Top-rated local movers that handle Columbia to Indianapolis moves
When planning a move from Columbia to Indianapolis, 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 Indianapolis.
- 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 Indianapolis?
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 | $1,069 – $3,088 | $669 – $1,766 | $476 – $822 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,912 – $5,258 | $1,257 – $2,542 | $500 – $975 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,539 – $7,414 | $1,711 – $3,002 | $624 – $1,202 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Indianapolis
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Indianapolis, you can expect to spend between $1,069 and $3,088. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,912 to $5,258 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Indianapolis typically runs between $3,539 and $7,414.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Indianapolis
When moving from Columbia to Indianapolis, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $669 and $1,766. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,257 to $2,542. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,711 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 South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Indianapolis
Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Indianapolis. 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 $476 and $822. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $500 and $975. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $624 and $1,202.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbia to Indianapolis
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 $1,649, but larger homes can run up to $6,156.
- 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 ($476–$1,082) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Indianapolis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Indianapolis runs about 43% higher for singles and 56% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,804 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $6,667 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,708 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $220,467 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $59,110 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,804 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $6,667 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.15% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Columbia to Indianapolis, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Indianapolis and Columbia, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 9% less in Indianapolis than in Columbia.
- Plan for higher expenses in Indianapolis, since the cost of living for a single person is 43% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Indianapolis, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Indianapolis is 56% more than it is in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Indianapolis is 8% higher compared to Columbia, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 13% lower in Indianapolis than in Columbia. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Indianapolis can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 55% lower in Indiana compared to South Carolina. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbia with Indianapolis:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Indianapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $231.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $62.58 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.33 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.00 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $35.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Indianapolis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Indianapolis.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in Indianapolis.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Indianapolis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Indianapolis.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Indianapolis.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Indianapolis
| Columbia | Indianapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 887,642 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 31 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 43 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 60.71 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 39.29 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Indianapolis’s population is about 550% greater than Columbia.
- Indianapolis’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
- Indianapolis is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 43 out of 100, Indianapolis 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.
- Indianapolis’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 60.71 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Indianapolis neighborhoods are safer than 60.71% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Indianapolis is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 39.29 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Indianapolis is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Indianapolis 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: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Indiana 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 Indianapolis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Indianapolis
Now that you’ve chosen Amateur Sports Capital of the World as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Indianapolis to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Broad Ripple Village
- Fountain Square
- Mile Square
- Meridian-Kessler
- Old Northside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Avon
- Brownsburg
- Carmel
- Fishers
- Westfield
Things to do in Indianapolis
After getting comfortable in your new Indiana home, it’s time to see what Indianapolis 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, Indianapolis offers cultural landmarks like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, Indianapolis Museum of Art, and The Eiteljorg Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Eagle Creek Park, White River State Park, Broad Ripple Park, and Krannert 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 Indianapolis Colts (NFL)Indianapolis Pacers (NBA)Indianapolis Fever (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Indianapolis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Indianapolis 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 Indianapolis take?
A move of 617 miles from Columbia, SC to Indianapolis, generally takes one to six days. Movers in Columbia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Indianapolis 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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