Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Birmingham moves
Organizing a move from Columbia to Birmingham can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating seven local movers in Columbia known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Columbia to Birmingham.
- 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 Birmingham?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $964 – $2,968 | $598 – $1,490 | $326 – $583 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,663 – $4,524 | $1,151 – $2,068 | $355 – $714 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,460 – $6,309 | $1,537 – $2,823 | $426 – $845 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Birmingham
When planning a move to Birmingham from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $964 and $2,968. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,663 and $4,524 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,460 to $6,309.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Birmingham
When you’re heading from Columbia to Birmingham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $598 and $1,490. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,151 and $2,068. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,537 to $2,823. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Birmingham
A moving rental truck from Columbia to Birmingham is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $326 to $583. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $355 to $714, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Birmingham costs around $426 to $845.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Birmingham
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Birmingham may only cost $1,260, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,363.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($326–$835), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Birmingham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Birmingham runs about 38% higher for singles and 57% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,697 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $6,727 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,542 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,612 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $125,988 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $39,403 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,697 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $6,727 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 10.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.0% |
- Rent is about 14% less expensive in Birmingham than in Columbia, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 43% cheaper in Birmingham than in Columbia.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 39% less in Birmingham than in Columbia.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Birmingham, with the cost of living for a single person being 38% more than in Columbia. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Birmingham, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 57% higher than in Columbia.
- Birmingham has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 8%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Birmingham surpass those in Columbia by 25%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 29% less in Alabama compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbia versus Birmingham:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $211.40 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $49.55 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.20 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.52 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $47.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Birmingham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Birmingham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Birmingham.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Birmingham.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Birmingham.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Birmingham.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Birmingham
| Columbia | Birmingham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 196,644 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 0 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 33 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 31 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 61.64 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 38.36 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Birmingham’s population is about 44% greater than Columbia.
- Birmingham has no measurable public transportation (score of 0), while Columbia scores 5 out of 10, showing a clear advantage for Columbia.
- Birmingham is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- Birmingham has a bike-friendliness score of 31 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Columbia, which has a score of 35.
- Birmingham’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 61.64 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Birmingham neighborhoods are safer than 61.64% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Birmingham is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 38.36 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Birmingham is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Birmingham move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia and Birmingham are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Alabama, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Alabama, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Birmingham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Birmingham
With your sights set on B’ham, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Birmingham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central City
- Five Points South
- Highland Park
- Fountain Heights
- Southside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Oxmoor
- Crestwood South
- Redmont Park
Things to do in Birmingham
With your move to Alabama complete, you can dive right into experiencing Birmingham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Birmingham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum, Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, Vulcan Park and Museum, and McWane Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Vulcan Park and Museum, Birmingham’s Railroad Park, Kelly Ingram Park, and Red Mountain Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Birmingham BaronsUAB BlazersSamford University teamsBirmingham Legion FCAlabama Youth Sports Alliance basketball leagueTragic City RollersBirmingham Bulls (SPHL)Birmingham StallionsBirmingham Squadron (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Birmingham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Birmingham. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Birmingham?
Want to save on your move from Columbia to Birmingham? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Birmingham take?
The 361-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Birmingham, , takes one to four days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Birmingham.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbia provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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