Highly rated local moving companies for Missoula to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Missoula to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating three local movers in Missoula known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Missoula to Columbia.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Montana Transfer: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- All Lanes Moving & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men and a Truck
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 514197
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 917105
Years in Business: 25
DOT #: 917105
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Missoula to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Montana charge about $140 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,587 – $6,474 | $1,234 – $3,287 | $1,370 – $2,547 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,287 – $9,272 | $2,148 – $4,595 | $1,397 – $3,002 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,055 – $13,926 | $3,078 – $6,679 | $1,765 – $3,907 |
Cost to hire movers from Missoula to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Missoula, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,587 and $6,474. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,287 and $9,272 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,055 to $13,926.
Cost of moving containers from Missoula to Columbia
When you’re heading from Missoula to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,234 and $3,287. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,148 and $4,595. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,078 to $6,679. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Montana easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Missoula to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Missoula to Columbia is generally 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 $1,370 to $2,547. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,397 to $3,002, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Missoula to Columbia costs around $1,765 to $3,907.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Missoula to Columbia

What to know before moving from Missoula to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Missoula – roughly 3% less for singles and 27% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,011 in Missoula. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,832.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Missoula | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,542 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,983 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $544,475 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,180 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,011 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,832 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.4% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 9% more expensive in Columbia than in Missoula. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 59% cheaper in Columbia than in Missoula.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 9% greater in Columbia than in Missoula, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Columbia and Missoula, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 27% lower compared to Missoula.
- Columbia has a higher unemployment rate than Missoula by about 18%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Columbia has a sales tax, while Missoula does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are nearly the same between South Carolina and Montana, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Missoula versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Missoula | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $132.00 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $59.67 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.50 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.91 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $63.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Missoula than in Columbia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Missoula than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Missoula than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Missoula than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Missoula than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Missoula than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Missoula than in Columbia.
How life is different in Missoula vs. Columbia
| Missoula | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 77,757 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 60 | 35 |
| Crime index | 33.27 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 66.73 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 76% greater than Missoula.
- Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Missoula, making them very similar.
- Columbia is less walkable than Missoula with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Missoula’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 Missoula, which has a score of 60.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Missoula with a score of 3.0 compared to Missoula’s 33.27. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Missoula neighborhoods are safer than 33.27%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Missoula with a score of 48.39 vs Missoula’s 66.73.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Missoula it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Missoula to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Missoula and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts 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: 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
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