Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Arlington to Columbus typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 403 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Arlington to Columbus
Moving from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 403-mile move from Arlington to Columbus, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,975 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,535 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $1,316 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 16, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 10, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Arlington to Columbus
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,200, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,400.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Arlington, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($400–$1,000) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbus, OH to Arlington, VA guide.
Best Arlington to Columbus movers by type
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Local
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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 Arlington to Columbus
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Arlington to Columbus, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 VA→OH movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 103 Virginia moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Arlington to Columbus
Many movers find Columbus easier on the wallet than Arlington - roughly 59% less for singles and 39% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,784 for one person in Columbus versus $6,867 in Arlington. For a family of four, it's $7,249 compared with $11,970.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Arlington | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,475 | $1,567 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,350 | $2,957 |
| Average home value | $810,670 | $238,832 |
| Average income (per capita) | $128,145 | $65,075 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,867 | $2,784 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,970 | $7,249 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.7% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 3.5% |
- If you're heading to Columbus from Arlington, you'll find that rent is roughly 47% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 71% less in Columbus than in Arlington.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 49% lower in Columbus compared to Arlington.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbus. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 59% lower than in Arlington.
- Choosing to move to Columbus can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 39% less than in Arlington.
- In Columbus, the unemployment rate is approximately 43% higher than in Arlington, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 25% in Columbus over Arlington, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 39% less in Ohio than in Virginia. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Arlington and Columbus:
| Living Expense | Arlington | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.70 | $263.89 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.26 | $3.21 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $2.98 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $24.50 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $77.25 | $46.25 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Arlington than in Columbus, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Arlington than in Columbus.
- Eggs cost more in Arlington than in Columbus.
- Bread is more expensive in Arlington than in Columbus.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Arlington than in Columbus.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Arlington than in Columbus.
- Gym memberships cost more in Arlington than in Columbus.
How life is different in Arlington vs. Columbus
| Arlington | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 238,643 | 905,748 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 41 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 48 |
| Crime index | 15.67 | 49.65 |
| Safety index | 79.15 | 50.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbus's population is about 280% greater than Arlington.
- Columbus's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Arlington's score of 9.
- Columbus is less walkable than Arlington with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Arlington's 71 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 Arlington, which has a score of 72.
- Columbus's crime rate is higher than Arlington with a score of 49.65 compared to Arlington's 15.67. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67%.
- Columbus is considered to be less safe than Arlington with a score of 50.35 vs Arlington's 79.15.
- Air quality in Columbus is Good, and in Arlington it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Arlington to Columbus move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Ohio doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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 to Columbus. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbus
Now that you've decided to make the move to The Arch City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Ohio, it's time to get out and discover what Columbus has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbus, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Arlington to Columbus?
The best time to move from Arlington to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Arlington.
When is the cheapest time to move from Arlington to Columbus?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Arlington to Columbus, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Arlington to Columbus take?
Moving from Arlington, VA to Columbus, OH covers 403 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Arlington movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbus.
Which movers in Arlington give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 7 movers give special rates to military members. 14 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Arlington?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 57 movers in Arlington advertise piano moving expertise. 44 movers in Arlington provide antique moving services. State totals show 79 piano movers and 49 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
