Factors influencing moving costs from Dallas to Columbustoggle

The cost of Dallas 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 Dallas to Columbus can be as low as $1,391 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,917.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Dallas, 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 $770 to $1,938. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Dallas to Columbus

Moving from Dallas to Columbus means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Dallas than in Columbus, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Dallas compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Dallas Columbus
Average rent cost $1,774 $1,441
Average home value $303,900 $238,832
Average income (per capita) $68,291 $65,075
Cost of living (single person) $2,828 $2,784
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,793 $7,249
Unemployment rate 3.6% 5.7%
Sales tax 8.25% 7.5%
State income tax 0.0% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 19% lower than in Dallas, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
    Home prices in Columbus are 21.4% lower than in Dallas.
  • Income in Columbus is 4.7% lower than in Dallas, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 1.6% lower than in Dallas. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 7.0% lower than in Dallas.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 58.33% higher than in Dallas.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbus are 9.09% lower than in Dallas.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 3.50% higher than in Dallas.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,953.32 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Dallas.

How life is different in Dallas vs. Columbus

Columbus Dallas
Population 905,748 1,304,379
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 41 46
Bike friendliness score 48 49
Crime Index 49.65 51.4
Safety Index 50.35 48.6
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 31% less than Dallas.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Dallas's higher score of 6.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Dallas with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Dallas's 46 out of 100.
  • Both Columbus and Dallas have the same bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Dallas. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Columbus and Dallas have a similar crime rate.
  • Columbus and Dallas are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Dallas it's good.

Other things to consider for your Dallas vs. Columbus move

  • 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Ohio doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbus without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Columbus

With your sights set on "Arch City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbus.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Victorian Village
  • Clintonville
  • Grandview Heights
  • Ashville
  • Dublin

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Bexley
  • Clintonville
  • Gahanna
  • Hilliard
  • Upper Arlington

Things to do in Columbus

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

  • Arts and culture: Columbus is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Beeler Gallery, Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum, Central Ohio Fire Museum, Columbus Historical Society, and Columbus Museum of Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens, Scioto Mile, Topiary Garden, and Schiller Park 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 Columbus Crew (MLS), Ohio State Buckeyes (NCAA), Columbus Blue Jackets (NHL), or Columbus Clippers (AAAE) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 1,040-mile move from Dallas, TX, to Columbus, OH, takes two to eight days. Some Dallas 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