Moving from Cambridge, MA to Columbus, OH
Relocating 760 mi from Cambridge to Columbus is a 14h 30m 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.
760 mi Β· 14h 30m by car Β· OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 84, I 71 |
| Major cities en route | Cleveland, Akron, Stamford, Bridgeport, Waterbury |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Cambridge | Columbus | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 95.469 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 95.523 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 87.945 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 11.8% moving from Cambridge to Columbus β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $1,041,569 in Cambridge to $245,979 in Columbus, a 11.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Cambridge -1.5%, Columbus -0.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Cambridge | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 19Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 49.4" | 44.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 51.2Β°F vs 52.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: JAMAICA PLAIN, MA US, COLUMBUS WCMH, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Cambridge | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 117,794 | 906,480 |
| Median household income | $126,469 | $65,327 |
| Median age | 30.5 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 29.8% | 24.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.38 | 2.34 |
Expect median household income to fall 11.8% β $126,469 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 Massachusetts 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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Cambridge to Columbus?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 760 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Columbus, OH from Cambridge, MA?
The driving distance is 760 mi and the route typically takes 14h 30m via I 80 and I 84. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Cambridge vs Columbus?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,327 in Columbus vs $126,469 in Cambridge β a 48.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Columbus more expensive than Cambridge?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbus is 11.8% lower than Cambridge (95.469 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Columbus compared to Cambridge?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $245,979 in Columbus vs $1,041,569 in Cambridge β a 76.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Cambridge.
City profiles: Cambridge, MA Β· Columbus, OH.