Top-rated local movers that handle Cleveland to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Cleveland to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Cleveland who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Cleveland to Columbia.
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.58 out of 5 stars
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
Company Info
State license #: 653905
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00136482
Years in Business: 116
DOT #: 2508132
Alternate Names: Weleski – Fridrich Moving & Storage Cleveland Ohio , Weleski Transfer of Cleveland, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Columbia?
Movers in Ohio charge $153 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 | $1,134 – $3,697 | $662 – $1,749 | $472 – $899 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,092 – $5,364 | $1,269 – $2,542 | $519 – $1,057 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,026 – $8,028 | $1,627 – $3,002 | $618 – $1,178 |
Cost to hire movers from Cleveland to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Cleveland to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,134 and $3,697. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,092 to $5,364 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Cleveland to Columbia typically runs between $4,026 and $8,028.
Cost of moving containers from Cleveland to Columbia
When moving from Cleveland to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $662 and $1,749. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,269 to $2,542. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,627 up to $3,002. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Cleveland to Columbia
Renting a moving truck in Cleveland is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbia. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $472 and $899. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $519 and $1,057. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $618 and $1,178.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Cleveland to Columbia

What to know before moving from Cleveland to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Cleveland – roughly 21% less for singles and 36% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,490 in Cleveland. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $6,729.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Cleveland | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,338 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,733 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $108,509 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,490 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,729 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.5% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbia, note that rent can be roughly 12% more expensive than it is in Cleveland; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 103% higher in Columbia than in Cleveland.
- The average income in Columbia and Cleveland is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 21% less than in Cleveland.
- Moving to Columbia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Cleveland.
- Columbia experiences an unemployment rate that is about 24% lower than that of Cleveland. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Columbia and Cleveland (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 100% higher in South Carolina compared to Ohio. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Cleveland with Columbia:
| Living Expense | Cleveland | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $310.82 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.93 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.06 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $35.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Cleveland than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Cleveland than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Cleveland than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Cleveland than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Cleveland than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Cleveland than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Cleveland than in Columbia.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Columbia
| Cleveland | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 372,624 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 57 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 35 |
| Crime index | 63.41 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 36.59 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 63% less than Cleveland.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Cleveland’s score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Cleveland with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Cleveland’s 57 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 Cleveland, which has a score of 52.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Cleveland with a score of 3.0 compared to Cleveland’s 63.41. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cleveland neighborhoods are safer than 63.41%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Cleveland with a safety index of 48.39 vs Cleveland’s 36.59.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Cleveland it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Cleveland to Columbia move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbia smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you’ve chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbia offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
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