Highly rated local moving companies for Milwaukee to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Milwaukee to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Columbia.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Hernia Movers Inc: 4.34 out of 5 stars
- Brothers Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 689374
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 78
DOT #: 514341
Alternate Names: Schroeder Moving Systems of Milwaukee
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 49
DOT #: 246074
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2301274
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 877973
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Wisconsin charge about 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 | $1,202 – $4,680 | $793 – $1,832 | $576 – $1,087 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,446 – $5,730 | $1,340 – $2,845 | $627 – $1,331 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,184 – $7,982 | $1,991 – $3,688 | $779 – $1,634 |
Cost to hire movers from Milwaukee to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Milwaukee, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,202 and $4,680. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,446 and $5,730 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,184 to $7,982.
Cost of moving containers from Milwaukee to Columbia
When you’re heading from Milwaukee to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $793 and $1,832. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,340 and $2,845. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,991 to $3,688. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Wisconsin easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Milwaukee 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 $576 to $1,087. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $627 to $1,331, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Milwaukee to Columbia costs around $779 to $1,634.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Milwaukee to Columbia

What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Milwaukee – roughly 3% less for singles and 14% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,022 in Milwaukee. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $4,963.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Milwaukee | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 16% more expensive in Columbia than in Milwaukee. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 10% steeper in Columbia compared to Milwaukee.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 30% greater in Columbia than in Milwaukee, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Columbia and Milwaukee, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- A move to Columbia 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 14% lower compared to Milwaukee.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Milwaukee by about 30%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Milwaukee by 63%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 8% less in South Carolina compared to Wisconsin, 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 Milwaukee versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Milwaukee than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Milwaukee than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Milwaukee than in Columbia.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Milwaukee than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Milwaukee than in Columbia.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Columbia
| Milwaukee | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 35 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 76% less than Milwaukee.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Milwaukee’s score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Milwaukee’s 62 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 Milwaukee, which has a score of 58.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 3.0 compared to Milwaukee’s 66.76. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 48.39 vs Milwaukee’s 33.24.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Milwaukee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Milwaukee 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.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
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.
FAQ
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