($1,249+) Columbia, SC to Billings, MT Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT, runs anywhere from $1,164 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,329 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,011 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,404, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,329 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,738 - $6,241, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,164 - $3,408.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,252 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT
Moving options from Columbia to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,252 - $7,290 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,011-mile route typically takes 6 to 17 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,011-mile route from Columbia to Billings, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,404 for a studio up to $10,329 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,738 - $6,241 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,164 - $3,408, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,444 - $4,560, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Billings, MT
Hiring full-service movers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, costs between $2,404 and $10,329. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 2,011-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $271 - $1,804, 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 Billings. 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 Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,404 - $5,393
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,252 - $7,290
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,966 - $10,329
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 Billings.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Montana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Billings, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $451 - $4,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $180 - $1,082/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $271 - $2,165 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $902 - $2,706 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,255 - $9,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $676 - $1,284 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $902 - $2,255 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $722 - $3,157 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $271 - $1,353 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $586 - $1,804 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $271 - $13,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $271 - $3,157+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,738 and $6,241. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Columbia typically costs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,738 - $3,300
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,448
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,932 - $6,241
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $631 in Columbia, SC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $68 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $135 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Billings, MT, destination before booking.
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 $1,738. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,161 - $4,448, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbia to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
Truck rentals from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, range from $1,164 - $3,408 for the 2,011-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $577 - $660
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,164 - $2,362
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,672
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,656 - $3,408
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,164 - $3,408 does not include fuel ($577 - $660) , lodging ($135/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Columbia to Billings 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 $631.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $577 - $660 for the 2,011-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 $54 and $293, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $135 per night for hotel stops on the 2,011-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $271 - $406.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,817 and $3,451.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,444 - $2,999
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,817 - $3,451
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,274 - $4,560
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $68 - $135 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, typically costs $631.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to Billings?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Billings, MT
Columbia and Billings land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 87 in Columbia and 95 in Billings, and rent tracks closely too ($1,447/mo vs. $1,300/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (35 vs 35) and safety scores (48.39 vs 50.37) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings, MT to Columbia, SC guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quotes from South Carolina to Montana, 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 2,011-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT, 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 $2,404 - $10,329 on the 2,011-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,738 - $6,241, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,164 - $3,408. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,252 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT
How much does it cost to move from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $2,404 to $10,329, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,404 and $10,329, 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 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.
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 Billings run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Montana?
In Montana, local and intrastate movers need to have a valid Public Service Commission (PSC) number issued by the Montana Department of Transportation (MDOT).
What are the best neighborhoods in Billings?
For families, Josephine Crossing, West End, and Heights are worth a look in Billings. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Billings, South Park, and Poly Vista tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
