Quick answer: Expect to pay $217 – $4,061 when moving from Pittsburgh to Columbus, with most moves taking one to two days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 184 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Columbus to Pittsburgh.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Pittsburgh, PA, to Columbus, OH, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Pittsburgh, there are 7 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Pittsburgh, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Pittsburgh you can trust with your Pittsburgh to Columbus relocation.
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Pittsburgh to Columbus
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Pittsburgh to Columbus far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Pittsburgh has 7 interstate moving companies, here are our top picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to get you moving to Columbus without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Pittsburgh?
How we chose the best movers PA→OH movers
The best local movers for Pittsburgh to Columbus moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Pittsburgh that offers long-distance services to Columbus can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Pittsburgh who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Pittsburgh to Columbus.
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Miracle Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Friendly Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8922412
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 2461529
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
Company Info
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2824949
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Columbus?
Movers in Pennsylvania charge $143 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $671 – $2,564 | $538 – $1,285 | $210 – $351 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,351 – $4,061 | $1,072 – $1,821 | $217 – $454 |
4+ bedrooms | $1,752 – $4,793 | $1,268 – $2,380 | $279 – $495 |
Cost to hire movers from Pittsburgh to Columbus
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Columbus, you can expect to spend between $671 and $2,564. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,351 to $4,061 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Pittsburgh to Columbus typically runs between $1,752 and $4,793.
Cost of moving containers from Pittsburgh to Columbus
When moving from Pittsburgh to Columbus, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $538 and $1,285. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,072 to $1,821. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,268 up to $2,380. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Pennsylvania.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Columbus
Renting a moving truck Pittsburgh is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbus. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $210 and $351. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $217 and $454. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $279 and $495.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Pittsburgh to Columbus

What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Columbus
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbus runs about 31% higher for singles and 45% higher for families than Pittsburgh.
Singles spend around $2,784 in Pittsburgh versus $2,129 in Pittsburgh; families pay $7,249 compared with $5,011.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Pittsburgh | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,710 | $1,567 |
Average 3 BR rent | $2,917 | $2,957 |
Average home value | $222,451 | $238,832 |
Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $65,075 |
Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.7% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 7.5% |
State income tax | 3.07% | 3.5% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Columbus from Pittsburgh with rent being about the same in each state.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 7% higher in Columbus than in Pittsburgh.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 20% higher in Columbus than in Pittsburgh, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbus, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 31% higher than in Pittsburgh. 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 45% higher than in Pittsburgh.
- Columbus has a lower unemployment rate than Pittsburgh by about 20%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Columbus than in Pittsburgh. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- Income taxes are 14% higher in Ohio than in Pennsylvania. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Pittsburgh and Columbus:
Living Expense | Pittsburgh | Columbus |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $263.34 | $263.89 |
Cell phone plan | $53.44 | $60.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.62 | $3.21 |
Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $2.98 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $20.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
Gym membership | $43.33 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Pittsburgh than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Pittsburgh than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Pittsburgh than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Columbus.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Pittsburgh than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Pittsburgh than in Columbus.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Columbus
Pittsburgh | Columbus | |
---|---|---|
Population | 303,255 | 905,748 |
Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
Walkability score | 62 | 41 |
Bike friendliness score | 55 | 48 |
Crime index | 37.74 | 49.65 |
Safety index | 62.26 | 50.35 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus’s population is about 199% greater than Pittsburgh.
- Columbus’s public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Pittsburgh’s higher score of 8.
- Columbus is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh’s 62 out of 100.
- Columbus has a bike-friendliness score of 48 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55.
- Columbus’s crime rate is higher than Pittsburgh with a score of 49.65 compared to Pittsburgh’s 37.74. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 50.35 vs Pittsburgh’s 62.26.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Pittsburgh it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Ohio’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbus. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbus
Planning your move to The Arch City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbus.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Short North
- Victorian Village
- Clintonville
- Grandview Heights
- Ashville
- Dublin
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bexley
- Clintonville
- Gahanna
- Hilliard
- Upper Arlington
Things to do in Columbus
After settling into your new Ohio home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbus has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbus features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, and Columbus Historical Society.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbus Crew (MLS)Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Pittsburgh to Columbus?
Planning your move from Pittsburgh to Columbus? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Pittsburgh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Columbus?
Because most people are moving from Pittsburgh to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Columbus take?
The 184-mile journey from Pittsburgh, PA to Columbus, , typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Pittsburgh offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbus.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Pittsburgh?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Pittsburgh, 6 movers can manage piano relocations. 5 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Pennsylvania has 61 piano movers and 44 antique movers, while nationwide there are 1,607 and 1,131 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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