Columbia, SC to Akron, OH Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbia to Akron typically costs $2,200–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 569 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Columbia to Akron
Moving from Columbia, SC to Akron, OH typically costs $2,200–$5,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 569-mile move from Columbia to Akron, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,596 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,093 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $666 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 26, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 19, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 24, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Akron
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Akron may only cost $1,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $8,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($500–$1,300), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC guide.
Best Columbia to Akron movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Columbia to Akron
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Columbia to Akron. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best SC→OH movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 52 South Carolina moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Akron
Many movers find Akron easier on the wallet than Columbia - roughly 21% less for singles and 4% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,543 for one person in Akron versus $1,956 in Columbia. For a family of four, it's $4,120 compared with $4,274.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbia | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $983 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,300 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $121,327 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $61,971 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,543 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,120 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.75% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 34% less expensive in Akron than in Columbia, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 45% cheaper in Akron than in Columbia.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Akron and Columbia are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Akron. The cost of living for a single person there is 21% below that of Columbia.
- The cost of living for a family between Akron and Columbia remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won't dramatically change.
- Akron has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 33%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 16% cheaper in Akron compared to Columbia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 50% less in Ohio compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbia versus Akron:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Akron |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $287.77 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $41.20 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.80 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.10 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Akron, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Akron.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Akron.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Akron.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Akron.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Akron
| Columbia | Akron | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 190,469 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 48 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 43 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 5.0 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 50.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Akron's population is about 39% greater than Columbia.
- Akron's public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
- Akron is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 48 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 43 out of 100, Akron 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.
- Akron's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 5.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Akron and Columbia have a similar safety level, with scores of 50.39 and 48.39.
- Air quality in Akron is Moderate, and in Columbia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Akron move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Akron. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Akron
With your sights set on Rubber City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Akron.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Highland Square
- Downtown Akron
- Merriman Valley
- North Hill
- Wallhaven
Best neighborhoods for families
- Northwest Akron
- Merriman Valley
- Fairlawn Heights
- Wallhaven
- Highland Square
Things to do in Akron
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Akron. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Akron is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Akron Art Museum, Akron Children's Museum, and Nativity Museum and replica of Bethlehem's cave.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Portage Lakes State Park, Cascade Valley Park, and Springfield Lake Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Akron RubberDucks (Baseball-Eastern League)Akron Zips (MAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Akron?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Akron. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Akron?
Want to save on your move from Columbia to Akron? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Akron take?
The 569-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Akron, OH, takes one to six days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Akron.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbia provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
