Highly rated local moving companies for Dayton to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Dayton to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 14 local movers in Dayton known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Dayton to Columbia.
- American Way Van & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Mayberry’s Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.38 out of 5 stars
- Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Greater Dayton Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 00139517
Years in Business: 35
DOT #: 76628
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 80
DOT #: 81407
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 75
DOT #: 728239
Alternate Names: Lewis & Michael, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 00606034
Years in Business: 108
DOT #: 1008646
Alternate Names: Lincoln Storage and Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 00136483
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 938251
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Dayton to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Ohio charge about $153 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,175 – $3,397 | $706 – $1,668 | $417 – $807 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,106 – $5,141 | $1,239 – $2,304 | $478 – $947 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,808 – $7,939 | $1,634 – $3,057 | $544 – $1,164 |
Cost to hire movers from Dayton to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Dayton, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,175 and $3,397. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,106 and $5,141 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,808 to $7,939.
Cost of moving containers from Dayton to Columbia
When you’re heading from Dayton to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $706 and $1,668. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,239 and $2,304. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,634 to $3,057. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Dayton to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Dayton to Columbia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $417 to $807. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $478 to $947, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Dayton to Columbia costs around $544 to $1,164.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Dayton to Columbia
The cost of Dayton movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Dayton to Columbia may only cost $1,570, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,057.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Dayton.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($417–$1,029), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Dayton to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about 23% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Dayton.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Dayton versus $1,593 in Dayton; families pay $4,274 compared with $3,788.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Dayton | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,192 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,683 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $135,815 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,673 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,593 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,788 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 56% more expensive in Columbia than in Dayton. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 62% steeper in Columbia compared to Dayton.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Dayton are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Columbia, with the cost of living for a single person being 23% more than in Dayton. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Columbia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Dayton.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Dayton by about 24%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Dayton by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 100% more in South Carolina than in Ohio. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Dayton versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Dayton | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.37 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.17 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.02 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.61 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $57.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $33.34 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Dayton than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Dayton than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Dayton than in Columbia.
- Bread costs less in Dayton than in Columbia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Dayton than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Dayton than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Dayton than in Columbia.
How life is different in Dayton vs. Columbia
| Dayton | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 137,644 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 35 |
| Crime index | 4.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 40.68 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbia’s population is within about 5% of Dayton, so they’re very similar in size.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Dayton’s score of 6.
- Columbia is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Dayton’s 45 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 Dayton, which has a score of 47.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Dayton with a score of 3.0 compared to Dayton’s 4.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Dayton with a safety index of 48.39 vs Dayton’s 40.68.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Dayton it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Dayton to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Dayton and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, 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 Columbia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Dayton to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Dayton to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Dayton.
When is the cheapest time to move from Dayton to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Dayton to Columbia? 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 Dayton to Columbia take?
The 547-mile move from Dayton, OH, to Columbia, , takes one to six days. Some Dayton movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
What kinds of discounts do Dayton movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Dayton, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Dayton?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 7 movers in Dayton provide piano moving services. 3 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Dayton moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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