbus's population is about 39% greater than Portland.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
• Columbus is less walkable than Portland with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
• Columbus has a bike-friendliness score 48 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
• Columbus's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 49.65 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
• Columbus is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 50.35 vs Portland's 42.63.
• Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland vs. Columbus move

• Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you 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: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving company\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Ohio, though it\’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toColumbus Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that you’ve chosen "Arch City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbus to check out.

Helpful moving resources