($764+) Columbia, SC to Austin, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX

Moving from Columbia, SC, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $795 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,034 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,165 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,070, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,034 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,249 - $4,260, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $795 - $2,150.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,566 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 Austin, TX

There are 3 main ways to move from Columbia to Austin: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,566 - $6,355. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,165-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,165-mile route from Columbia to Austin, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,070 - $4,750 $1,249 - $2,504 $795 - $1,410 $1,204 - $2,188
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,566 - $6,355 $1,625 - $3,288 $793 - $1,729 $1,339 - $2,578
4+ bedrooms $4,407 - $8,034 $2,266 - $4,260 $1,068 - $2,150 $1,813 - $3,514

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX

For the 1,165-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Austin, Texas, full-service movers cost between $2,070 and $8,034. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $311 - $2,076 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Columbia generally start around $262 plus $256 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,070 - $4,750
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,566 - $6,355
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,407 - $8,034

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 Austin.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Texas. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Austin, 81% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$519 - $5,190
Storage in transitNew place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$208 - $1,246/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$311 - $2,491
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers$1,038 - $3,114
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,595 - $10,380
Car shippingSecond vehicle$777 - $1,477
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$1,038 - $2,595
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK$830 - $3,633
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers$311 - $1,557
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc.$675 - $2,076
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$311 - $15,570+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$311 - $3,633+

What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Austin?

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Southwest Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Columbia, SC. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX

Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,249 and $4,260. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Columbia typically runs around $50/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,249 - $2,504
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,625 - $3,288
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,266 - $4,260

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $156 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Austin, TX, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $727 in Columbia, SC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Texas 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 $1,249. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,625 - $3,288, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Columbia to Austin?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Austin, TX

Truck rentals from Columbia, South Carolina, to Austin, Texas, range from $795 - $2,150 for the 1,165-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $385 - $440
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
  • Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to Austin based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $795 - $1,410
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $793 - $1,729
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,068 - $2,150

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Columbia to Austin starts at $795 - $2,150, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($385 - $440) , overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

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 $727.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $385 - $440 for the 1,165-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 $62 and $337, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $156 per night for hotel stops on the 1,165-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $311 - $467.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Austin?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Austin, TX

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbia, South Carolina, to Austin, Texas. 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 $934 and $2,578.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,204 - $2,188
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,339 - $2,578
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,813 - $3,514

Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
  • More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $78 - $156 more per foot.
  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for about five hours typically runs $727.

What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Austin?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. 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 based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Austin fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.

Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Austin, TX

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Columbia on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Columbia, SC Austin, TX
Cost of living index87129
Average rent$1,447/mo$1,765/mo
Median home value$241,128$512,969
Average income$55,653/yr$91,461/yr
Unemployment rate5.2%3.5%
State income taxUp to 7.0%None
Walkability score35/10042/100
Safety index48.39/10059.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Austin, TX to Columbia, SC guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from South Carolina to Texas, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. South Carolina alone has 53 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,165-mile move like this one.

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Our take

A move from Columbia, SC, to Austin, TX, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,070 - $8,034 on the 1,165-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,249 - $4,260, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $795 - $2,150. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,566 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.

FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Austin, TX

How long does a move from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

What is the best time of year to move from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbia, SC to Austin, TX?

Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.

Is Austin a safe place to live?

Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, compared to 48.39 and 3.0 in Columbia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

How walkable is Austin?

Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, compared to 35 and 35 in Columbia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

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.