($1,157) Cost to Move From Indianapolis, IN to Columbia, SC

1. Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
2. Sherman Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Planes Moving & Storage Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
4. Busy Bee Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. Wheaton Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Indianapolis to Columbia

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,157 and $3,285. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,095 to $5,161 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Indianapolis to Columbia typically runs between $3,613 and $7,193.

Cost of moving containers from Indianapolis to Columbia

When moving from Indianapolis to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $717 and $1,648. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,194 to $2,469. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,610 up to $3,002. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Indiana.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Indianapolis to Columbia

Renting a moving truck in Indianapolis is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbia. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $454 and $830. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $475 and $975. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $587 and $1,288.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Indianapolis to Columbia, as rent prices are comparably stable.
• Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Columbia and Indianapolis, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
• Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 9% higher in Columbia compared to Indianapolis, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 30% less than in Indianapolis.
• Moving to Columbia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Indianapolis.
• Columbia experiences an unemployment rate that is about 7% lower than that of Indianapolis. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 14% higher in Columbia than in Indianapolis. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
• Income taxes are 122% higher in South Carolina compared to Indiana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

• Columbia’s population is about 85% less than Indianapolis.
• Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Indianapolis, making them very similar.
• Columbia is more walkable than Indianapolis with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Indianapolis’s 31 out of 100.
• Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Indianapolis, which has a score of 43.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Indianapolis with a score of 3.0 compared to Indianapolis’s 60.71. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Indianapolis with a safety index of 48.39 vs Indianapolis’s 39.29.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Indianapolis it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbia smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Cayce
• Seven Oaks
• Forest Acres
• Irmo
• Lexington
• West Columbia
• St. Andrews
• Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

• Irmo
• Forest Acres
• Lexington
• Blythewood
• Seven Oaks
• Chapin
• Cayce
• Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbia offers cultural landmarks like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.