Moving from College Station, TX to Columbus, OH
Relocating 1148 mi from College Station to Columbus is a 21h 7m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1148 mi Β· 21h 7m by car Β· OH β KY β TN β AR β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β KY β TN β AR β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, I 71, I 65 |
| Major cities en route | Dayton, Cincinnati, Memphis, Little Rock, Tyler |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| College Station | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.951 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.39 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.757 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.088 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Columbus runs about 5.0% more expensive overall than College Station β RPP 90.951 β 95.469.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $349,041 in College Station to $245,979 in Columbus, a 5.0% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: College Station +0.5%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | College Station | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 69Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 41Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 95Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 41.8" | 44.7" |
Annual average temperature drops 16.6Β°F β 69.4Β°F in College Station vs 52.8Β°F in Columbus, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: COLLEGE STN, TX US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | College Station | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 122,280 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $51,776 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 22.9 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.5% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.74 | 2.34 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.0% β $51,776 β $65,327 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbus MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 132,160 | $44,440 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 121,490 | $40,860 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 92,300 | $29,470 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 83,070 | $35,930 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 78,820 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Texas and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (16.6Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Ohio after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Columbus more expensive than College Station?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 5.0% higher than College Station (95.469 vs 90.951, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Columbus, OH from College Station, TX?
The driving distance is 1148 mi and the route typically takes 21h 7m via I 40 and I 71. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from College Station to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1148 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to College Station?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $349,041 in College Station β a 29.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Columbus compare to College Station?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,970 in the Columbus MSA vs $42,710 in the College Station MSA, on total employment of 1,067,190 and 128,840 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in College Station vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $51,776 in College Station β a 26.2% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from College Station.
City profiles: College Station, TX Β· Columbus, OH.