Top Des Moines, IA to Columbia, SC Movers

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Des Moines guide.

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
4. Select Van & Storage Co.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
5. Lint Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Iowa to South Carolina

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Iowa to South Carolina, you can expect to spend between $1,496 and $6,367. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,334 to $7,616 on the same route (IA to SC). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Iowa to South Carolina typically runs between $5,540 and $9,899.

Cost of moving containers from Iowa to South Carolina

If you're relocating from Iowa to South Carolina, you'll typically spend between $1,042 and $2,622 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,945 up to $3,652. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $2,497 and $5,070. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Exploree our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Iowa to South Carolina

Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $883 and $1,694. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $898 and $2,075. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,198 up to $2,405 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 26% higher than in Des Moines.
• The home prices in Columbia are 14.7% higher than in Des Moines, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 10.6% higher than in Des Moines. Major employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 3.4% higher than in Des Moines. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• A move to Columbia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 2.4% less than what it costs in Des Moines.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 11.86% lower than in Des Moines.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 14.29% higher than what you are paying in Des Moines.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 59.09% higher than in Des Moines.

• Columbia's population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
• Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Des Moines.
• Columbia is less walkable than Des Moines with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
• Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100.
• Columbia and Des Moines have a similar crime rate.
• Columbia is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 48.39 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
• Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

• Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
• HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: 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: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Cayce
• Irmo
• Lexington
• West Columbia
• Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

• Irmo
• Lexington
• Blythewood
• Seven Oaks
• Chapin

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: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military 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: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.