Highly rated local moving companies for Akron to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Akron 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 33 local movers in Akron 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 Akron to Columbia.
- Summit Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Move It Now: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0603438-HG
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 2987151
Alternate Names: Summit Moving LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 00504589
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2048293
Alternate Names: Move It Now of Akron
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 00136576
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men And A Truck/Akron , E & V Ventures, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00146275
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Akron 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 | $1,200 – $3,383 | $647 – $1,558 | $443 – $815 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,045 – $5,507 | $1,278 – $2,287 | $482 – $910 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,943 – $8,344 | $1,654 – $2,917 | $595 – $1,213 |
Cost to hire movers from Akron to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Akron, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,200 and $3,383. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,045 and $5,507 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,943 to $8,344.
Cost of moving containers from Akron to Columbia
When you’re heading from Akron to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $647 and $1,558. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,278 and $2,287. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,654 to $2,917. 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 Akron to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Akron 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 $443 to $815. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $482 to $910, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Akron to Columbia costs around $595 to $1,213.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Akron to Columbia
The cost of Akron movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Akron to Columbia may only cost $1,657, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,723.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Akron.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($443–$1,083), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Akron to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about 27% higher for singles and 4% higher for families than Akron.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Akron versus $1,543 in Akron; families pay $4,274 compared with $4,120.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Akron | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $983 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,300 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $121,327 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,971 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,543 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,120 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 52% more expensive in Columbia than in Akron. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 82% steeper in Columbia compared to Akron.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Akron are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Columbia, with the cost of living for a single person being 27% more than in Akron. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family between Columbia and Akron remains comparable, differing by roughly 5%, so your overall expenses won’t dramatically change.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Akron by about 25%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Akron by 19%. 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 Akron versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Akron | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $287.77 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $41.20 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.80 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.10 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Akron than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Akron than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Akron than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Akron than in Columbia.
- 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 cost more in Akron than in Columbia.
How life is different in Akron vs. Columbia
| Akron | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,469 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 43 | 35 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 50.39 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 28% less than Akron.
- Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Akron, making them very similar.
- Columbia is less walkable than Akron with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Akron’s 48 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 Akron, which has a score of 43.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Akron with a score of 3.0 compared to Akron’s 5.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Akron neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Columbia and Akron have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 50.39.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Akron it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Akron to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Akron 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 Akron to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Akron to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Akron.
When is the cheapest time to move from Akron to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Akron 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 Akron to Columbia take?
The 569-mile move from Akron, OH, to Columbia, , takes one to six days. Some Akron 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 Akron movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Akron, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Akron?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Akron provide piano moving services. 15 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
Akron moving services
Popular Ohio routes
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