Top-rated local movers that handle Jacksonville to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Jacksonville 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 28 local movers in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville to Columbia.
- Baymeadows Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Royal Moving and Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Stewart Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 469
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 1040023
Alternate Names: Baymeadows Movers , Mandarin Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 426
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1472849
Alternate Names: A & R Moving, Inc. , Apple Moving& Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1355
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 1194537
Alternate Names: Academy Moving & Storage Inc. , Arpin of Jacksonville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 3243
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3392506
Alternate Names: Helping Hands Express Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Jacksonville to Columbia?
Movers in Florida charge $172 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 | $812 – $2,626 | $587 – $1,413 | $306 – $553 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,420 – $3,777 | $1,086 – $1,957 | $332 – $616 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,963 – $5,263 | $1,475 – $2,683 | $402 – $727 |
Cost to hire movers from Jacksonville to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Jacksonville to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $812 and $2,626. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,420 to $3,777 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Jacksonville to Columbia typically runs between $1,963 and $5,263.
Cost of moving containers from Jacksonville to Columbia
When moving from Jacksonville to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $587 and $1,413. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,086 to $1,957. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,475 up to $2,683. 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 Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Jacksonville to Columbia
Renting a moving truck in Jacksonville 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 $306 and $553. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $332 and $616. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $402 and $727.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Jacksonville to Columbia
The cost of Jacksonville movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,091, but larger homes can run up to $4,712.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Jacksonville.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($306–$685) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Jacksonville to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Jacksonville – roughly 27% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,696 in Jacksonville. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $6,605.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Jacksonville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,596 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,680 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $287,628 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,138 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,696 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,605 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Jacksonville to Columbia, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 23% lower in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
- The average income in Columbia and Jacksonville is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 27% less than in Jacksonville.
- 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 35% less than in Jacksonville.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 6% higher compared to Jacksonville, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Columbia than in Jacksonville. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Jacksonville with Columbia:
| Living Expense | Jacksonville | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $188.34 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $42.92 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $86.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $38.68 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
How life is different in Jacksonville vs. Columbia
| Jacksonville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 971,319 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 26 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 35 |
| Crime index | 56.38 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 43.62 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 86% less than Jacksonville.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Jacksonville’s score of 4.
- Columbia is more walkable than Jacksonville with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Jacksonville’s 26 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 Jacksonville, which has a score of 41.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Jacksonville with a score of 3.0 compared to Jacksonville’s 56.38. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Jacksonville with a safety index of 48.39 vs Jacksonville’s 43.62.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Jacksonville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Jacksonville to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Jacksonville are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Jacksonville to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville to Columbia take?
A move of 290 miles from Jacksonville, FL to Columbia, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Jacksonville 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 Jacksonville?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 3 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 Jacksonville offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Jacksonville have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 6 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across FL, there are 174 piano movers and 105 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.
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