($1,117) Cost to Move From Houston, TX to Columbia, SC

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Cost to hire movers from Houston to Columbia

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Houston to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,117 and $5,027. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,443 to $6,224 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Houston to Columbia typically runs between $4,290 and $7,999.

Cost of moving containers from Houston to Columbia

When moving from Houston to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $784 and $2,031. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,524 to $2,798. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,036 up to $3,836. 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 Texas.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Houston to Columbia

Renting a moving truck in Houston is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbia. 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 $628 and $1,242. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $699 and $1,519. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $896 and $1,813.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 7% lower in Columbia than in Houston, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 16% lower in Columbia than in Houston.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 7% less in Columbia than in Houston.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 29% less than in Houston.
• Moving to Columbia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 40% less than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 27% higher compared to Houston, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
• Sales taxes are similar in Columbia and Houston (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
• South Carolina has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.

• Columbia’s population is about 94% less than Houston.
• Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Houston, making them very similar.
• Columbia is less walkable than Houston with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Houston’s 47 out of 100.
• Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Houston, which has a score of 49.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 3.0 compared to Houston’s 63.5. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 48.39 vs Houston’s 36.5.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Houston it’s Good.

• 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While South Carolina 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 Columbia smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
• Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Cayce
• Seven Oaks
• Forest Acres
• Irmo
• Lexington
• West Columbia
• St. Andrews
• Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

• Irmo
• Forest Acres
• Lexington
• Blythewood
• Seven Oaks
• Chapin
• Cayce
• Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Columbia 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, Columbia offers cultural landmarks like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.