Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Riverside move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Riverside can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in Columbia who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbia to Riverside.
- 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 Riverside?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,218 – $4,972 | $1,308 – $3,279 | $1,249 – $2,568 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,523 – $6,766 | $2,324 – $4,633 | $1,423 – $2,936 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,304 – $11,117 | $3,072 – $6,473 | $1,834 – $3,897 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Riverside
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Riverside from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,218 and $4,972. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $3,523 to $6,766 for the trip from Columbia to Riverside. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $6,304 and $11,117.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Riverside
Moving containers from Columbia to Riverside will cost you $1,308 to $3,279 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,324 to $4,633. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,072 to $6,473. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Riverside
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Riverside typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,249 and $2,568 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,423 to $2,936. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $1,834 to $3,897.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Riverside move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,323 for a one-bedroom, or up to $9,653 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $1,249 to $3,286, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Riverside
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Riverside runs about 32% higher for singles and 31% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,573 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,604 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $2,163 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,270 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $642,297 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $76,755 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,573 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,604 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 13.3% |
- Planning a move to Riverside? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 59% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Riverside are about 191% higher than those in Columbia.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 19% higher in Riverside compared to Columbia, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Riverside, as living costs for a single person are 32% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Riverside, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 31% higher than in Columbia.
- Riverside shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbia by around 37%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Riverside are 9% more than in Columbia, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in California are 90% above those in South Carolina. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Riverside:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Riverside |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $226.85 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $46.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $5.45 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $4.02 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $85.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $35.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Riverside, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Riverside.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Riverside.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Riverside.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Riverside.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Riverside.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Riverside.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Riverside
| Columbia | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 317,261 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 49 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 40.24 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 59.76 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Riverside’s population is about 132% greater than Columbia.
- Riverside’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
- Riverside is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Riverside 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.
- Riverside’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 40.24 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Riverside is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 59.76 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Riverside move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: California’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Riverside. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Riverside
Planning your move to City of Arts and Innovation? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Riverside.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Canyon Crest
- Victoria
- Downtown
- Magnolia Center
- La Sierra South
Best neighborhoods for families
- Orangecrest
- Mission Grove
- Canyon Crest
- Alessandro Heights
- Victoria
Things to do in Riverside
After settling into your new California home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Riverside has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Riverside features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Riverside?
Planning your move from Columbia to Riverside? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Riverside?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Riverside in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbia to Riverside take?
The 2,362-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Riverside, , typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Riverside.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbia, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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