Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Memphistoggle

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Memphis can be as low as $1,377 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,270.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $569 to $1,384. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Memphis

Columbus Memphis
Average rent cost $1,441 $1,299
Average home value $238,832 $143,715
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $48,090
Cost of living (single person) $1,217 $1,842
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,292 $4,402
Unemployment rate 5.7% 8.0%
Sales tax 7.5% 9.75%
State income tax 3.5% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Memphis are 10% lower than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Memphis are 39.8% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Memphis is 26.1% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Memphis is 51.4% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 2.6% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Memphis is 40.35% higher than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Memphis are 30.00% higher than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Memphis are 100.00% lower than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,540.67 in Memphis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Memphis

Memphis Columbus
Population 633,104 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 35 41
Bike friendliness score 41 48
Crime Index 77.49 49.65
Safety Index 22.51 50.35
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Memphis's population is about 30% less than Columbus.
  • Memphis's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 5.
  • Memphis is less walkable than Columbus with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • Memphis has a bike-friendliness score 41 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Columbus, which has a score of 48 out of 100.
  • Memphis's crime rate is higher than Columbus with a score of 77.49 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
  • Memphis is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 22.51 vs Columbus's 50.35.
  • Air quality in Memphis is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus vs. Memphis move

  • Weather: Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your 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 Tennessee, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™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 Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee 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 Memphis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Memphis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Bluff City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Memphis.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Binghampton
  • Cooper-Young
  • Crosstown
  • Downtown
  • Midtown

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bartlett
  • Cordova
  • East Memphis
  • Germantown
  • River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral

Things to do in Memphistoggle

After settling into your new Tennessee home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Memphis has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Memphis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 587-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Memphis, TN, takes one to six days. Some Columbus movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Memphis.

Helpful moving resources

Columbus moving services

Popular Ohio routes

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