($1,170) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Columbia, SC

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Columbia

If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from Des Moines, you can expect prices to land between $1,170 and $4,888. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,661 to $6,020 for the trip from Des Moines to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,379 and $7,906.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Columbia

Moving containers from Des Moines to Columbia will cost you $875 to $2,073 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,492 to $2,887. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,056 to $3,808. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Iowa.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Columbia

Renting a moving truck from Des Moines to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $705 and $1,300 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $754 to $1,562. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $985 to $1,882.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Planning a move to Columbia? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 26% higher than in Des Moines, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
• Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Columbia are about 15% higher than those in Des Moines.
• Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 11% higher in Columbia compared to Des Moines, which might allow for more savings or investments.
• Since the cost of living for a single person in both Columbia and Des Moines is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
• The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Columbia and Des Moines, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is about 12% lower than in Des Moines. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
• Sales taxes in Columbia are 14% more than in Des Moines, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
• Income taxes in South Carolina are 59% above those in Iowa. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.

• Columbia’s population is about 80% less than Des Moines.
• Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Des Moines, making them very similar.
• 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 of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Des Moines, which has a score of 39.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Des Moines with a score of 3.0 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• 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.

• HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
• 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: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
• Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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
• 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 settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

• 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, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
• Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.