Local moving companies in Columbia
Out of 7 Columbia movers that can handle state-to-state moves, here are the top 5 that can handle your move to Alabama.
- 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
Local moving services in Columbia, SC
Here’s how many movers in Columbia include specialty add-ons:
Cost to move from Columbia, SC to Alabama
Check the table below for expected cost ranges to move from Columbia to Alabama with various services, based on your home’s size.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $951 – $2,978 | $601 – $1,486 | $365 – $650 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $1,745 – $4,732 | $1,180 – $2,282 | $388 – $762 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,788 – $6,370 | $1,457 – $2,803 | $458 – $981 |
*These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 409-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Alabama using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 17, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified rates from movers across the country and refreshes them monthly to account for seasonal shifts and market trends. Your actual cost can change based on move size, added services, parking or access issues, fuel prices, and timing. We recommend getting quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Alabama
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from Columbia to Alabama, you can expect prices to land between $951 and $2,978. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,745 to $4,732 for the trip from Columbia to AL. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,788 and $6,370.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Alabama
Moving containers from Columbia to Alabama will cost you $601 to $1,486 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,180 to $2,282. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,457 to $2,803. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Columbia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Alabama
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $365 and $650 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment from Columbia to Alabama with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $388 to $762. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $458 to $981.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to AL
Here’s what shapes the moving costs in Columbia:
- Move size: The number of rooms and volume of belongings directly affect your final bill.
- Time of year: Summer moves in Columbia fall during peak season, which usually means higher prices.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
What you should know before moving from Columbia to AL
If you’re relocating to Alabama from Columbia, SC, you’ll discover that the living expenses are quite similar. This means your financial plan might not need major changes, but it’s prudent to review the costs to identify any minor variations.
Compare cost of living: Columbia vs. Alabama
| Columbia, SC | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,447 | $925 |
| Average home cost | $220,612 | $227,508 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $59,609 |
| Cost of living index | 87 | 88 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 2.9% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
Alabama sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- In Alabama, rent is about 36% lower than in Columbia, making housing easier on your budget.
- Home prices in Alabama are about the same as in Columbia, meaning your budget should still work.
- Expect average incomes to be roughly 8% lower in Alabama than in Columbia, so financial planning will be important.
- With the cost of living about the same in Alabama and Columbia, you can focus less on finances and more on lifestyle fit.
- Alabama has a lower unemployment rate than Columbia by about 44%, suggesting a stronger job market.
- Income tax rates are around 29% lower in Alabama, so your take-home pay will be higher than in South Carolina.
How life is different in Columbia, SC from Alabama
From the weather and population to local politics, here’s how life in Alabama stacks up against what you’re used to in Columbia.
| Columbia, SC | Alabama | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 5,108,468 |
| Political leaning | Republican 65-35 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 91ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 33ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 56″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 21.48 |
Alabama Sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- In the last presidential election, Alabama leaned Republican, while Columbia supported .
- Summertime highs settle at approximately 91ºF in Alabama as well as 94ºF in Columbia, ensuring the climate feels quite familiar. Apart from temperatures, it’s important to think about humidity, weather trends, and energy costs to grasp what summertime will be like in your new area.
- Winter lows are nearly identical, averaging 33ºF in Alabama and 35ºF in Columbia. With so little difference, your move shouldn’t disrupt your cold-weather lifestyle.
- Get ready for about 56 inches of rain annually in Alabama, compared to just 46 inches in Columbia. More rainfall means greener scenery and wetter days, so plan ahead with good rain gear and a flexible routine.
- In Alabama, you can expect about 1 inch of snow each year, while Columbia sees around 1 inch annually. Since snowfall is pretty comparable in both places, your winter should feel pretty similar.
- Alabama records a higher crime rate (21.48) than Columbia (3.0). It’s wise to research neighborhoods to understand how this may affect your day-to-day.
Other considerations when moving to Alabama
When you’re moving from Columbia to Alabama, you’ll want to do more than just pack your boxes and hire movers. Make sure you’re up to speed on local rules, permits, and other logistics that could affect your move.
- HOA rules: Always check community regulations beforehand so your move-in goes smoothly.
- Elevator reservation: Be sure to reserve the elevator if your building requires it for move-ins.
- 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before you hire a moving company, double-check that they’re properly licensed.
- State regulator: You can verify a Alabama moving license anytime on the official state regulator’s site.
- Moving permits: There’s no need for a moving permit in Alabama, but be sure to look up local parking rules before moving day.
- Change of address: Make sure to fill out your USPS change of address form at least a week before moving. You can choose your official move date and have your mail forwarded to Alabama. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Nothing beats peace of mind. Our moving checklist makes it easy to stay organized and be sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Things to do in Alabama
Whether you’re into sports, parks, museums, or universities, Alabama has tons for you to discover and enjoy.
Museums in Alabama
- Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum
- U.S. Space and Rocket Center
- Battleship USS ALABAMA
- Legacy Museum
- Birmingham Civil Rights Institute
Parks in Alabama
- Gulf State Park
- Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail
- Sipsey Wilderness
- The Wharf
- Orange Beach Waterfront Park
Sports teams in Alabama
- Auburn Tigers (NCAA)
- Alabama Crimson Tide (NCAA)
- AFC Mobile (NPSL)
- Dixie Derby Girls (WFTDA)
- Birmingham Squadron (NBA G League)
Universities in Alabama
- The University of Alabama
- Auburn University
- The University of Alabama at Birmingham
- The University of Alabama in Huntsville
- Samford University
FAQ
How long does a move from Columbia to Alabama take?
Curious about how long it’ll take to move from Columbia, SC, to Alabama? Most moves on this route usually take one to four days, depending on your service. Just a heads up. Moving during the hectic summer season might leave you open to delays.
To keep your move on track and steer clear of delays, be sure to ask about the delivery timeline before you book your movers.
How many movers provide custom crating for art or antiques?
There are three movers in Columbia that offer customized crates for a variety of fragile, oversized, or oddly shaped pieces, including artwork, antique pieces, and electronics. If you will need special crating for any of your items, be sure to confirm with a Columbia moving company that they will be able to accommodate your specific needs.
What is the best way to get a car from Columbia to Alabama?
Need to get your car from Columbia to Alabama? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Columbia to Alabama car shippers.
Why are people moving from Columbia to Alabama?
Many people are moving to Alabama because of its low cost of living and tasty southern comfort food.
Read more about the Pros & cons of moving to Alabama.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Columbia?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Columbia.
Can I pay for my move from Columbia, SC, with cash?
There are one movers in Columbia that accept cash payments. Even so, cash is not the norm in the moving industry, where traceable payment types are preferred. Plan to pay a deposit to lock in your booking and move date. The rest of the balance is usually due at pickup or after delivery—verify timing and accepted methods with your mover.
Helpful moving resources
South Carolina moving services
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