($1,341) Moving from Portland to Columbus

Quick answer: A move from Portland to Columbus costs $596 to $6,489 and takes two-seven 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 874-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 Portland 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 Portland guide.

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The best Portland to Columbus moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Portland 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 Portland 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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Insuredcheckmark
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 Portland to Columbus?

Portland movers charge $135 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 $1,341 - $4,592 $808 - $1,925 $587 - $1,107
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,758 - $6,489 $1,326 - $2,675 $596 - $1,316
4+ bedrooms $4,246 - $8,647 $1,952 - $3,715 $770 - $1,614
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 874 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 Portland to Columbus

The cost of Portland 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 Portland to Columbus can be as low as $1,341 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,204.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, 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 $587 to $1,406. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Columbus will cost between $1,341 to $4,592. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,758 to $6,489, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Portland to Columbus will cost from $4,246 to $8,647.

How much are moving container companies from Portland to Columbus?

Moving containers from Portland to Columbus will cost you $808 to $1,925 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,326 to $2,675. A larger home will cost $1,952 to $3,715.

How much is a moving truck from Portland 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 $587 to $1,107. A larger move will cost $596 to $1,316, and a four-bedroom move from Portland to Columbus costs from $770 to $1,614. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Portland to Columbus

Cost of living: Portland vs Columbus

Portland Columbus
Average rent cost $2,190 $1,450
Average home value $522,252 $235,958
Average income (per capita) $62,646 $63,639
Cost of Living (single person) $2,430 $915
Cost of Living (family of 4) $6,125 $3,229
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.7%
Sales Tax 5.5% 7.5%
State Income Tax 5.8% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 34% lower than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 54.8% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Columbus is 1.6% higher than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 62.3% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 47.3% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 9.62% higher than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 36.36% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 39.66% lower than in Portland.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,129.63 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How is life different in Portland compared to Columbus?

Columbus Portland
Population 905,748 68,408
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 41 62
Bike friendliness score 48 68
Crime Index 37.49 19.79
Safety Index 56.58 67.22
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 1,224% greater than Portland.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 6.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Portland with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Portland's 62 out of 100.
  • Columbus is less bike-friendly than Portland with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Portland's 68.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 37.49 compared to Portland's 19.79. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 19.79%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 56.58 vs Portland's 67.22.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Portland it's good.

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 Portland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
422 1/2 Fore St Suite #1, Portland, ME, 04101
(207) 890-7475
Bisson Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
85 Eisenhower Drive, Westbrook, ME, 04092
(207) 591-1000

Visit our best long distance movers in Portland 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 Portland to Columbus?

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

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

Because most people are moving from Portland 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 Portland to Columbus take?

The 874-mile move from Portland, ME, to Columbus, OH, takes two-seven days. Some Portland 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