Top-rated local movers that handle Columbia to Virginia Beach moves
When planning a move from Columbia to Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach.
- 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 Virginia Beach?
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 | $980 – $2,950 | $664 – $1,486 | $379 – $650 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,779 – $4,594 | $1,191 – $2,216 | $373 – $794 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,901 – $6,239 | $1,594 – $2,663 | $497 – $952 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Virginia Beach
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Virginia Beach, you can expect to spend between $980 and $2,950. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,779 to $4,594 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Virginia Beach typically runs between $2,901 and $6,239.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Virginia Beach
When moving from Columbia to Virginia Beach, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $664 and $1,486. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,191 to $2,216. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,594 up to $2,663. 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 Virginia Beach
Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Virginia Beach. 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 $379 and $650. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $373 and $794. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $497 and $952.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Columbia to Virginia Beach
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 $1,332, but larger homes can run up to $5,349.
- 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 ($379–$876) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Virginia Beach
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Virginia Beach runs about 132% higher for singles and 38% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $4,533 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,910 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,776 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,233 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $402,391 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $81,810 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $4,533 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,910 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.75% |
- As you consider relocating to Virginia Beach, note that rent can be roughly 35% more expensive than it is in Columbia; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 82% higher in Virginia Beach than in Columbia.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 26% higher in Virginia Beach compared to Columbia, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Virginia Beach, since the cost of living for a single person is 132% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Virginia Beach, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Virginia Beach is 38% more than it is in Columbia.
- Virginia Beach experiences an unemployment rate that is about 8% lower than that of Columbia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 25% lower in Virginia Beach than in Columbia. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Virginia Beach can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 18% lower in Virginia 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 Virginia Beach:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Virginia Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $173.67 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $48.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.66 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.93 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Virginia Beach, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Virginia Beach.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Virginia Beach.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Virginia Beach.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Virginia Beach.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Virginia Beach.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Virginia Beach.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Virginia Beach
| Columbia | Virginia Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 457,672 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 42 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 42.0 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 58.0 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Virginia Beach’s population is about 235% greater than Columbia.
- Virginia Beach’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Virginia Beach is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 42 out of 100, Virginia Beach 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.
- Virginia Beach’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 42.0 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Virginia Beach is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 58.0 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Virginia Beach is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Virginia Beach 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Virginia 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 Virginia Beach smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It’s essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Virginia Beach
Now that you’ve chosen Neptune City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Virginia Beach to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Hilltop
- Alanton
- Great Neck
- Kempsville
- Bayside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Great Neck
- Red Mill
- Kempsville
- Ocean Lakes
- Alanton
Things to do in Virginia Beach
After getting comfortable in your new Virginia home, it’s time to see what Virginia Beach 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, Virginia Beach offers cultural landmarks like the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, and Ferry Plantation House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Neptune’s Park, Mount Trashmore Park, Bayville Farms Park, and Great Neck 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 Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Virginia Beach?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?
Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach take?
A move of 402 miles from Columbia, SC to Virginia Beach, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Columbia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Virginia Beach 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
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