$1,479 Movers From Ann Arbor to Columbia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Columbia, SC averages from $636 to $6,876 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Ann Arbor moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Columbia, SC.

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

Moving from Ann Arbor to Columbia resources

Moving 710 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

Ann Arbor movers charge $100 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 $1,479 - $4,805 $890 - $2,112 $625 - $1,095
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,670 - $6,876 $1,464 - $2,897 $636 - $1,367
4+ bedrooms $4,921 - $9,241 $2,145 - $4,116 $796 - $1,607
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 710 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Ann Arbor to Columbia will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Ann Arbor to Columbia will cost between $1,479 to $4,805. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,670 to $6,876, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Ann Arbor to Columbia will cost from $4,921 to $9,241.

How much are moving container companies from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

Moving containers from Ann Arbor to Columbia will cost you $890 to $2,112 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,464 to $2,897. A larger home will cost $2,145 to $4,116.

How much is a moving truck from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $625 to $1,095. A larger move will cost $636 to $1,367, and a four-bedroom move from Ann Arbor to Columbia costs from $796 to $1,607. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Ann Arbor to Columbia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Ann Arbor to Columbia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Ann Arbor to Columbia.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Ann Arbor to Columbia

Cost of living: Ann Arbor vs Columbia

Ann Arbor Columbia
Average rent cost $2,260 $1,447
Average home value $474,909 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $66,964 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $2,176 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,344 $4,274
Unemployment rate 3.5% 5.2%
Sales Tax 6.0% 8.0%
State Income Tax 4.25% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 36% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 53.5% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • Income in Columbia is 3.4% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 10.1% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 20.0% lower than in Ann Arbor.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 48.57% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 33.33% higher than in Ann Arbor.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 64.71% higher than in Ann Arbor.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,696.69 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Ann Arbor.

How is life different in Ann Arbor compared to Columbia?

Columbia Ann Arbor
Population 136,632 123,851
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 35 52
Bike friendliness score 35 71
Crime Index 3.0 31.0
Safety Index 48.39 79.18
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbia's population is about 10% greater than Ann Arbor.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Ann Arbor's lower score of 7.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Ann Arbor with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 52 out of 100.
  • Columbia is less bike-friendly than Ann Arbor with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Ann Arbor's 71.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Ann Arbor with a score of 3.0 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
  • Columbia is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 48.39 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Ann Arbor it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Columbia

  • 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Ann Arbor movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Corrigan Moving Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
3600 East Ellsworth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48108
(734) 973-9393
Men on the Move Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.38 overall rating
6544 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48103
(734) 913-9966

Visit our best long distance movers in Ann Arbor page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Columbia

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Soda City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Columbia

These are some of the best things to do in your new South Carolina home.

  • Riverbanks Zoo
  • Riverbanks Botanical Garden
  • South Carolina State House
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park
  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • University of South Carolina Visitor Center
  • Waverly Historic District
  • EdVenture Children's Museum

Get your sports on!

Columbia is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
  • South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
  • Benedict Tigers (SIAC)

FAQs about moving from Ann Arbor to Columbia

When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Columbia is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Ann Arbor to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Columbia