

Recommended
#1 Mover in Ohio
Air Van northAmerican Van Lines
Of all the interstate movers we researched, Air Van northAmerican stood head and shoulders above the competition when it came to responsiveness, transparency with estimates, damage-free handling of possessions, and overall accountability. With over 1,800 trucks, 40,000 truck shipments per year, 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states, and a real focus on continuous improvement, this mover has the scale, resources and commitment to quality that enables them to provide an exceptionally smooth moving experience despite the complexities of long distance transportation.
Services include:
- Long distance moves
- Local moves
- Full-service moving
- Corporate relocation
- Vehicle transport
- Office moving
Contact: (877) 306-2585
Expected Moving Costs For Ohio
The prospect of moving to Ohio can seem thrilling yet daunting when tallying up the potential costs. As you weigh whether planting new roots in the Buckeye State makes financial sense, let me walk you through everything that impacts moving budgets.
On average, how much does it cost to move to Ohio? varies wildly based on factors like move size and services needed. Hiring professional movers to handle a standard 3-4 bedroom house move often reaches around $5,000 or more. But renting a truck and moving yourself can reduce costs substantially if you’re up for the effort. Ultimately exact moving expenses depend on specifics like where your starting point is and how many belongings make the trip.
This guide covers everything that factors into moving costs. We’ll look at things like distance, packing fees, and more so you can budget for an Ohio move. You’ll get typical price estimates for small, medium, and large moves across the state. If you want to check out top moving companies first, read our recent blog comparing quality Ohio movers with pricing to help start your research.
Average Cost of Moving in Ohio
The total amount an Ohio move costs hinges largely on whether you hire movers or tackle it solo. Below I’ll explore both scenarios so you can choose the best route.
Professional Moving Company Costs
Full-service moving companies charge by man hours and supplies, tailoring prices to your unique situation. On average, expect to pay:
- $150-$250 per mover per hour
- 2-3 movers recommended
Total costs scale up by home size since that determines truck space and hours needed:
Studio/1 Bedroom Apartment
- 8-10 hours total
- Around $1,200-$2,000 total
2-3 Bedroom Home
- 12-18 hours
- Around $3,600-$6,750 total
4+ Bedroom Home
- 16-26 hours
- Around $4,800-$13,000 total
As you can see, prices rise quickly with larger homes requiring more mover muscle and time. The distance traveled also plays a role. Long haul interstate moves generally start around $5,000 for smaller loads.
DIY Moving Costs
Skipping professional movers and handling the Ohio move yourself keeps more cash in your wallet. Budget:
- Truck Rental – $50-$150 per day
- Moving Supplies – $300-$500
- Storage Fees – If needed for temp housing while securing Ohio housing; around $100-$200 per month
- Fuel Costs – $150-$300+ depending on mileage
- Food/Lodging En Route – Road trip stops for lodging and dining; $500+ each way
All in you can pull off a DIY move for $1,500 or less compared to $5,000+ for turnkey services. But effort and planning are major tradeoffs.
Key Factors Influencing Ohio Moving Costs
From route challenges to peak seasons, many variables affect the cost to move within or to Ohio. Here are key factors to keep top of mind:
Home Size and Possession Volume
The amount of possessions and belongings that need to be moved from your old home to your new home in Ohio directly impacts the moving costs. The more stuff you have, the bigger truck you will need to transport everything. Bigger trucks cost more money to rent or hire for the move.
Additionally, more items means the move will likely take more hours to fully load, transport carefully, and unload into your new Ohio home. So you get charged for those extra labor hours. It’s also important that movers pack and protect all your belongings safely. More stuff means needing more packing supplies like bubble wrap, mattress boxes, furniture pads, and tape to wrap it all securely. Those materials aren’t free so that’s another added cost.
On top of that, you’ll probably want insurance when moving expensive possessions or sentimental items. Getting coverage for a higher total value costs more for that extra protection during the move. Finally, moving is hard work! All those extra heavy pieces of furniture have to be safely carried and maneuvered. More belongings means your movers need extra energy and patience! Expect them to take a few espresso breaks when hauling lots of your life in boxes from one house to another. The caffeine gives them an extra boost to maintain care and sanity along the journey.
So in plain terms – the more you own, the bigger the load for movers to carefully transport, and the bigger dent moving puts in your checking account. Start paring down less essential items if money is extra tight!
Distance From Ohio
Greater distances mean increased gas/mileage costs and potential hotel stays for movers en route. Moving from New York to Ohio spans over 500 miles so more expenses incur versus an in-state switch.
Type of Move
- Local Ohio Move – Cheapest option for short intra-city moves under 50 miles. Just $100-$300 per hour.
- Interstate Ohio Move – Crossing state lines has more red tape so around $150-$350 per hour.
- International Ohio Move – Moves from overseas tack on customs fees, crating, and international mover costs. At least $10,000+.
Supplementary Services
Extras like packing/unpacking assistance ($100-$500), specialty equipment rentals ($300 per day), piano moving ($300+), and storage fees ($100-$250 monthly) drive overall budgets up.
Time of Year
Brave snowy winter moves to snag savings! Peak summer season between June to August spikes demand so prices increase over 20%.
Access Challenges
Navigating stairs, narrow hallways, tricky parking, and twisting routes requires more work. Expect potential fees around $200-$300 for accessibility surcharges.
In total, a smooth move hinges on picking the right movers for your needs and budget.
Average Cost of Living in Ohio
Part of Ohio’s draw is residing state-side but enjoying below average living expenses. Let’s examine typical costs:
- Housing
- Median Home Price – $179,685
- Average Rent for 2 Bed Apartment – $825 per month
- Groceries – On par with national averages
- Utilities – Approximately 22% below national averages
- Average Electric Bill: $97 per month
- Average Gas Bill: $65 per month
To live comfortably in Ohio, you’ll want to target earning around $54,533 per household annually.
Best Places to Move in Ohio
Top Cities
I’ll highlight prime spots for planting Ohio roots while keeping costs reasonable:
Columbus
- Median Home Price – $182,454
- Median Rent – $928 per month
- Job Market – Government, education, and healthcare abound
Cincinnati
- Median Home Value – $179,685
- Average Rent – $709 per month
Cleveland
- Median Home Value – $93,800
- Average Rent – $923 per month
Top Neighborhoods
Target newer developments and suburbs to find family-friendly communities with solid school districts.
- Mason
- Hudson
- Powell
- Dublin
- Beachwood
Key Things to Know Before Moving to Ohio
Above all, strategic planning minimizes moving expense sticker shock. But here are extra Ohio-specific things to remember:
- Brace for winter weather extremes from blizzards to “Lake Effect” snow
- Tap into Ohio’s central location to access major Midwest cities like Chicago
- Attend a local major sports match to blend into Ohio’s sports-centric culture
- Acclimate to slower pace living outside major metros
Bottom line – moving to Ohio offers affordable living, yet still involves substantial moving costs. Carefully calculating all expenses and sticklers to stay under budget makes the relocation process smoother. With the right game plan, you’ll be embracing Ohio living in no time!
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