($456+) Akron, OH to Columbia, SC Movers
Moving from Akron, OH, to Columbia, SC, runs anywhere from $456 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,183 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 569 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,365, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,183 or more.
- Moving containers run $948 - $3,102, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $456 - $1,155.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Columbia, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,109 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
Moving options from Akron to Columbia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,109 - $5,725 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 41% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 77% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 569 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 569-mile route from Akron to Columbia, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,365 - $4,016 | $948 - $1,741 | $456 - $831 | $897 - $1,551 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,109 - $5,725 | $1,253 - $2,501 | $477 - $987 | $1,033 - $1,868 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,020 - $8,183 | $1,687 - $3,102 | $607 - $1,155 | $1,284 - $2,580 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
For the 569-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Columbia, South Carolina, full-service movers cost between $1,365 and $8,183. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $250 - $1,668 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Akron generally start around $199 plus $80 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,365 - $4,016
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,109 - $5,725
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,020 - $8,183
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Akron to Columbia.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
Specialty needs vary by market: 64% of Akron movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbia, 50% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing83% of local movers | $417 - $4,170 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready64% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $167 - $1,001/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $250 - $2,002 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage17% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $834 - $2,502 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,085 - $8,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $625 - $1,187 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $834 - $2,085 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Move It Now | $667 - $2,919 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $250 - $1,251 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $542 - $1,668 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $250 - $12,510+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $250 - $2,919+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Columbia?
All three below meet the standards set by the South Carolina Trucking Association, the group most South Carolina movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Akron, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Columbia, South Carolina, cost between $948 and $3,102. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Columbia. If you go over that window, storage in Akron adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $948 - $1,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,253 - $2,501
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,687 - $3,102
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $584 in Akron, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $63 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $125 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Columbia, SC, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio to South Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $948. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,253 - $2,501.
What are the best moving containers Akron to Columbia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Akron to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Akron:
- Summit Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 69 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 30 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
A rental truck for this 569-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Columbia, South Carolina, costs between $456 and $1,155. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $151 - $173
- Daily insurance: $25/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $17
- Akron daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Akron to Columbia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $456 - $831
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $477 - $987
- 4+ bedrooms: $607 - $1,155
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $456 - $1,155 when pricing out a rental truck from Akron to Columbia. Fuel alone runs $151 - $173, and overnight lodging ($125/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $125 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Akron, Ohio, usually costs about $584 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 569-mile drive falls between $151 and $173, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $42 and $250 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron to Columbia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Akron, OH to Columbia, SC
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Akron, Ohio, to Columbia, South Carolina. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,033 and $1,868.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $897 - $1,551
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,033 - $1,868
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,284 - $2,580
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $63 and $125.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Akron, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $584.
What are the best freight companies from Akron to Columbia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Columbia quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Akron, OH vs Columbia, SC
Good news for your budget: Columbia isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Akron. Cost of living index runs 87 there against 81 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 48/100 and 50.39/100 here versus 35/100 and 48.39/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia, SC to Akron, OH guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Ohio to South Carolina in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 282 movers based in Ohio, handy for sizing up options on this 569-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Akron, OH, to Columbia, SC, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,365 for a studio to $8,183 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 569-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $948 - $3,102. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $456 - $1,155, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,109 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Pure Fishing and LexiCode.
FAQs: Moving from Akron, OH, to Columbia, SC
Is Columbia a safe place to live?
Columbia has a safety index of 48.39 out of 100 and a crime index of 3.0, compared to 50.39 and 5.0 in Akron. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Columbia?
Columbia has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 35, compared to 48 and 43 in Akron. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbia?
For families, Irmo, Forest Acres, and Lexington are worth a look in Columbia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cayce, Seven Oaks, and Forest Acres tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
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.
What do local movers charge in Akron?
Local movers based in Akron typically start around $199 as a base rate, plus $80/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Columbia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.