($970) Moving from Washington DC to Columbus

Quick answer: A move from Washington DC to Columbus costs $397 to $4,784 and takes one-four 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 398-mile move yourself.

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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Washington DC 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 Washington DC guide.

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The best Washington DC to Columbus moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Columbus.

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  • 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 Washington DC to Columbus?

Washington DC movers charge $85 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 $970 - $3,015 $668 - $1,522 $372 - $696
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,798 - $4,784 $1,162 - $2,200 $397 - $817
4+ bedrooms $2,997 - $6,619 $1,477 - $2,806 $483 - $913
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 398 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 Washington DC to Columbus

The cost of Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Columbus can be as low as $970 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,030.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, 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 $372 to $850. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to Columbus?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Columbus will cost between $970 to $3,015. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,798 to $4,784, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to Columbus will cost from $2,997 to $6,619.

How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Columbus?

Moving containers from Washington DC to Columbus will cost you $668 to $1,522 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,162 to $2,200. A larger home will cost $1,477 to $2,806.

How much is a moving truck from Washington DC 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 $372 to $696. A larger move will cost $397 to $817, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to Columbus costs from $483 to $913. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to Columbus

Cost of living: Washington DC vs Columbus

Washington DC Columbus
Average rent cost $2,450 $1,450
Average home value $609,175 $235,958
Average income (per capita) $635,900 $63,639
Cost of Living (single person) $1,211 $915
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,423 $3,229
Unemployment rate 7.0% 5.7%
Sales Tax 6.0% 7.5%
State Income Tax 5.75% 3.99%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 41% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 61.3% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Columbus is 90.0% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 24.4% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 27.0% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 18.57% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 25.00% higher than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 30.61% lower than in Washington DC.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,266.72 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How is life different in Washington DC compared to Columbus?

Columbus Washington DC
Population 905,748 689,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 9
Walkability score 41 77
Bike friendliness score 48 70
Crime Index 37.49 46.45
Safety Index 56.58 41.16
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 31% greater than Washington DC.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower score of 9.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 77 out of 100.
  • Columbus is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
  • Columbus's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 37.49 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
  • Columbus is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 56.58 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Washington DC 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 Washington DC movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
5782 2nd Street NE, Washington, MD, 20011
(202) 758-0213
Bookstore Movers, LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
(202) 570-4697

Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Columbus?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Columbus?

Because most people are moving from Washington DC 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 Washington DC to Columbus take?

The 398-mile move from Washington DC, MD, to Columbus, OH, takes one-four days. Some Washington DC 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