($653+) Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Burlington, VT, runs anywhere from $660 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,136 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 991 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,933, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,136 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,220 - $4,224, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $660 - $1,772.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Burlington, VT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,415 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT
Moving options from Columbia to Burlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,415 - $5,697 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 991 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 991-mile route from Columbia to Burlington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,933 - $4,868 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,220 - $2,133), rental truck ($660 - $1,329), or freight trailer ($1,032 - $2,060). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,415 - $5,697 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,136.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT
Hiring full-service movers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Burlington, Vermont, costs between $1,933 and $8,136. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 991-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $291 - $1,940, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Columbia and Burlington. For a rough baseline, movers based in Columbia tend to start around $262 plus $256/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Burlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,933 - $4,868
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,415 - $5,697
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,260 - $8,136
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbia to Burlington.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Vermont. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Burlington, 80% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $485 - $4,850 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $194 - $1,164/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $291 - $2,328 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $970 - $2,910 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,425 - $9,700 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $727 - $1,380 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $970 - $2,425 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $776 - $3,395 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $291 - $1,455 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $631 - $1,940 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $291 - $14,550+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $291 - $3,395+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Burlington?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbia, SC, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Burlington, Vermont, cost between $1,220 and $4,224. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbia runs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Burlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,220 - $2,133
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,586 - $3,212
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,116 - $4,224
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Columbia, SC, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $679, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $73 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $146 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Columbia, SC, and Burlington, VT, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Vermont move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,220. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,586 - $3,212, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbia to Burlington?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbia:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT
A rental truck for this 991-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Burlington, Vermont, costs between $660 and $1,772. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $306 - $350
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to Burlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $660 - $1,329
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $743 - $1,519
- 4+ bedrooms: $941 - $1,772
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $660 - $1,772 does not include fuel ($306 - $350) , lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbia to Burlington typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $679.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $306 - $350 for the 991-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $58 and $315, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night for hotel stops on the 991-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $291 - $437.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Burlington?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbia, South Carolina, to Burlington, Vermont. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $873 and $2,397.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Burlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,032 - $2,060
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,194 - $2,397
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,643 - $3,118
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $73 and $146.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly five hours typically average $679.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Burlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Burlington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Burlington, VT
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Burlington, side by side with Columbia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbia, SC | Burlington, VT |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 112 |
| Average rent | $1,447/mo | $2,200/mo |
| Median home value | $241,128 | $402,586 |
| Average income | $55,653/yr | $68,854/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.0% | Up to 8.75% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 59/100 |
| Safety index | 48.39/100 | 56.67/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Burlington, VT to Columbia, SC guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Vermont over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 53 movers in our South Carolina network to compare for this 991-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbia, SC, to Burlington, VT, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,933 for a studio to $8,136 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 991-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,220 - $4,224. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $660 - $1,772, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,415 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include The University of Vermont Health Network and University of Vermont.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Burlington, VT
What do local movers charge in Columbia?
Local movers based in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate, plus $256/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Burlington run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,933 to $8,136, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,933 and $8,136, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Columbia, SC to Burlington, VT?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $743 - $1,519. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($306 - $350), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $146/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.