Top-rated local movers that handle Ontario to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Ontario to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 86 local movers in Ontario who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Ontario to Columbia.
- Big Deahl’s Movers: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Golden Eagle Moving, LLC: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- VIP Transport, Inc.: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Sterling Van Lines: 4.64 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191969
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3295324
Alternate Names: People Trusted Company Group
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191570
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Golden Eagle Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0137029
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 125563
Alternate Names: Mayflower Transit , VIP Transport East, Inc , VIP Transport – United Van Lines , VIP Transport – Mayflower Transit , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc , Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189566
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 568254
Alternate Names: Sterling Van Lines, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Ontario to Columbia?
Movers in California charge $128 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,294 – $4,972 | $1,295 – $3,217 | $1,380 – $2,593 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,494 – $7,189 | $2,301 – $4,865 | $1,409 – $3,148 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,430 – $12,044 | $2,980 – $6,410 | $1,852 – $3,786 |
Cost to hire movers from Ontario to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Ontario to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,294 and $4,972. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,494 to $7,189 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Ontario to Columbia typically runs between $6,430 and $12,044.
Cost of moving containers from Ontario to Columbia
When moving from Ontario to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,295 and $3,217. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,301 to $4,865. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,980 up to $6,410. 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 California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ontario to Columbia
Renting a moving truck in Ontario 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 $1,380 and $2,593. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,409 and $3,148. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,852 and $3,786.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Ontario to Columbia
The cost of Ontario movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,572, but larger homes can run up to $11,228.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Ontario.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,380–$3,253) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Ontario to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Ontario – roughly 21% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,473 in Ontario. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,793.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Ontario | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,900 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $668,089 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,908 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,473 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,793 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 45% lower in Columbia than in Ontario, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 67% lower in Columbia than in Ontario.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 10% less in Columbia than in Ontario.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 21% less than in Ontario.
- 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 26% less than in Ontario.
- Columbia experiences an unemployment rate that is about 25% lower than that of Ontario. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 9% lower in Columbia than in Ontario. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbia can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Ontario with Columbia:
| Living Expense | Ontario | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $65.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $100.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Ontario than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ontario than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Ontario than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Ontario than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Ontario than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Ontario than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Ontario than in Columbia.
How life is different in Ontario vs. Columbia
| Ontario | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 175,265 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 35 |
| Crime index | 50.25 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 49.75 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 22% less than Ontario.
- Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Ontario, making them very similar.
- Columbia is less walkable than Ontario with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Ontario’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 Ontario, which has a score of 46.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Ontario with a score of 3.0 compared to Ontario’s 50.25. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ontario neighborhoods are safer than 50.25%.
- Columbia and Ontario have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 49.75.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Ontario it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Ontario to Columbia move
- 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.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you’ve chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Ontario to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Ontario to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Ontario are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ontario to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Ontario to Columbia are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Ontario to Columbia take?
A move of 2,351 miles from Ontario, CA to Columbia, generally takes seven to 18 days. Movers in Ontario sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Ontario?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Ontario offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 67 movers in Ontario have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 53 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Ontario moving services
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