Quick answer: A typical 569-mile move from Akron to Columbia runs $552–$6,552 and takes one to six days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Akron guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 32 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Akron, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Akron mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Akron, so you can move forward with confidence.
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental truck
|
Labor only
|
Best professional movers from Akron to Columbia
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Akron to Columbia, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Akron to Columbia with less stress and more peace of mind.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What moving services are available in Akron?
How we chose the best moving companies for your OH to SC move
Local moving companies servicing Akron to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Akron to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Akron who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Akron to Columbia.
- Summit Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Move It Now: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.96 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0603438-HG
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 2987151
Alternate Names: Summit Moving LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 00504589
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 2048293
Alternate Names: Move It Now of Akron
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 00136576
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Two Men And A Truck/Akron, E & V Ventures, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00146275
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1170867
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company, L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Akron to Columbia?
Akron movers charge $80 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 | $1,306 - $3,795 | $779 - $1,971 | $517 - $970 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,365 - $6,552 | $1,350 - $2,863 | $552 - $1,140 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,251 - $8,724 | $1,931 - $3,515 | $661 - $1,296 |
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to South Carolina
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Ohio to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,306 and $3,795. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,365 to $6,552 for the trip from OH to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $4,251 and $8,724.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to South Carolina
Moving containers from Ohio to South Carolina will cost you $779 to $1,971 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,350 to $2,863. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,931 to $3,515. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $517 and $970 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $552 to $1,140. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $661 to $1,296.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Akron to Columbia
What to know before moving from Akron to Columbia
Moving to Columbia typically means higher monthly totals — roughly 27% more for singles and 4% more for families compared with Akron.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Columbia vs. $1,543 in Akron, and families see $4,274 vs. $4,120.
Use the breakdown below to plan your budget:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 52% higher than in Akron.
- The home prices in Columbia are 81.8% higher than in Akron, 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, 4.4% higher than in Akron. 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 26.8% higher than in Akron. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Columbia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 3.7% higher than in Akron.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 24.64% lower than in Akron.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 18.52% higher than what you are paying in Akron.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 100.00% higher than in Akron.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Akron and Columbia, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Akron | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $287.77 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $41.2 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.8 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $3.1 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60 | $60 |
Gym membership | $43.33 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Akron than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Akron than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Akron than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Akron than in Columbia.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Akron than in Columbia.
How life is different in Akron vs. Columbia
Columbia | Akron | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 190,469 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 35 | 48 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 43 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 5.0 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 50.39 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 28% less than Akron.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Columbia will be about the same as it currently is in Akron. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Columbia neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Akron. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Columbia isn't as walkable as Akron, which has a score of 48 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Akron. While Akron has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, Columbia earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Columbia as Akron. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Columbia is generally as safe as Akron, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Columbia has better air quality than in Akron. Columbia has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Akron. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Akron vs. Columbia move
- 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- 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: 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- Lexington
- West Columbia
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Once you're settled into your new home in South Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Akron to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Akron to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Akron. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Akron to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Akron to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Akron to Columbia take?
Moving from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC covers 569 miles and usually takes one to six days Need to move faster? Some Akron movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
What kinds of discounts do Akron movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Akron, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Akron?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Akron, 22 movers can manage piano relocations. 15 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Ohio has 59 piano movers and 37 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.