Best Columbus to Louisville Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Columbus to Louisville and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 206 mile move from Ohio to Kentucky go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 39 Columbus to Louisville moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Blue Men Moving LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Columbus compared to Louisville. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Columbus to Louisville Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Blue Men Moving LLC9.569.71Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2Manifest Shipping Llc9.199.35Authorized For HHGContact
3Integrity Moving and Storage8.989.31Authorized For HHGContact
4UNITS of Kentucky8.949.13ActiveContact
5Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving8.769.14Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Columbus to Louisville

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 206 miles from Columbus, OH to Louisville, KY will cost on average $1,956 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Columbus to Louisville move is roughly $4,672. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,319300 ft³4.40
1 Bedroom$1,956450 ft³4.35
2 Bedrooms$3,223750 ft³4.30
3 Bedrooms$4,6721100 ft³4.25
4 Bedrooms$6,7161600 ft³4.20
5+ Bedrooms$7,4661800 ft³4.15
*Please note: These Ohio to Kentucky moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Ohio & Kentucky. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed OH to KY mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Louisville to Columbus guide.

Compare the 5 Best Columbus to Louisville Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Blue Men Moving LLC Logo

Blue Men Moving LLC

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,226+ data points

10445 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW

Pickerington, OH, 43147

About Blue Men Moving LLC

With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3544037 / 1184394

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved78,500 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Manifest Shipping Llc Logo

Manifest Shipping Llc

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 452+ data points

501 Southwick Pl

Trenton, OH, 45067

About Manifest Shipping Llc

Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3050908 / 49758

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved46,740 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Integrity Moving and Storage Logo

Integrity Moving and Storage

Superb8.98/10
based on 1,045+ data points

2050 Corvair Blvd Unit 1

Columbus, OH, 43207

About Integrity Moving and Storage

With over three decades of expertise and a small-town customer-first approach, Integrity Moving and Storage offers exceptional service in Central Ohio....

Services

  • Long-Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving
  • Piano Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1343775 / 517527

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved140,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
UNITS of Kentucky Logo

UNITS of Kentucky

Superb8.94/10
based on 186+ data points

1841 Taylor Ave Building # 32

Louisville, KY, 40213

About UNITS of Kentucky

UNITS of Kentucky is a locally-owned and operated moving and portable storage company founded in 2004. The company offers convenient moving...

Services

  • Storage
  • Moving
  • Moving & Storage

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 2/24/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

439414 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving Logo

Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving

Superb8.76/10
based on 1,707+ data points

1861 Williamson Ct

Louisville, KY, 40223

About Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving

Your one-stop-shop moving company in Louisville, Neutz Sons & Daughters Moving serves local Kentucky and Southern Indiana residents and businesses with...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1834511 / 1460292

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Columbus vs. Louisville Neighborhood Comparison

Planning a move from Columbus, OH to Louisville, KY? This comparison aims to help you familiarize yourself with an unknown city by using your existing city as a baseline. We’ll compare the local neighborhoods between Columbus, OH & Louisville, KY to find their closest equivalents.

ColumbusLouisvilleHow They're Similar
Short NorthNuLuVibrant arts scene and trendy restaurants
German VillageOld LouisvilleHistoric charm with cobblestone streets
ClintonvilleCrescent HillFamily-friendly with local eateries
Arena DistrictDowntown LouisvilleBustling nightlife and entertainment
Victorian VillageCherokee TriangleElegant historic homes and parks
Italian VillageButchertownIndustrial chic with vibrant cultural spots
EastonMiddletownSuburban shopping and dining
BexleySt. MatthewsUpscale living with boutique shops
Old Towne EastThe HighlandsBohemian vibe with eclectic dining
FranklintonPortlandRevitalized area with art spaces

If you love the vibrant arts scene of Short North, you'll enjoy NuLu's trendy restaurants and galleries, like the NuLu Marketplace. Fans of German Village's historic charm and cobblestone streets will feel right at home in Old Louisville, with its stunning Victorian architecture and beautiful Central Park. For those looking for family-friendly neighborhoods, Clintonville's local eateries and green spaces find a match in Crescent Hill, where you can have brunch at Blue Dog Bakery & Café and stroll through the Chessie Sweasy Park. Lastly, if you appreciate the upscale living of Bexley, you'll be pleased with St. Matthews' mix of boutique shops and elegant homes, complemented by the natural beauty of Seneca Park.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Columbus to Louisville

Moving cities is a significant decision, full of complexities and emotions. This comparison is crafted to provide a balanced view, highlighting the contrasts between living in Columbus, OH, and relocating to Louisville, KY . We aim to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you make the most informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Higher taxes
  • Less green space
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller cultural scene
Louisville, KY iconLouisville, KY
  • Lower taxes
  • More parks
  • Milder winters
  • Richer cultural scene
Louisville, KY iconLouisville, KY
  • Smaller universities
  • Less public transit
  • Fewer sports venues
  • Smaller job market
Columbus, OH iconColumbus, OH
  • Vibrant university culture
  • Better public transit
  • More sports venues
  • Larger job market

Moving from Columbus, OH, to Louisville, KY, brings about changes that extend beyond mere geography and tax rates. Louisville is celebrated for its lush, sprawling parks like Cherokee Park and Waterfront Park, offering abundant outdoor activities and green spaces that surpass what Columbus offers. The cultural scene in Louisville boasts of famous venues such as the Louisville Palace Theatre and the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts, creating a vibrant arts scene that is a notch above Columbus. However, while Columbus is known for its extensive public transit system and larger job market spearheaded by Ohio State University and numerous corporations, Louisville has a more laid-back pace with a smaller yet growing job market. Though the transition might have its downsides like lesser public transport options, the overall quality of life, enriched culture, and mild winters in Louisville present an inviting scene for those looking to make a move.

Columbus vs. Louisville Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Columbus & Louisville to help you get a taste of the food scene in your new city. Food plays a pivotal role in understanding local culture and lifestyle. By examining what each city offers, you can better anticipate the culinary adventures that await.

ColumbusLouisville
Most iconic local food itemBuckeye candiesHot Brown
Most popular meat dishPork loinFried chicken
Most popular street food itemTacosBurgoo (stew)
Most popular vegan foodVeggie burgersSeitan dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • The Guild House
  • Lindey's
  • Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
  • The Brown Hotel (Home of the Hot Brown)
  • 610 Magnolia
  • Royal’s Hot Chicken
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Columbus, Buckeye candies—a delightful combination of peanut butter dipped in chocolate, mimicking the Buckeye nut—are a beloved local delicacy found across the city, from bakeries to gift shops. Meanwhile, Louisville takes pride in its Hot Brown, an open-faced turkey sandwich with bacon, tomato, and a rich Mornay sauce, famously created at The Brown Hotel. The city's food scene extends into vibrant neighborhoods like NuLu, known for its innovative eateries such as Royal’s Hot Chicken, where you can taste some of the best fried chicken in the region. Louisville’s inclination towards hearty meals is balanced by an emerging vegan scene, offering diverse options like seitan-based dishes that impress even the most discerning foodies.

Columbus vs. Louisville Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city means finding new favorite spots that make it feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart offers a culinary bridge, helping you transition from Columbus, Ohio to Louisville, Kentucky by matching top eateries. Dive into the flavors that define both cities, and discover your next favorite dining destination.

ColumbusLouisvilleWhat You'll Love
The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro610 MagnoliaFine dining with a Southern twist.
Jeni's Splendid Ice CreamsComfy CowArtisan ice cream with unique flavors.
Northstar CaféHarvestLocavore cuisine with a similar commitment to quality and organic ingredients.
Lincoln Social Rooftop8UP Elevated Drinkery & KitchenChic rooftop dining with city views.
Thurman CafeMussel & Burger BarGourmet burgers with a creative edge.
Los Guachos TaqueriaEl Taco LuchadorAuthentic tacos and vibrant atmosphere.
Marcella'sCiao RistoranteCozy Italian dining with a similar taste of Italy.
Hot Chicken TakeoverJoella's Hot ChickenSouthern-style spiciness and comfort.
Wolf's Ridge BrewingAgainst The Grain BreweryCraft brewery with a focus on inventive brews.
Katzinger's DelicatessenStevens & Stevens DeliTraditional deli with a wide selection of sandwiches.

Exploring a city’s culinary scene is a delicious way to feel at home. Take 610 Magnolia in Louisville, for instance, which mirrors the fine dining experience of The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro in Columbus but adds its unique Southern flair, elevating traditional recipes. Similarly, fans of unique and quality ice cream can swap Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams with Louisville's Comfy Cow, where creative flavors continue to excite. Moreover, the transition from Northstar Café’s organic offerings finds a match in Harvest's locavore-driven menu, ensuring the commitment to fresh and wholesome ingredients remains unchanged in your new city. These comparisons highlight not just the similarities between eateries, but also the rich culinary tapestries that make both Columbus and Louisville vibrant, enticing places to live and dine.

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Columbus vs. Louisville Real Estate & Living Facts

When considering a move, analyzing the real estate landscape is crucial to making an informed decision. This comparison will illuminate the critical differences in housing between Columbus, OH and Louisville, KY, spanning costs, architecture, walkability, and more, to help you understand what each city offers.

ComparisonColumbusLouisville
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanVictorian and Colonial
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingOpen concept, stainless steel appliancesHardwood floors, spacious backyards

When moving from Columbus to Louisville, you'll find differences in housing costs and lifestyle perks. Louisville generally offers more affordable housing, with both the median home prices and rent lower than in Columbus. This could be a key deciding factor if budget is a primary concern. However, Columbus tends to have a higher urban lifestyle rating, which indicates a more vibrant city life with access to modern amenities and possibly more employment opportunities in certain sectors. Columbus homes often highlight modern conveniences in their listings, such as open concept designs and stainless steel appliances, reflecting a trend towards contemporary living spaces. In contrast, Louisville's listings often boast about architectural charm and outdoor space, suggesting a preference for traditional aesthetics and a more relaxed pace of life. Choosing between these cities involves balancing your budget with your desired lifestyle and living environment.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Louisville, KY

1. The Highlands: Known for its pet-friendly atmosphere, The Highlands boasts numerous dog parks, like Baxter Square, and pet-friendly dining options, making it a haven for pet owners.

2. Crescent Hill: Crescent Hill features wide, walkable streets and the popular Crescent Hill Park, ensuring your furry friends have plenty of space to explore and play.

3. Nulu: This trendy neighborhood is not just about art and dining; it's also home to several pet-centric businesses like pet boutiques and bakeries, making it a perfect spot for pet lovers.

Columbus vs. Louisville Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Columbus, OH to Louisville, KY, understanding the climate differences is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will illuminate how the weather characteristics vary between these cities, ensuring you are well-prepared for your new environment.

Summer icon
85/65

Columbus, OH

89/69

Louisville, KY

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
36/22

Columbus, OH

43/28

Louisville, KY

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39.2

Columbus, OH

44.5

Louisville, KY

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22.4

Columbus, OH

12.5

Louisville, KY

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonColumbusLouisville
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesTornadoes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While both Columbus and Louisville experience four distinct seasons, Louisville offers warmer temperatures both in summer and winter. You'll enjoy more sunny days after moving to Louisville, which could impact your outdoor activities and lifestyle positively. The slightly higher annual humidity and rainfall in Louisville might require adjustments in your wardrobe and home maintenance routines. Moreover, being aware of the prevalent natural disasters, such as the higher risk of floods in Louisville compared to snowstorms in Columbus, will help you prepare better for emergency situations.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Columbus to Louisville

Moving from one city to another requires understanding how financial aspects like the cost of living, taxes, and income between Columbus, OH and Louisville, KY will impact you. This comparison aims to provide a clear view of what to expect in your new home city.

ComparisonColumbusLouisville
Avg. Household Income$58,202$57,182
Cost of Living Index9287.7
State Income Tax2.85 (avg)5
Avg. Property Tax2.061.40
Avg. Sales Tax7.56
Top 3 IndustriesEducation, Health, FinanceManufacturing, Logistics, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerately High
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLow to ModerateModerate

As you consider moving from Columbus, OH, to Louisville, KY, notice that despite the slight differences in average household income, Louisville presents a marginally lower cost of living index. However, the state income tax in Kentucky is significantly higher, which might offset the lower cost of living benefits. Louisville’s lower average property tax rate is another factor that could be beneficial for homeowners. The differences in the top industries suggest varying job markets, which could be crucial depending on your career path. Keep these financial aspects in mind as they will directly affect your daily life and long-term financial health in your new city.

Columbus vs. Louisville Political & Religious Comparison

As you plan your move from Columbus, Ohio, to Louisville, Kentucky, understanding the community you're joining is crucial. This quick guide provides a snapshot of the comparison of the politics between Columbus & Louisville , alongside a glimpse into the religious landscape, helping you get a feel for the social fabric of your new home.

ColumbusLouisville
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areasModerately progressive
ReligionMixed; diverse religious communitiesMixed; Baptist, Catholic, and Jewish communities

Both Columbus and Louisville lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, reflecting a trend towards progressive values, especially within city limits. However, while Columbus is known for its very progressive stance in local politics, Louisville presents a more moderate approach. Religious diversity is a common thread between the two cities, though Louisville has a notable presence of Baptist and Catholic communities alongside its Jewish congregations. This rich tapestry of political and religious backgrounds contributes to the vibrant, inclusive communities you'll find in both cities, offering a wide range of perspectives and opportunities for engagement.

Columbus vs. Louisville Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Columbus & Louisville, providing insights into how these aspects might impact your decision or adjustment to the new city.

ComparisonColumbusLouisville
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2324
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?DifficultModerately possible

In both Columbus and Louisville, your commuting experience would be relatively similar, with average commute times leaning towards the shorter side of the spectrum. However, Columbus presents a slightly better scenario in terms of public transit availability, making it somewhat easier to navigate the city without a personal vehicle, albeit still challenging. Louisville, on the other hand, has less traffic congestion, which could lead to a smoother driving experience. That said, relying on public transit in Louisville might be more difficult than in Columbus, although not impossible, especially within the city's core areas where routes are more frequent.

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