($1,183) Cost to Move From Dayton, OH to Columbia, SC

Quick answer: A move from Dayton to Columbia costs $482 – $5,968 and usually takes one to six days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 547-mile drive yourself.

1. American Way Van & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. Lewis & Michael Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Mayberry’s Van & Storage, Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.58 out of 5 stars
5. Lincoln Storage & Moving Inc: 4.42 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Dayton to Columbia

When planning a move to Columbia from Dayton, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,183 and $3,601. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,233 and $5,968 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,836 to $8,758.

Cost of moving containers from Dayton to Columbia

When you’re heading from Dayton to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $713 and $1,803. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,223 and $2,592. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,698 to $3,081. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Ohio easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Dayton to Columbia

A moving rental truck from Dayton 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 $452 to $847. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $482 to $975, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Dayton to Columbia costs around $583 to $1,187.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 56% more expensive in Columbia than in Dayton. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 62% steeper in Columbia compared to Dayton.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Dayton are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Columbia, with the cost of living for a single person being 23% more than in Dayton. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Columbia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Dayton.
• Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Dayton by about 24%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Dayton by 7%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 100% more in South Carolina than in Ohio. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Columbia’s population is within about 5% of Dayton, so they’re very similar in size.
• Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Dayton’s score of 6.
• Columbia is less walkable than Dayton with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Dayton’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 Dayton, which has a score of 47.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Dayton with a score of 3.0 compared to Dayton’s 4.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Dayton with a safety index of 48.39 vs Dayton’s 40.68.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Dayton it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across Dayton 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.

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.