Top-rated local movers that handle Columbia to Jacksonville moves
When planning a move from Columbia to Jacksonville, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing seven local movers in Columbia 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 Columbia to Jacksonville.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9756
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 1442337
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Grandfather clocks
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9494-C
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2021239
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3583359
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9873
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Jacksonville?
Movers in South Carolina charge $137 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 | $816 – $2,634 | $622 – $1,357 | $288 – $542 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,485 – $4,323 | $1,096 – $2,038 | $322 – $667 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,970 – $5,333 | $1,433 – $2,528 | $390 – $773 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Jacksonville
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Jacksonville, you can expect to spend between $816 and $2,634. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,485 to $4,323 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Jacksonville typically runs between $1,970 and $5,333.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Jacksonville
When moving from Columbia to Jacksonville, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $622 and $1,357. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,096 to $2,038. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,433 up to $2,528. 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Jacksonville
Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Jacksonville. 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 $288 and $542. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $322 and $667. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $390 and $773.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbia to Jacksonville
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,164, but larger homes can run up to $4,548.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Columbia.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($288–$720) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Jacksonville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Jacksonville runs about 38% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,696 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $6,605 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,596 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,680 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $287,628 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $64,138 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,696 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $6,605 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Columbia to Jacksonville, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 30% higher in Jacksonville than in Columbia.
- The average income in Jacksonville and Columbia is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Plan for higher expenses in Jacksonville, since the cost of living for a single person is 38% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Jacksonville, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 55% more than it is in Columbia.
- Jacksonville experiences an unemployment rate that is about 6% lower than that of Columbia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 6% lower in Jacksonville than in Columbia. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Jacksonville can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbia with Jacksonville:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Jacksonville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $188.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $42.92 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.52 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.82 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $86.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $38.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Jacksonville, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Jacksonville.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Jacksonville
| Columbia | Jacksonville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 971,319 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 26 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 41 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 56.38 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 43.62 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Jacksonville’s population is about 611% greater than Columbia.
- Jacksonville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Jacksonville is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Jacksonville is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Jacksonville’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 56.38 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Jacksonville is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 43.62 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Jacksonville 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: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Florida 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 Jacksonville smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Jacksonville
Now that you’ve chosen Jax as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Jacksonville to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Riverside
- Brooklyn
- Baymeadows
- Secret Cove
- South Riverside
- Windy Hill
Best neighborhoods for families
- Beacon Hills & Harbour
- Deercreek
- Oceanway
- Orange Park
- Ortega Forest
- Sandalwood
Things to do in Jacksonville
After getting comfortable in your new Florida home, it’s time to see what Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville offers cultural landmarks like the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial 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 Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Jacksonville?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Jacksonville are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbia are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Jacksonville?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Jacksonville are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Jacksonville take?
A move of 290 miles from Columbia, SC to Jacksonville, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Columbia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Jacksonville is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Columbia offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Columbia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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