($1,208) Moving from Madison to Columbus

Quick answer: A move from Madison to Columbus costs $432 to $5,322 and takes one-six 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 503-mile move yourself.

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  • Family owned
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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 Madison 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 Madison guide.

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The best Madison to Columbus moving companies

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

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 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 Madison to Columbus?

Madison 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 $1,208 - $3,054 $631 - $1,535 $393 - $790
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,021 - $5,322 $1,141 - $2,204 $432 - $937
4+ bedrooms $3,639 - $7,623 $1,550 - $2,982 $555 - $1,117
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 503 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 Madison to Columbus

The cost of Madison 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 Madison to Columbus can be as low as $1,208 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,649.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, 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 $393 to $1,037. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

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

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Columbus will cost between $1,208 to $3,054. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,021 to $5,322, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Madison to Columbus will cost from $3,639 to $7,623.

How much are moving container companies from Madison to Columbus?

Moving containers from Madison to Columbus will cost you $631 to $1,535 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,141 to $2,204. A larger home will cost $1,550 to $2,982.

How much is a moving truck from Madison 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 $393 to $790. A larger move will cost $432 to $937, and a four-bedroom move from Madison to Columbus costs from $555 to $1,117. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Madison to Columbus

Cost of living: Madison vs Columbus

Madison Columbus
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,450
Average home value $367,934 $235,958
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $63,639
Cost of Living (single person) $2,292 $915
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,457 $3,229
Unemployment rate 3.3% 5.7%
Sales Tax 5.5% 7.5%
State Income Tax 7.65% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Columbus are 9% lower than in Madison.
  • Home prices in Columbus are 35.9% lower than in Madison.
  • Income in Columbus is 1.1% higher than in Madison.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 60.1% lower than in Madison.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 40.8% lower than in Madison.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbus is 72.73% higher than in Madison.
  • Sales taxes in Columbus are 36.36% higher than in Madison.
  • State income taxes in Columbus are 54.25% lower than in Madison.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,197.64 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How is life different in Madison compared to Columbus?

Columbus Madison
Population 905,748 269,840
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 41 50
Bike friendliness score 48 66
Crime Index 37.49 34.57
Safety Index 56.58 65.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbus's population is about 236% greater than Madison.
  • Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Madison's lower score of 6.
  • Columbus is less walkable than Madison with a score of 41 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
  • Columbus is less bike-friendly than Madison with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Madison's 66.
  • Columbus's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 37.49 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 37.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
  • Columbus is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 56.58 vs Madison's 65.43.
  • Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Madison 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 Madison movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI, 53718
(608) 340-1557
Top Notch Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI, 53716
(608) 590-3710

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

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

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

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

The 503-mile move from Madison, WI, to Columbus, OH, takes one-six days. Some Madison 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