If you're moving from Aurora, CO to Ohio, you're looking at roughly 1,288 miles and a meaningful lifestyle shift. The financials generally work in your favor — Ohio's cost of living runs about 24% lower than Aurora's, and rent is nearly half the price. But getting there costs real money, and where you land in that range depends on choices you make before the truck shows up.
Here's what I've put together: actual cost estimates by home size and service type, the Aurora-area movers I'd consider for this specific route, and an honest look at what changes when you land in Ohio.
Local Moving Companies in Aurora for the Ohio Route
Out of 53 Aurora-based movers that handle interstate moves, these five have the strongest track records for a run to Ohio:
- Moving U — 4.64 / 5
- A Simple Move, LLC — 4.58 / 5
- Moving Brothers LLC — 4.52 / 5
- Skyline Moving Company — 4.52 / 5
- You Move Me — 4.50 / 5
Moving U
Address: 7700 E Iliff Ave B, Denver, CO 80231 | Phone: (303) 653-1486 DOT #: 2267448 | In business: 13 years Reviews: Yelp | BBB A+
90% positive across 400+ reviews. Customers consistently call out punctual, professional crews who communicate clearly and handle belongings carefully. Most say the final bill was fair relative to competing quotes. Where Moving U draws complaints: occasional item damage, final charges that exceed initial estimates, and some crew inconsistency. For a 1,288-mile interstate move, the overall rating and documented experience are solid — just get your itemized estimate in writing before anything moves.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage, full-valuation coverage, shipment tracking.
A Simple Move, LLC
Address: 2323 S Troy St, Building 2, Suite 105, Aurora, CO 80015 | Phone: (303) 368-0700 DOT #: 2121225 | In business: 14 years Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB A+
92% positive across 316 reviews — and they're based right in Aurora, which matters for scheduling. Customers highlight fast, organized crews and direct communication; several specifically compare them favorably to national chains. The trade-off: damage claims can be slow or unsatisfying to resolve, and coverage for self-packed items is limited. If you're moving anything irreplaceable, ask about their interstate claims process before you book.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, crating, storage, safes, full-valuation coverage.
Moving Brothers LLC
Address: 7301 Montview Blvd, Denver, CO 80220 | Phone: (720) 222-9596 DOT #: 2371440 | In business: 11 years Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB A+
95% positive across 358 reviews — one of the stronger satisfaction rates you'll find at this price point. Customers flag efficient service, honest pricing, and crews that communicate throughout the move. The negatives are mostly about extended job times or occasional scheduling issues, not the kind of horror stories that should give you pause. The volume of repeat customers is a telling sign of consistency. They handle international moves too, if that's ever relevant down the road.
Services: Local, interstate, and international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, crating, storage.
Skyline Moving Company
Address: 5455 Dahlia St, Unit B, Commerce City, CO 80022 | Phone: (970) 685-3942 DOT #: 2840634 | In business: 9 years Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB A+
92% positive across 318 reviews. Skyline gets consistent marks for speed, care, and professionalism. A few customers ran into issues with damage claims and felt the insurance coverage fell short of what they expected. Worth noting: their listed services are primarily local moves — confirm interstate availability for Ohio before you get too far down the road with them.
Services: Local moves, packing/unpacking, offices, crating, storage. Verify interstate service before booking for this route.
You Move Me
Address: 7925 East Harvard Avenue, Denver, CO 80231 | Phone: (720) 572-1600 DOT #: 2518689 | In business: 11 years Reviews: Yelp | Google | BBB A+
69% positive, 27% negative — the lowest ratio on this list, and worth taking seriously. When things go well, customers are genuinely enthusiastic about the crew. When things go wrong — damaged items, cost overruns, last-minute changes — resolution reportedly gets difficult. They're a workable option if you lock in a detailed written estimate and document your inventory, but I'd compare them head-to-head against the others before committing.
Services: Local and interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating.
Local Moving Services in Aurora, CO
A quick snapshot of what Aurora's mover pool actually covers:
| Service | # of Movers | Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 44 | 83% |
| Piano moving | 38 | 72% |
| Small moves | 29 | 55% |
| Art handling | 29 | 55% |
| Antiques | 27 | 51% |
| Custom crating | 37 | 70% |
| Fragile-only packing | 13 | 25% |
If you need specialty services — custom crating for artwork, antiques, or fragile pieces — 37 Aurora movers offer it. Ask about crate construction, padding, and lead times when you request a quote.
Cost to Move from Aurora, CO to Ohio
At 1,288 miles, this is firmly a long-distance move. Costs vary a lot depending on whether you hire a crew, use a container, or drive yourself. Here's the breakdown by home size.
| Move Size | Moving Company | Moving Container | Rental Truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 BR | $1,156 – $4,534 | $854 – $2,243 | $746 – $1,480 |
| 2–3 Bedrooms | $2,577 – $6,301 | $1,575 – $3,106 | $839 – $1,710 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | $4,797 – $8,617 | $2,157 – $4,292 | $1,065 – $2,170 |
Estimates based on a 1,288-mile move from Aurora, CO to Ohio using pricing data current as of January 2026. Your actual costs will vary based on access conditions, specialty items, fuel rates, and timing. Use the moving cost calculator to dial in an estimate for your specific situation.
Cost to Hire Full-Service Movers from Aurora to Ohio
For a studio or one-bedroom, budget $1,156 to $4,534 for full-service movers. That's a wide range — the lower end reflects labor-only moves with minimal packing; the higher end reflects full pack-and-move jobs, specialty item fees, and summer pricing. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $2,577 to $6,301. Four or more bedrooms, plan for $4,797 to $8,617.
Cost of Moving Containers from Aurora to Ohio
Moving containers are a middle-ground option: you pack at your own pace, they handle the transport. For a studio or small one-bedroom, expect $854 to $2,243. Two to three bedrooms runs $1,575 to $3,106. Larger homes with four-plus bedrooms come in at $2,157 to $4,292. Useful if you want to avoid driving a 26-foot truck across Colorado and Kansas.
Cost of a Rental Truck from Aurora to Ohio
The DIY truck rental route is the cheapest option on paper: $746 to $1,480 for a studio, $839 to $1,710 for 2–3 bedrooms, $1,065 to $2,170 for four-plus bedrooms. Those figures include estimated fuel for the trip. What they don't account for is two days behind the wheel of a box truck through the Rockies and across the plains. Factor that in honestly before you commit.
What Affects Moving Costs from Aurora to Ohio
Three variables move the needle most:
- Move size. Going from a studio to a four-bedroom house can triple your quote. Be honest about what's actually making the trip versus what you're selling or donating.
- Time of year. Summer is peak season. Move in late fall or winter and you'll generally pay less and have better availability.
- Service level. Full-service is the most convenient and the most expensive. DIY is cheapest but physically demanding. Containers sit in between — you do the packing, they do the driving.
What to Know Before Moving from Aurora to Ohio
Moving to Ohio from Aurora is a real financial upgrade for most households. The cost of living index drops from 124 in Aurora to 94 in Ohio — that translates to tangible monthly savings.
Cost of Living: Aurora vs. Ohio
| Aurora, CO | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,850/mo | $945/mo |
| Average home price | $476,793 | $230,798 |
| Per capita income | $72,052 | $66,990 |
| Cost of living index | 124 | 94 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 3.6% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 3.5% |
Sources: Aurora — World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation; Ohio — Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers actually look like in practice:
- Rent is 49% cheaper in Ohio. That's roughly $900/month back in your budget without changing anything else about how you live.
- Homes are 52% cheaper. If you're buying, you're entering a fundamentally different market — and carrying a significantly smaller mortgage.
- Incomes are about 7% lower in Ohio. The savings are real, but so is the pay cut. Run your actual salary situation before assuming the numbers work out.
- Ohio's unemployment rate is 53% lower than Aurora's — 3.6% versus 7.6%. That's a meaningful advantage if you're job-hunting after the move.
- State income tax drops from 5.49% to 3.5%. Depending on your bracket, that's a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per year.
How Life Changes: Aurora vs. Ohio
| Aurora, CO | Ohio | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 386,261 | 11,785,935 |
| Political lean | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Republican (55–45) |
| Summer high | 88°F | 84°F |
| Winter low | 18°F | 20°F |
| Annual rain | 17" | 40" |
| Annual snow | 62" | 28" |
| Crime index | 59.05 | 20.76 |
Sources: Aurora — US Census Bureau, 270toWin, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces; Ohio — Wikipedia, NeighborhoodScout
A few things worth flagging:
- Rain more than doubles. Aurora gets 17 inches annually; Ohio gets 40. Coming from the semi-arid Front Range, this is a noticeable shift — greener surroundings, more overcast days, and an umbrella that actually earns its keep.
- Snow drops significantly. Aurora averages 62 inches per year; Ohio sits around 28. Fewer weather days, less shoveling, lower winter maintenance costs overall.
- The crime index drops sharply — from 59.05 in Aurora to 20.76 statewide in Ohio. That said, crime varies considerably by city. Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati each have their own neighborhoods and their own profiles. Research your specific destination.
- Summer temperatures are close. The 4-degree difference (88°F vs. 84°F) probably won't register in your daily life. Humidity is a different story — Ohio summers feel more humid than Colorado's dry heat.
- Political environment shifts. Ohio leaned Republican in the last presidential election; Aurora skewed Democratic. Worth knowing if that affects where you want to put down roots.
Other Considerations When Moving to Ohio
Before the truck leaves Colorado, a few logistics worth confirming:
- HOA rules: Some neighborhoods have specific move-in protocols or restricted hours. Confirm with your HOA before you set a date.
- Elevator reservation: Multi-story buildings often require advance elevator booking for moves. Check with your building manager early.
- Truck parking permits: Depending on your Ohio destination city, you may need a permit for a large moving vehicle on the street. Check with the local municipality.
- USDOT registration: Ohio doesn't require a separate state moving license, but any interstate mover must be registered with the federal USDOT. Ask for their USDOT number and verify it through the FMCSA's lookup tool before hiring.
- No Ohio moving permit required: There's no statewide permit, but local parking rules vary — confirm in advance.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move date. You can specify the exact start date for forwarding so nothing falls through.
- Moving insurance: Interstate movers are required to offer Released Value Protection at no charge — it covers 60 cents per pound per item, which is minimal. If you have high-value items, ask about full-value protection or price out a third-party policy. Our moving checklist walks through the insurance decision in detail.
Things to Do in Ohio
Once you're unpacked, there's more to explore than most people expect.
Museums
- Rock & Roll Hall of Fame (Cleveland)
- Cleveland Museum of Art
- Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens (Columbus)
- A Christmas Story House (Cleveland)
- National Museum of the US Air Force (Dayton)
Parks
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park
- Hopewell Culture National Historical Park
- Wayne National Forest
- Upper Falls at Old Man's Cave
- Maumee Bay State Park
Sports Teams
- Cincinnati Reds (MLB)
- Cleveland Guardians (MLB)
- Cincinnati Bengals (NFL)
- Cleveland Browns (NFL)
- Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA)
Universities
- The Ohio State University
- University of Cincinnati
- Case Western Reserve University
- Kent State University
- Bowling Green State University
FAQ
How long does a move from Aurora to Ohio take?
Typically three to eight days, depending on the moving company's schedule and the time of year. Peak summer season can push delivery windows toward the longer end. Ask about the specific delivery window for your route before you sign anything — and get that answer in writing.
Can I find movers with custom crating in Aurora?
Yes. 37 Aurora movers offer custom crating, which is useful for artwork, antiques, and fragile specialty items. When requesting quotes, ask specifically about crate construction materials, padding, and lead times for custom builds.
What's the best way to get a car from Aurora to Ohio?
Use a licensed auto transporter. Driving a second vehicle 1,288 miles adds significant cost in fuel, wear, and your own time. Compare options through our car shipping guide to find vetted carriers for the Colorado-to-Ohio corridor.
Why are people moving from Aurora to Ohio?
Cost of living and job market strength are the main drivers. Ohio's unemployment rate is notably lower than Aurora's, housing costs are roughly half, and the income tax rate is meaningfully lower. For families and professionals who aren't anchored to the Front Range, it's a solid financial move.
Where can I find long-distance movers for this route?
Start with the five companies listed above, then compare them against our picks for the best long-distance movers to see how they stack up more broadly.
Can I pay for my Aurora-to-Ohio move with cash?
Ten Aurora movers accept cash, but it's not the industry standard. Most companies prefer card, ACH, or cashier's check for traceability. You'll typically pay a deposit to lock in your date, with the balance due at pickup or delivery depending on the company. Always confirm payment terms and timing before signing a contract.
Get quotes from at least three movers before you decide. Use the moving cost calculator to set a realistic baseline before anyone gives you a number.