($1,263) Moving from Los Angeles to Columbus

Quick answer: A move from Los Angeles to Columbus costs $1,330 to $7,411 and takes six-seventeen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,242-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Los Angeles will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

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

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The best Los Angeles to Columbus moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Columbus.

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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Columbus?

Los Angeles movers charge $100 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 $1,263 - $4,982 $1,205 - $2,989 $1,266 - $2,374
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,583 - $7,411 $2,273 - $4,432 $1,330 - $2,999
4+ bedrooms $6,400 - $11,758 $2,913 - $6,365 $1,783 - $3,676
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,242 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Los Angeles to Columbus

The cost of Los Angeles movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Los Angeles to Columbus can be as low as $1,263 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,572.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Los Angeles, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,266 to $3,161. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Los Angeles to Columbus?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Los Angeles to Columbus will cost between $1,263 to $4,982. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,583 to $7,411, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Los Angeles to Columbus will cost from $6,400 to $11,758.

How much are moving container companies from Los Angeles to Columbus?

Moving containers from Los Angeles to Columbus will cost you $1,205 to $2,989 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,273 to $4,432. A larger home will cost $2,913 to $6,365.

How much is a moving truck from Los Angeles 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 $1,266 to $2,374. A larger move will cost $1,330 to $2,999, and a four-bedroom move from Los Angeles to Columbus costs from $1,783 to $3,676. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Los Angeles to Columbus

Cost of living: Los Angeles vs Columbus

Los Angeles Columbus
Average rent cost $2,850 $1,450
Average home value $2,245,337 $235,958
Average income (per capita) $73,027 $63,639
Cost of Living (single person) $6,742 $915
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,567 $3,229
Unemployment rate 10.6% 5.7%
Sales Tax 9.5% 7.5%
State Income Tax 13.3% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 49% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 89.5% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Income in Columbus is 12.9% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 86.4% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 42.0% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 46.23% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 21.05% lower than in Los Angeles.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 73.68% lower than in Los Angeles.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $407.15 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.

How is life different in Los Angeles compared to Columbus?

Columbus Los Angeles
Population 905,748 9,787,747
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 41 69
Bike friendliness score 48 59
Crime Index 37.49 52.86
Safety Index 56.58 47.14
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 91% less than Los Angeles.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's lower score of 8.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 out of 100.
  • Columbus is less bike-friendly than Los Angeles with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 59.
  • Columbus's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 37.49 compared to Los Angeles's 52.86. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 52.86%.
  • Columbus is considered to be safer than Los Angeles with a safety index of 56.58 vs Los Angeles's 47.14.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Seka Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
355 S Grand Ave Suite 2450, Los Angeles, CA, 90071
(323) 483-4288
Excalibur Movers Los Angeles Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
529 South Broadway Suite #4056, Los Angeles, CA, 90013
(877) 557-7777

Visit our best long distance movers in Los Angeles 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)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Los Angeles to Columbus?

The best time to move from Los Angeles to Columbus is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Los Angeles.

When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Columbus take?

The 2,242-mile move from Los Angeles, CA, to Columbus, OH, takes six-seventeen days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbus.

Helpful moving resources