($1,186) Cost to Move From Mobile, AL to Columbia, SC

1. Motivated Movers, Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
3. Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
4. Griner Moving Services: 4.34 out of 5 stars
5. RS Moving & Warehousing: 4.28 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Mobile to Columbia

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Mobile to Columbia will cost between $1,186 and $3,196. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Mobile to Mobile will range from $2,190 to $5,737, and a large move from Mobile to Columbia will cost from $3,999 to $8,258.

Cost of moving containers from Mobile to Columbia

If you’re moving from Mobile to Columbia, expect to pay between $652 and $1,571 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,190 up to $2,304. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,537 and $3,118. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Mobile to Columbia

Renting a moving truck from Mobile to Columbia 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 $426 and $776. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $455 and $938. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $556 up to $1,097 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Rent is estimated to be 11% higher in Columbia compared to Mobile; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
• Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 19% greater in Columbia than in Mobile.
• Fortunately, the average income in Columbia and Mobile is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 7% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Columbia and Mobile, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
• Columbia enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 16% lower compared to Mobile, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes drop 20% in Columbia compared to Mobile, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
• Income taxes are 40% higher in South Carolina than in Alabama, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.

• Columbia’s population is about 27% less than Mobile.
• Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Mobile’s score of 3.
• Columbia is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Mobile’s 32 out of 100.
• Both Columbia and Mobile have similar bike-friendliness scores (34 vs 35), meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Mobile. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• 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.

• 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: 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: South Carolina 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 Columbia. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

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

• Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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 — 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.