Top local movers for Kansas City to Columbia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Kansas City that also provides long-distance services to Columbia can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 24 local movers in Kansas City who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Kansas City to Columbia.
- Moving Proz: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- A Friend With A Truck Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Mike Hammer Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 893937
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2275038
Alternate Names: Moving Proz
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2074911
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 168151
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Kansas, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: M-14107
Years in Business: 3
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Jayhawker, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 38
DOT #: 2929832
Alternate Names: Mike Hammer Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Kansas City to Columbia?
Movers in Missouri generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,105 – $4,658 | $841 – $2,050 | $622 – $1,253 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,542 – $5,597 | $1,452 – $2,884 | $722 – $1,461 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,866 – $7,302 | $1,996 – $3,984 | $905 – $1,724 |
Cost to hire movers from Kansas City to Columbia
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Kansas City to Columbia typically costs between $1,105 and $4,658. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,542 and $5,597 when moving from Kansas City to Columbia. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Kansas City to Columbia, you’re looking at costs ranging from $3,866 up to $7,302.
Cost of moving containers from Kansas City to Columbia
If you’re relocating from Kansas City to Columbia, you’ll typically spend between $841 and $2,050 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,452 up to $2,884. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,996 and $3,984. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Missouri.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Kansas City to Columbia
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Kansas City to Columbia move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $622 and $1,253. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $722 to $1,461. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $905 and $1,724.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Kansas City to Columbia
The cost of Kansas City movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Kansas City to Columbia might be as low as $2,125, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,812.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Kansas City.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $622 to $1,515 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Kansas City to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Kansas City – roughly 21% less for singles and 33% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,473 in Kansas City. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $6,361.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Kansas City | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,350 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,375 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $233,378 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,551 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,473 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,361 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.4% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 7.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 11% higher in Columbia than in Kansas City, which may impact your monthly finances.
- The home prices in Columbia and Kansas City differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Columbia and Kansas City, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person is 21% less compared to Kansas City.
- Relocating to Columbia could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 33% lower than in Kansas City.
- There’s little difference in the unemployment rates of Columbia and Kansas City, within a margin of 5%, so job opportunities should be similar.
- Sales taxes are effectively the same in Columbia and Kansas City (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
- Income taxes are 46% higher in South Carolina than in Missouri. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Kansas City and Columbia, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Kansas City | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $218.18 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.08 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.48 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $58.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Kansas City than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Kansas City than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Kansas City than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Kansas City than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Kansas City than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Kansas City than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Kansas City than in Columbia.
How life is different in Kansas City vs. Columbia
| Kansas City | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 508,090 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 35 |
| Crime index | 58.4 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 42.6 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 73% less than Kansas City.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Kansas City’s score of 4.
- Columbia and Kansas City are similarly walkable.
- Both Columbia and Kansas City have similar bike-friendliness scores (35 vs 35), meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Kansas City. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Kansas City with a score of 3.0 compared to Kansas City’s 58.4. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Kansas City with a safety index of 48.39 vs Kansas City’s 42.6.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Kansas City it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Kansas City to Columbia move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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 check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: State laws differ on mover 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.
Where to live in Columbia
Ready to relocate to Soda City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Things to do in Columbia
Now that you’ve made the move to South Carolina, it’s the perfect time to explore Columbia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbia include museums and art centers 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: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Kansas City to Columbia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Kansas City to Columbia. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Kansas City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Kansas City to Columbia?
With many people choosing to move from Kansas City to Columbia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Kansas City to Columbia take?
Covering 992 miles, the move from Kansas City, MO to Columbia, typically takes two to seven days. Some Kansas City movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Columbia can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Kansas City offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers provide military discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Kansas City can handle specialty items for my move to Columbia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Kansas City, 18 movers can handle pianos. 13 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MO, there are 38 piano movers and 22 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Kansas City moving services
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