How Much Does It Cost to Move from Ohio to Florida?
Columbus to Miami is 1,080 miles — a high-volume Rust Belt to Sun Belt migration route. Full-service movers average $4,500. DIY runs $1,400-1,800. Retirees and job seekers drive steady demand on this corridor, with outbound volume from Ohio peaking in fall as residents lock in their Florida move before winter.
Ohio to Florida Moving Cost Breakdown — 2026
| Move Option | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Full-service movers | $4,500 |
| DIY rental truck | $1,400 |
| Distance | 1,080 miles |
| Transit time (movers) | 3 days |
| DIY savings vs. movers | $3,100 |
DIY vs. Movers: Which Is Right for This Move?
Choose DIY if: You're moving a small amount of belongings, have friends who can help at both ends, are comfortable driving a large truck over a long distance, and have flexibility on timing.
Choose movers if: You have a full household, valuable or fragile items, limited time off work, or you simply don't want the stress of driving a 26-foot truck across multiple states.
Hybrid option: You pack and load, movers drive. This saves 30–40% vs. full-service movers while eliminating the hardest part — driving. Look for "you-pack, we-drive" or portable storage container services.
What's Included in a Long-Distance Moving Quote
Most long-distance mover quotes include loading, transport, and unloading. They do not automatically include:
- Packing materials (boxes, tape, blankets) — add $100–400
- Packing service (movers do the packing) — add $400–1,200
- Storage if delivery is delayed — add $100–300/month
- Stair and elevator fees at origin or destination
- Long carry surcharges if trucks can't park close
Get Your Ohio to Florida Moving Estimate
Use the free calculator to build a complete budget — movers or truck, flights, housing deposits, and all the costs that don't show up in the base quote.
Open Free Moving Cost Calculator →Explore Origin & Destination
FAQ — Ohio to Florida Moving Cost
How much does it cost to move Ohio to Florida?
Moving Ohio to Florida costs an average of $4,500 with full-service movers. A DIY rental truck runs approximately $1,400 including fuel.
How long does it take to move Ohio to Florida?
Transit time for a Ohio to Florida move is typically 3 days for professional movers. DIY driving takes the same time but requires you to drive the truck yourself.
Is it cheaper to hire movers or DIY for a Ohio to Florida move?
DIY saves roughly $3,100 on a Ohio to Florida move ($1,400 vs. $4,500). However, DIY requires your time, physical effort, and the risk of damage. For long routes, full-service movers often make more sense for families with lots of furniture.
How many miles is a Ohio to Florida move?
The Ohio to Florida route covers approximately 1,080 miles. Long-distance movers price by weight plus mileage — expect the mileage component to add $700–1,500 on top of the base weight-based price.
What should I budget for a Ohio to Florida move?
Budget $4,500 for professional movers or $1,400 for DIY. Add $500–1,000 for packing materials, lodging en route, and contingency costs that most quotes don't include.
How far in advance should I book movers for a Ohio to Florida move?
Book 6–8 weeks in advance for summer moves (May–September), 3–4 weeks for off-peak moves. Long-distance movers fill up faster than local companies — especially for popular routes like this one.