Learn more about our Advertising Disclosure

Advertising Disclosure moveBuddha

($892) Cost to Move From Columbia, SC to Chattanooga, TN

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Estimated cost & time: For a 332 mile move from Columbia to Chattanooga, costs typically range from $341 to $4,574. Plan for the travel time to be around one–four days. Costs will vary depending on factors such as the distance, moving date, home size, and your choice of DIY or hiring professionals.
Trusted by 400,000+ people who move every year
We review 3,500+ movers to help you choose with confidence
Get real-time pricing info and key industry insights

Best movers from Columbia to Chattanooga

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Columbia to Chattanooga

If you want to simplify your interstate move from Columbia to Chattanooga, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.

With 5 interstate moving companies located in Columbia, we’ve curated a selection of the best to make your move to Chattanooga seamless and enjoyable.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Columbia to Chattanooga

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 332-mile move from Columbia to Chattanooga using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. Drawing on thousands of verified rates from U.S. moving companies, moveBuddha updates its figures monthly to account for seasonal and market shifts. Your ultimate cost may vary with shipment size, added services, access or parking issues, fuel prices, and the date you move. We advise comparing multiple mover quotes for the most accurate pricing picture.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $951 – $3,345
  • Moving Container $888 – $1,481
  • Rental Truck $337 – $561
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $1,551 – $4,574
  • Moving Container $1,048 – $2,143
  • Rental Truck $341 – $713
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,477 – $6,295
  • Moving Container $1,487 – $2,643
  • Rental Truck $410 – $878
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Mayflower Transit
Springfield, SC Red Bank, TN
2 Bedrooms
Oct 09, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Peak, SC South Pittsburg, TN
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 27, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Pelion, SC Lookout Mountain, TN
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 18, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Prosperity, SC Collegedale, TN
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 16, 2025
United Van Lines
Orangeburg, SC Coalmont, TN
3 Bedrooms
Sep 12, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Pomaria, SC Altamont, TN
3 Bedrooms
Sep 06, 2025
American Van Lines
Ridge Spring, SC Walden, TN
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 27, 2025
BLVD Moving
Livingston, SC Beersheba Springs, TN
Studio apartment
Aug 13, 2025
Safeway Moving
Winnsboro, SC Soddy-Daisy, TN
Studio apartment
Aug 12, 2025
North American Van Lines
Arcadia Lakes, SC Middle Valley, TN
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 10, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Chattanooga, TN to Columbia, SC guide.

The best local movers for Columbia to Chattanooga moves

It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbia that also handles long-distance moves to Chattanooga. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated seven local movers in Columbia who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.

Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbia to Chattanooga.

  1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
  5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
72.0% of all reviews were positive
27.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Gentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team’s effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving. Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.
Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
86.7% of all reviews were positive
11.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Dependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors. Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crews’ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.
Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
42.9% of all reviews were positive
57.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
JEGA Movers LLC receives enthusiastic praise from customers who appreciate professional staff, careful handling of belongings, transparent pricing, strong communication, and efficient service. Most positive feedback highlights respectful treatment of cherished items and hassle-free booking. Negative input focuses on unprofessional behavior, property damage, and the company not delivering all promised services, like furniture reassembly and reliability. 42.9% of reviews express satisfaction, but more than half of the feedback reveals significant issues, suggesting higher concerns than seen with typical local moving companies. Those considering JEGA Movers should weigh reported customer service quality against consistent complaints about professionalism and property care.
Get a Quote (803) 888-0917

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.4% of all reviews were positive
5.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about the fast, friendly, and careful teams at College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. Out of 242 pieces of input, about 93% was favorable, showing impressive consistency. Most customer feedback mentions efficiency, helpful movers, respectfulness, and quick job completion—qualities that set College Hunks apart from other moving services. Professionalism and careful handling of items frequently impressed customers, even on large or complicated jobs. Some negative remarks point to damaged possessions, missing items, and bigger bills than expected—issues that matter when choosing a mover. Complaints about estimate accuracy or lost belongings remain far fewer than the positive notes about speed and politeness. Compared to many competitors, College Hunks earns trust for reliability and respectful teams, consistently outperforming others in both speed and care.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 9890

DOT #: 2378173

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
50.0% of all reviews were positive
46.9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves and friendly crews shine through the feedback on All My Sons Moving & Storage. Out of 64 reviews, half commend the company’s professional attitude, careful handling of items, efficient process, and supportive movers—qualities that keep their reputation solid against competitors. Many customers highlight swift service and the politeness of staff, with teams regularly described as helpful and highly professional. Yet a significant share (nearly 47%) report major frustrations about final pricing far exceeding initial estimates, damage to items, and unanticipated fees. Customers often mention unexpected charges and slow resolution for reported damages, which leads many to express regret or dissatisfaction. While the company frequently delivers the speed and care people expect from leading movers, the pattern of higher costs and inflexible billing contrasts sharply with the positive feedback. Those considering All My Sons can expect fast, polite service, but should clarify all pricing details up front and remain vigilant about item protection and final billing.
Get a Quote (803) 219-4957

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 Chattanooga?

The average hourly rate for movers in South Carolina is $137. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $892 – $2,669 $584 – $1,499 $324 – $578
2 – 3 bedrooms $1,551 – $4,574 $1,048 – $2,143 $341 – $713
4+ bedrooms $2,477 – $6,295 $1,487 – $2,643 $410 – $878
*Approximate cost ranges for a 332-mile move from Columbia to Chattanooga are based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha sources thousands of verified price points from moving companies across the U.S. and updates this information monthly to mirror seasonal swings and market trends. Your final price may change due to move size, add-on services, parking/access hurdles, fuel costs, and timing. We always suggest gathering quotes from several movers for the most accurate pricing.

Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Chattanooga

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Chattanooga will cost between $892 and $2,669. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbia to Columbia will range from $1,551 to $4,574, and a large move from Columbia to Chattanooga will cost from $2,477 to $6,295.

Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Chattanooga

If you’re moving from Columbia to Chattanooga, expect to pay between $584 and $1,499 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,048 up to $2,143. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,487 and $2,643. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Chattanooga

Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Chattanooga is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $324 and $578. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $341 and $713. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $410 up to $878 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Chattanooga

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,200, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,356.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, which means higher prices.
  • The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($324–$725) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Chattanooga

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Chattanooga runs about 69% higher for singles and 2% higher for families than Columbia.

Singles spend around $3,300 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $4,350 compared with $4,274.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Columbia Chattanooga
Average 1 BR rent $1,300 $1,517
Average 3 BR rent $2,220 $3,138
Average home value $220,612 $302,565
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $60,164
Cost of living (single) $1,956 $3,300
Cost of living (family of four) $4,274 $4,350
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 9.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • Budgeting for a move from Columbia to Chattanooga won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
  • Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 37% greater in Chattanooga than in Columbia.
  • Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 7% lower in Chattanooga compared to Columbia.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Chattanooga, since the cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 69% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Chattanooga and Columbia, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
  • In Chattanooga, the unemployment rate is approximately 8% higher than in Columbia, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
  • Sales taxes rise by 16% in Chattanooga over Columbia, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
  • Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbia and Chattanooga:

Living Expense Columbia Chattanooga
Basic utilities $148.09 $160.78
Cell phone plan $54.77 $56.00
Dozen eggs $3.46 $3.92
Loaf of bread $2.65 $3.58
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16.00 $16.50
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60.00 $80.00
Gym membership $40.00 $40.00
  • Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Chattanooga, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Chattanooga.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Chattanooga.
  • Bread costs less in Columbia than in Chattanooga.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Chattanooga.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Chattanooga.
  • Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Chattanooga

Columbia Chattanooga
Population 136,632 181,099
Transportation score 5 3
Walkability score 35 29
Bike friendliness score 35 35
Crime index 3.0 53.89
Safety index 48.39 46.11
Air quality Good Good
  • Chattanooga’s population is about 33% greater than Columbia.
  • Chattanooga’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
  • Chattanooga is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
  • Both Chattanooga and Columbia have similar bike-friendliness scores (35 vs 35), meaning Chattanooga is about as safe for cyclists as Columbia. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
  • Chattanooga’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 53.89 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 53.89% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Chattanooga and Columbia have a similar safety level, with scores of 46.11 and 48.39.
  • Air quality in Chattanooga is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia to Chattanooga move

  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Tennessee doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Chattanooga. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. When it comes to movers’ insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Chattanooga

Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Scenic City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chattanooga.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Southside
  • Martin Luther King
  • Fort Wood
  • Lookout Mountain
  • West Village

Best neighborhoods for families

  • North Shore
  • St. Elmo
  • Lookout Mountain
  • Highland Park
  • Orchard Knob

Things to do in Chattanooga

Once you’re settled into your new home in Tennessee, it’s time to get out and discover what Chattanooga has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Chattanooga, such as the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum, Creative Discovery Museum, Coker Museum – Honest Charley, and Hunter Museum of American Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Coolidge Park Tennessee, Riverpark Ross’s Landing Park, Enterprise South Nature Park, and Chickamauga Dam — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Chattanooga?

The best time to move from Columbia to Chattanooga is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Chattanooga?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbia to Chattanooga, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Columbia to Chattanooga take?

Moving from Columbia, SC to Chattanooga, covers 332 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Columbia movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Chattanooga.

Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbia?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Columbia advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Columbia provide antique moving services. State totals show 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.

Helpful moving resources

Not what you were looking for?

Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!

See All
Hide All
triangle triangle