Moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach, SC
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Quick answer: Moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach costs $209–$5,346, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 151-mile route within South Carolina take 1–2 days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 52+ South Carolina moving companies.
- Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
- Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
What are the best ways to move from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
Moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.
For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 151-mile move:
Moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach costs between $209 and $5,346, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 151-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | $1,440–$4,270 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options | |
| Moving container | $1,110–$2,104 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading | |
| Rental truck | $216–$421 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself | |
| Labor-only | $256/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 52+ South Carolina movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
Expect to spend between $209 and $5,346 on a Columbia to Myrtle Beach move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The 151-mile route prices below show what each moving service charges across home sizes:
- Full-service movers: $768–$5,346
- Moving containers: $899–$2,696
- Rental trucks: $209–$474
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves include packing, loading, transport, and unloading. Professional packing alone adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers cut costs by handling transport while you load and unload yourself.
- Rental trucks save roughly 30% versus full-service, but require you to drive 151 miles and supply your own labor.
- Using moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $768–$3,436 | $899–$1,542 | $209–$353 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $1,440–$4,270 | $1,110–$2,104 | $216–$421 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,958–$5,346 | $1,474–$2,696 | $273–$474 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 52+ South Carolina moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
What extra fees should you expect on a Columbia to Myrtle Beach move?
Extra fees to watch for on a Columbia to Myrtle Beach move include professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These rarely show up on initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% to the base price by the time the move is done.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $256/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75–$500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150–$400 per item | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Columbia to Myrtle Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Columbia to Myrtle Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 151 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.
Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Columbia to Myrtle Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout South Carolina, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 151 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.
moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
More South Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Myrtle Beach to Columbia guide.
How does Myrtle Beach compare to Columbia?
Cost of living: Columbia vs. Myrtle Beach
A cost-of-living comparison between Columbia and Myrtle Beach covers more than housing. Rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends all factor in. The breakdown below shows how life in Myrtle Beach compares to Columbia.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Myrtle Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,850 |
| Average home cost | $241,128 | $342,298 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,653 | $53,679 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $2,388 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $4,791 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.6% |
| Average sales tax | 8.0% | 9.0% |
Cost-of-living data for Columbia and Myrtle Beach comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 52+ South Carolina cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Myrtle Beach are 28% higher than in Columbia. Renters typically offset this by moving farther from the city center or accepting a smaller unit.
- Home prices in Myrtle Beach are 42% higher than Columbia. Buyers may need to downsize, extend the loan term, or wait longer to build equity.
- Income levels in Columbia and Myrtle Beach match. Negotiating a salary parity transfer is realistic since the local market supports it.
- Cost of living for one person is 22% higher in Myrtle Beach than Columbia. A renter on a fixed budget should expect to downsize or adjust spending categories.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Myrtle Beach is 12% higher than Columbia. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Myrtle Beach is 46% higher than Columbia. Job security is less certain, especially in cyclical or layoff-prone industries.
- Sales taxes in Myrtle Beach are 13% higher than Columbia. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Columbia, you'd need about $3,660 in Myrtle Beach.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Myrtle Beach
A comparison of life in Columbia and Myrtle Beach covers weather, population, cost of living, politics, and safety. These factors all impact your daily life. The side-by-side breakdown below shows which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Columbia | Myrtle Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 35,682 |
| Political leaning | Republican 66-33 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 52" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 1" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 58.06 |
- Myrtle Beach is 74% smaller in size than Columbia. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, Myrtle Beach voted Republican, while Columbia voted .
- Summer highs in Myrtle Beach (89°F) and Columbia (94°F) are similar. Existing summer routines transfer.
- Winter lows match across Columbia (35°F) and Myrtle Beach (35°F). Existing heating bills are a reliable benchmark.
- Annual rainfall in Myrtle Beach is 52 inches, vs. 46 inches in Columbia. Expect more wet days and budget for rain-resistant gear and home maintenance.
- Annual snowfall in Columbia (1 inch) and Myrtle Beach (1 inch) is comparable. Winter budgets and habits don't require adjustment.
- Crime index in Myrtle Beach (58.06) runs higher than Columbia (3.0). Pay closer attention to neighborhood-level safety data when narrowing housing options.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach's lifestyle is defined by outdoor recreation, museums and cultural venues, professional and college sports, and a strong university presence. Top destinations in each category appear below.
Museums in Myrtle Beach
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
- Wheels of Yesteryear
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
Parks in Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Grand Strand
- Savannah's Playground
- Horry County Bike Run Park
- Barc Parc South
Sports teams in Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina League)
Universities in Myrtle Beach
- Golf Academy of America Myrtle Beach
Final verdict: best movers from Columbia to Myrtle Beach
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Columbia to Myrtle Beach, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide South Carolina service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $209–$5,346 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 52+ South Carolina movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
FAQs about moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
A move from Columbia to Myrtle Beach with a professional moving company costs $691–$2,952 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom move, prices range from $1,440 up to $4,270. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,958–$5,346 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
Moving containers from Columbia to Myrtle Beach cost $638–$1,517 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. For a 2–3 bedroom move, moving containers run $1,110–$2,104. A larger home costs $1,474–$2,696.
How much is a moving truck from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
A rental moving truck from Columbia to Myrtle Beach costs $201–$333 for a studio or 1-bedroom. A 2–3 bedroom move costs $216–$421, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $273 and $474.
Rental trucks are typically the most budget-friendly choice for movers willing to handle the driving and heavy lifting. The estimates above factor in estimated fuel costs.
How far in advance should I book Columbia-to-Myrtle Beach movers?
Lock in your movers for a Columbia to Myrtle Beach move at least 2 months ahead of time. For a summer move, aim for 3 months in advance. Early booking gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land better rates. Some companies offer early-bird discounts for reservations placed ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Myrtle Beach?
The best deals on a move to Myrtle Beach fall between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush saves you money and helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
