($1,120) Moving from Raleigh to Columbus

Quick answer: A move from Raleigh to Columbus costs $449 to $4,966 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 476-mile move yourself.

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

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Raleigh 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 Raleigh guide.

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The best Raleigh to Columbus moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Columbus.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Insuredcheckmark
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 Raleigh to Columbus?

Raleigh movers charge $93 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 $1,120 - $3,121 $709 - $1,672 $404 - $755
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,003 - $4,966 $1,281 - $2,423 $449 - $868
4+ bedrooms $3,296 - $7,633 $1,556 - $2,988 $558 - $1,133
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 476 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 Raleigh to Columbus

The cost of Raleigh 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 Raleigh to Columbus can be as low as $1,120 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,398.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Raleigh, 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 $404 to $1,041. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Columbus will cost between $1,120 to $3,121. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,003 to $4,966, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Raleigh to Columbus will cost from $3,296 to $7,633.

How much are moving container companies from Raleigh to Columbus?

Moving containers from Raleigh to Columbus will cost you $709 to $1,672 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,281 to $2,423. A larger home will cost $1,556 to $2,988.

How much is a moving truck from Raleigh 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 $755. A larger move will cost $449 to $868, and a four-bedroom move from Raleigh to Columbus costs from $558 to $1,133. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Raleigh to Columbus

Cost of living: Raleigh vs Columbus

Raleigh Columbus
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,450
Average home value $429,266 $235,958
Average income (per capita) $63,654 $63,639
Cost of Living (single person) $2,606 $915
Cost of Living (family of 4) $6,274 $3,229
Unemployment rate 4.3% 5.7%
Sales Tax 7.25% 7.5%
State Income Tax 9.9% 3.99%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 15% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 45.0% lower than in Raleigh.
  • Income is the same in Columbus and Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 64.9% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 48.5% lower than in Raleigh.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 32.56% higher than in Raleigh.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 3.45% higher than in Raleigh.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 59.70% lower than in Raleigh.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,053.34 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Raleigh.

How is life different in Raleigh compared to Columbus?

Columbus Raleigh
Population 905,748 467,665
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 4
Walkability score 41 31
Bike friendliness score 48 39
Crime Index 37.49 27.14
Safety Index 56.58 61.79
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbus's population is about 94% greater than Raleigh.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Raleigh's higher score of 4.
  • Columbus is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 31 out of 100.
  • Columbus is more bike-friendly than Raleigh with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Raleigh's 39.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Raleigh with a score of 37.49 compared to Raleigh's 27.14. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 27.14%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Raleigh with a score of 56.58 vs Raleigh's 61.79.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Raleigh 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 Raleigh movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Athens Moving Experts Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
6601 Hillsborough St, Suite 111, Raleigh, NC, 27606
(919) 760-7774
Excel Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
2612 Discovery Dr, Raleigh, NC, 27616
(919) 213-6694

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

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

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

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

The 476-mile move from Raleigh, NC, to Columbus, OH, takes one-four days. Some Raleigh 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