Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Dayton moves
Organizing a move from Columbia to Dayton can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating seven local movers in Columbia known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Columbia to Dayton.
- 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 Dayton?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,031 – $2,864 | $686 – $1,538 | $439 – $784 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,945 – $5,196 | $1,214 – $2,398 | $455 – $919 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,308 – $7,186 | $1,585 – $2,936 | $567 – $1,164 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Dayton
When planning a move to Dayton from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,031 and $2,864. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,945 and $5,196 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,308 to $7,186.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Dayton
When you’re heading from Columbia to Dayton, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $686 and $1,538. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,214 and $2,398. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,585 to $2,936. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Dayton
A moving rental truck from Columbia to Dayton 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 $439 to $784. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $455 to $919, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Dayton costs around $567 to $1,164.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Dayton

What to know before moving from Columbia to Dayton
Many movers find Dayton easier on the wallet than Columbia – roughly 19% less for singles and 11% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,593 for one person in Dayton versus $1,956 in Columbia. For a family of four, it’s $3,788 compared with $4,274.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbia | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,192 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,683 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $135,815 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $62,673 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,593 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $3,788 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 6.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.5% |
- Rent is about 36% less expensive in Dayton than in Columbia, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 38% cheaper in Dayton than in Columbia.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Dayton and Columbia are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Dayton. The cost of living for a single person there is 19% below that of Columbia.
- A move to Dayton can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 11% lower compared to Columbia.
- Dayton has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 31%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 6% cheaper in Dayton compared to Columbia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 50% less in Ohio compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbia versus Dayton:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Dayton |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $200.37 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $44.17 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.61 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $57.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $33.34 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Dayton, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Dayton.
- Eggs cost more in Columbia than in Dayton.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbia than in Dayton.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in Dayton.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Columbia than in Dayton.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Dayton.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Dayton
| Columbia | Dayton | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 137,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 45 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 47 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 4.0 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 40.68 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Dayton’s population is within about 5% of Columbia, so they’re very similar in size.
- Dayton’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Dayton is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 45 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Dayton 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.
- Dayton’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 4.0 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Dayton neighborhoods are safer than 4.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Dayton is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 40.68 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Dayton is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Dayton move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia and Dayton 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Ohio, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Ohio, 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 Dayton. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Dayton
With your sights set on Gem City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Dayton.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Oakwood
- Centerville
- Springboro
- Five Points
- Bellbrook
Best neighborhoods for families
- Downtown
- Webster Station
- South Park
- Oregon District
- Shroyer Park
- Five Oaks
- Gratton Hill
Things to do in Dayton
With your move to Ohio complete, you can dive right into experiencing Dayton. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Dayton is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the National Museum of the US Air Force, America’s Packard Museum – The Citizens Motorcar Co., Boonshoft Museum of Discovery, and Dayton International Peace Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park, Carriage Hill MetroPark, RiverScape MetroPark, and Wegerzyn Gardens MetroPark — 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 Dayton Dragons (Baseball-Midwest League)Wright State Raiders (Horizon League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Dayton?
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Dayton?
How long does a move from Columbia to Dayton take?
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbia?
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
- South Carolina to Ohio car shippers
- South Carolina to California movers
- South Carolina to Florida movers
- South Carolina to Georgia movers
- South Carolina to Illinois movers
- South Carolina to Michigan movers
- South Carolina to New York movers
- South Carolina to North Carolina movers
- South Carolina to Ohio movers
- South Carolina to Pennsylvania movers
- South Carolina to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!