($1,350) Cost to Move From Stockton, CA to Columbia, SC

1. MidCal Moving and Storage Company: 4.36 out of 5 stars
2. Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
3. Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
4. Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Stockton to Columbia

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Stockton to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,350 and $5,529. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,957 to $7,439 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Stockton to Columbia typically runs between $7,370 and $12,232.

Cost of moving containers from Stockton to Columbia

When moving from Stockton to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,372 and $3,450. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,412 to $4,778. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,258 up to $6,641. 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 California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Stockton to Columbia

Renting a moving truck in Stockton 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 $1,522 and $2,920. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,633 and $3,176. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,984 and $4,061.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 18% lower in Columbia than in Stockton, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 50% lower in Columbia than in Stockton.
• The average income in Columbia and Stockton is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 48% less than in Stockton.
• 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 37% less than in Stockton.
• Columbia experiences an unemployment rate that is about 50% lower than that of Stockton. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 11% lower in Columbia than in Stockton. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbia can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Columbia’s population is about 57% less than Stockton.
• Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Stockton’s score of 4.
• Columbia is less walkable than Stockton with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Stockton’s 44 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 Stockton, which has a score of 52.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Stockton with a score of 3.0 compared to Stockton’s 75.2. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Stockton neighborhoods are safer than 75.2%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Stockton with a safety index of 48.39 vs Stockton’s 24.8.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Stockton 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.