Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Baltimore moves
Organizing a move from Columbia to Baltimore can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating seven local movers in Columbia 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 Columbia to Baltimore.
- 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 Baltimore?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 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 | $1,105 – $3,025 | $684 – $1,583 | $389 – $790 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,923 – $4,765 | $1,201 – $2,204 | $423 – $892 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,498 – $6,963 | $1,582 – $3,101 | $533 – $1,139 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Baltimore
When planning a move to Baltimore from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,105 and $3,025. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,923 and $4,765 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,498 to $6,963.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Baltimore
When you’re heading from Columbia to Baltimore, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $684 and $1,583. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,201 and $2,204. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,582 to $3,101. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Baltimore
A moving rental truck from Columbia to Baltimore 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 $389 to $790. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $423 to $892, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Baltimore costs around $533 to $1,139.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Baltimore
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Baltimore may only cost $1,534, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,890.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($389–$1,017), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Baltimore
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Baltimore runs about 14% higher for singles and 19% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,223 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,088 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,892 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,333 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $180,790 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $58,349 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,223 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,088 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 11% more expensive in Baltimore than in Columbia. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 18% cheaper in Baltimore than in Columbia.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 10% less in Baltimore than in Columbia.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Baltimore, with the cost of living for a single person being 14% more than in Columbia. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Baltimore, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 19% higher than in Columbia.
- Baltimore has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 52%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 25% cheaper in Baltimore compared to Columbia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 18% less in Maryland compared to South Carolina, 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 Columbia versus Baltimore:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Baltimore |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $181.61 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $56.81 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.34 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.91 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $57.63 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Baltimore, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Baltimore.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Baltimore.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Baltimore.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Baltimore.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Baltimore.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Baltimore.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Baltimore
| Columbia | Baltimore | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 585,708 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 64 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 53 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 72.72 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 27.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Baltimore’s population is about 329% greater than Columbia.
- Baltimore’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Baltimore is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 64 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 53 out of 100, Baltimore 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.
- Baltimore’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 72.72 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 72.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Baltimore is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 27.28 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Baltimore is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Baltimore move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia and Baltimore 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: Although a local license is not required in Maryland, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Maryland, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Maryland, 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 Baltimore. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Alabama, Released Value Protection stands out as the most economical option, incurring no additional costs. Provided by movers at no extra charge, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For those seeking comprehensive coverage, it is advisable to consult with your chosen moving company for alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Baltimore
With your sights set on America’s Comeback Cit, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Baltimore.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Federal Hill
- Fells Point
- Mid-Town Belvedere
- Mount Vernon
- South Baltimore
Best neighborhoods for families
- Catonsville
- Mount Washington
- Pikesville
- Roland Park
- Towson
Things to do in Baltimore
With your move to Maryland complete, you can dive right into experiencing Baltimore. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Baltimore is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Walters Art Museum, American Visionary Art Museum, Baltimore Museum of Art, and B&O Railroad Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Federal Hill Park, Patterson Park, Canton Waterfront Park, and Leakin 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 Baltimore Orioles (MLB)Baltimore Ravens (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Baltimore?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Baltimore. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Baltimore?
Want to save on your move from Columbia to Baltimore? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Baltimore take?
The 518-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Baltimore, , takes one to six days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Baltimore.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbia provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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