Quick answer: Expect to pay $581–$6,773 for a move from Mobile to Columbia, with most moves taking one to six days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 537 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Mobile guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 9 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Mobile, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Mobile mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Mobile, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Mobile to Columbia
For an interstate move from Mobile to Columbia, choosing a full-service mover means you won’t have to manage the packing, loading, or transport yourself. These companies handle the details so you can concentrate on your schedule and plans for settling in.
Below, you’ll find our top recommendations for full-service movers equipped to get you from Mobile to Columbia efficiently and with minimal stress.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Mobile?
How we chose the best moving companies for your AL to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your Mobile to Columbia journey
Organizing a move from Mobile to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Mobile known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Mobile to Columbia.
- Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Griner Moving Services: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- RS Moving & Warehousing: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 18
Alternate Names: STACK Corp.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 4053
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: SWS Investments & Holdings LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: C457
Years in Business: 111
DOT #: 2897746
Alternate Names: Covan World-Wide Moving, Inc., Coleman American Moving Services, Coleman World Group, LLC, Coleman Worldwide Moving, Covan Worldwide Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3558541
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 3000204
Alternate Names: RS Moving & Warehousing
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Mobile to Columbia?
Mobile movers charge $150 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,545 - $4,338 | $825 - $2,008 | $517 - $952 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,717 - $6,773 | $1,582 - $3,122 | $581 - $1,187 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,961 - $10,549 | $2,128 - $3,638 | $731 - $1,459 |
Cost to hire movers from Alabama to South Carolina
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Alabama to South Carolina, you can expect to spend between $1,545 and $4,338. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,717 to $6,773 on the same route (AL to SC). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Alabama to South Carolina typically runs between $4,961 and $10,549.
Cost of moving containers from Alabama to South Carolina
Moving from Alabama to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $825 and $2,008. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,582 to $3,122. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,128 up to $3,638. 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 Alabama.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Alabama to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck 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 $517 and $952. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $581 and $1,187. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $731 up to $1,459 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that influence moving costs from Mobile to Columbia
What to know before moving from Mobile to Columbia
Monthly costs run higher in Columbia than in Mobile — roughly 7% more for singles and 4% more for families.
Singles spend $1,956 vs. $1,825, and families $4,274 vs. $4,104.
Use the comparison below to plan your budget with confidence:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 11% higher than in Mobile.
- The home prices in Columbia are 18.5% higher than in Mobile, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 4.4% higher than in Mobile. Major employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 7.2% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If you're moving your family to Columbia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 4.1% higher than in Mobile.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 16.13% lower than in Mobile.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city's sales taxes in Columbia are 20.00% lower than in Mobile.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 40.00% higher than in Mobile.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Mobile and Columbia, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Mobile | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $165.58 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $68.33 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $3.5 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $3.31 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60 | $60 |
Gym membership | $36.13 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Mobile than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Mobile than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Mobile than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Mobile than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Mobile than in Columbia.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Mobile than in Columbia.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Columbia
Columbia | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 187,041 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 35 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 34 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 64.95 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 35.05 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 27% less than Mobile.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Mobile's lower score of 3.
- Columbia and Mobile are similarily walkable.
- Both Columbia and Mobile have the same bike-friendliness score of 34 out of 100, meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Mobile. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Mobile with a score of 3.0 compared to Mobile's 64.95. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 48.39 vs Mobile's 35.05.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Mobile it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Columbia move
- Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
- 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina 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: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbia. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you've chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- 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: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Columbia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Mobile to Columbia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Mobile.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Mobile to Columbia are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Mobile to Columbia take?
The 537-mile journey from Mobile, AL to Columbia, SC, typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Mobile offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbia.
Are there special savings available from movers in Mobile?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
How many movers in Mobile can handle specialty items for my move to Columbia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Mobile, 6 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of AL, there are 33 piano movers and 14 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2172 and 1398 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.