$1,145 Movers From Milwaukee to Columbus

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Milwaukee, WI to Columbus, OH averages from $401 to $5,159 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Milwaukee moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Columbus, OH.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbus to Milwaukee guide.

Moving from Milwaukee to Columbus resources

Moving 446 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Columbus?

Milwaukee movers charge $105 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 $1,145 - $3,148 $673 - $1,647 $404 - $750
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,041 - $5,159 $1,242 - $2,455 $401 - $821
4+ bedrooms $3,447 - $7,536 $1,567 - $2,961 $503 - $1,048
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 446 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Milwaukee to Columbus will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Milwaukee, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Milwaukee to Columbus?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Milwaukee to Columbus will cost between $1,145 to $3,148. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,041 to $5,159, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Milwaukee to Columbus will cost from $3,447 to $7,536.

How much are moving container companies from Milwaukee to Columbus?

Moving containers from Milwaukee to Columbus will cost you $673 to $1,647 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,242 to $2,455. A larger home will cost $1,567 to $2,961.

How much is a moving truck from Milwaukee to Columbus?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $404 to $750. A larger move will cost $401 to $821, and a four-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Columbus costs from $503 to $1,048. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Milwaukee to Columbus moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Milwaukee to Columbus is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Milwaukee to Columbus.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Milwaukee to Columbus

Cost of living: Milwaukee vs Columbus

Milwaukee Columbus
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,450
Average home value $187,383 $235,958
Average income (per capita) $45,318 $63,639
Cost of Living (single person) $2,009 $915
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,561 $3,229
Unemployment rate 7.4% 5.7%
Sales Tax 5.5% 7.5%
State Income Tax 7.65% 3.99%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 16% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 25.9% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • Income in Columbus is 40.4% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 54.5% lower than in Milwaukee.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 29.2% lower than in Milwaukee.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 22.97% lower than in Milwaukee.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 36.36% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 47.84% lower than in Milwaukee.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,366.35 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Milwaukee.

How is life different in Milwaukee compared to Columbus?

Columbus Milwaukee
Population 905,748 577,222
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 41 62
Bike friendliness score 48 58
Crime Index 37.49 68.15
Safety Index 56.58 31.85
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 57% greater than Milwaukee.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Milwaukee's lower score of 8.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 out of 100.
  • Columbus is less bike-friendly than Milwaukee with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 58.
  • Columbus's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 37.49 compared to Milwaukee's 68.15. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 68.15%.
  • Columbus is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 56.58 vs Milwaukee's 31.85.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Milwaukee it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Columbus

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Ohio moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Ohio does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbus. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Milwaukee movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
ERO Moving LLC Of Milwaukee Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.48 overall rating
1345 North Jefferson Street, Milwaukee, WI, 53202
(414) 207-6900
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.14 overall rating
11800 West Burleigh Street, Wauwatosa, WI, 53222
(414) 220-0994

Visit our best long distance movers in Milwaukee page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Columbus

Now that you've decided to make the move to "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

What to do in Columbus

These are some of the best things to do in your new Ohio home.

  • Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
  • Easton Town Center
  • COSI (Center of Science and Industry)
  • North Market Farmer's Market
  • Scioto Mile
  • German Village
  • Ohio Stadium
  • Ohio Theater
  • Otherworld
  • Columbus Museum of Art
  • Wagner-Hagans Auto Museum
  • Nationwide Arena
  • Ohio State University
  • Huntington Park
  • Shadowbox Live

Get your sports on!

Columbus is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Columbus Crew (MLS)
  • Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA)
  • Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL)
  • Columbus Clippers (AAAE)

FAQs about moving from Milwaukee to Columbus

When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Columbus?

The best time to move from Milwaukee to Columbus is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 85ºF and the winter lows of 21ºF in Columbus.

When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Milwaukee to Columbus in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Columbus