Top local movers for Columbia to Ann Arbor moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Columbia that also provides long-distance services to Ann Arbor can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed seven local movers in Columbia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Columbia to Ann Arbor.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Ann Arbor?
Movers in South Carolina generally charge an average of $137 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,098 – $3,707 | $714 – $1,747 | $482 – $981 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,143 – $4,941 | $1,299 – $2,648 | $547 – $1,085 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,724 – $7,717 | $1,810 – $3,172 | $664 – $1,301 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Ann Arbor
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Ann Arbor typically costs between $1,098 and $3,707. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,143 and $4,941 when moving from Columbia to Ann Arbor. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Columbia to Ann Arbor, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,724 up to $7,717.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Ann Arbor
If you’re relocating from Columbia to Ann Arbor, you’ll typically spend between $714 and $1,747 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,299 up to $2,648. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,810 and $3,172. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Ann Arbor
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Columbia to Ann Arbor move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $482 and $981. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $547 to $1,085. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $664 and $1,301.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Columbia to Ann Arbor
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Columbia to Ann Arbor might be as low as $1,671, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,361.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Columbia.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $482 to $1,206 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Ann Arbor
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Ann Arbor runs about 11% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,176 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,344 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,831 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,763 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $474,909 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $66,964 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,176 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,344 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.25% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 56% higher in Ann Arbor than in Columbia, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 115% higher in Ann Arbor than in Columbia.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Ann Arbor and Columbia, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Ann Arbor, as the cost of living for a single person in Ann Arbor is 11% greater than in Columbia. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Ann Arbor, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 25% more than it is in Columbia.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 33% lower than Columbia, Ann Arbor boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Ann Arbor than Columbia, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 39% lower in Michigan than in South Carolina. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Columbia and Ann Arbor, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $158.05 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $48.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $2.70 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.60 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $44.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Ann Arbor, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Ann Arbor.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in Ann Arbor.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Ann Arbor.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in Ann Arbor.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Ann Arbor.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Ann Arbor.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Ann Arbor
| Columbia | Ann Arbor | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 123,851 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 52 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 71 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 31.0 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 79.18 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Ann Arbor’s population is about 9% less than Columbia.
- Ann Arbor’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Ann Arbor is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 52 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 71 out of 100, Ann Arbor is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Ann Arbor’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 31.0 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Ann Arbor is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 79.18 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Ann Arbor is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Ann Arbor move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Michigan moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Michigan, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Ann Arbor without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items’ full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Ann Arbor
Ready to relocate to Tree Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Ann Arbor.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Kerrytown
- Lower Burns Park
- Old West Side
- Northside/Lower Town
- Allen Creek/Old West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- Burns Park
- Eberwhite
- Water Hill
- Ann Arbor Hills
- Dicken
Things to do in Ann Arbor
Now that you’ve made the move to Michigan, it’s the perfect time to explore Ann Arbor. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Ann Arbor include museums and art centers like the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, University of Michigan Museum of Art, University of Michigan Museum of Natural History, and Kelsey Museum of Archaeology.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Gallup Park, Hudson Mills Metropark, County Farm Park, and Buhr Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Michigan Wolverines (Big Ten) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Ann Arbor?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbia to Ann Arbor. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Ann Arbor?
With many people choosing to move from Columbia to Ann Arbor in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Columbia to Ann Arbor take?
Covering 710 miles, the move from Columbia, SC to Ann Arbor, typically takes one to six days. Some Columbia movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Ann Arbor can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Columbia can handle specialty items for my move to Ann Arbor?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Columbia, 5 movers can handle pianos. 2 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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