Quick answer: A typical 2,012-mile move from Tempe to Columbia runs $1,551–$8,780 and takes six to 17 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Tempe guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Choosing an interstate mover from Tempe, AZ, to Columbia, SC, isn’t as simple as picking the first name you find. In Tempe, there are 47 companies that can handle that route, each with their own approach, pricing, and service style.
Our team took a close look at every interstate mover in Tempe, examining service options, costs, and what customers are actually saying in reviews. The result is a carefully curated list of the best long-distance movers in Tempe you can trust with your Tempe to Columbia relocation.
Professional
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Rental truck
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Tempe to Columbia
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Tempe to Columbia, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Tempe to Columbia with less stress and more peace of mind.
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 Tempe?
How we chose the best moving companies for your AZ to SC move
The best local movers servicing Tempe to Columbia moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Tempe that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Tempe who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Tempe to Columbia.
- Gilbert Moving & Storage: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Mentors Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Camelback Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3190108
Alternate Names: Gilbert Moving and Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2911596
Alternate Names: Mentors Moving & Storage of Arizona LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 1635834
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: Scottsdale Moving & Storage Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tempe to Columbia?
Tempe movers charge $85 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 | $1,661 - $6,386 | $1,478 - $3,441 | $1,447 - $2,901 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,207 - $8,780 | $2,553 - $5,201 | $1,551 - $3,454 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,803 - $14,473 | $3,710 - $7,303 | $1,877 - $4,148 |
Cost to hire movers from Arizona to South Carolina
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Arizona to South Carolina, you can expect to spend between $1,661 and $6,386. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,207 to $8,780 on the same route (AZ to SC). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Arizona to South Carolina typically runs between $7,803 and $14,473.
Cost of moving containers from Arizona to South Carolina
Moving containers from Arizona to South Carolina will cost you $1,478 to $3,441 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,553 to $5,201. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,710 to $7,303. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Arizona.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Arizona 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 $1,447 and $2,901. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,551 and $3,454. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,877 up to $4,148 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Tempe to Columbia
What to know before moving from Tempe to Columbia
Columbia often delivers a lighter monthly spend than Tempe — around 64% less for singles and 37% less for families.
Expect about $1,956 per month for singles and $4,274 for families in Columbia, versus $5,433 and $6,810 in Tempe.
Check the categories below to see where costs diverge:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 21% lower than in Tempe, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 53.2% lower than in Tempe. - Income is the same in Columbia and Tempe.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 64.0% lower than in Tempe.
- A move to Columbia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 37.2% less than what it costs in Tempe.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 3.70% lower than in Tempe.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city's sales taxes in Columbia are 1.23% lower than in Tempe.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 180.00% higher than in Tempe.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tempe versus Columbia.
Tempe | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $256.54 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $70.53 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.75 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $4.18 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.17 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $60 |
Gym membership | $30 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tempe than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tempe than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Tempe than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Tempe than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Tempe than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Tempe than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tempe than in Columbia.
How life is different in Tempe vs. Columbia
Columbia | Tempe | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 180,587 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 54 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 75 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 42.36 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 57.64 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 24% less than Tempe.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tempe's higher score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Tempe with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Tempe's 54 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Tempe, which has a score of 75 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Tempe with a score of 3.0 compared to Tempe's 42.36. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tempe neighborhoods are safer than 42.36%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Tempe with a score of 48.39 vs Tempe's 57.64.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Tempe it's good.
Other things to consider for your Tempe 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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 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 check the status of a South Carolina moving license 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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.
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
- Forest Acres
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Now that you've made the move to South Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Columbia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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 Tempe to Columbia?
The best time to move from Tempe to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tempe.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tempe to Columbia?
With many people choosing to move from Tempe to Columbia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Tempe to Columbia take?
The 2,012-mile move from Tempe, AZ, to Columbia, SC, takes six to 17 days. Some Tempe movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
What kinds of discounts do Tempe movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Tempe, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 4 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Which movers in Tempe offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 46 movers in Tempe have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 33 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across AZ, there are 65 piano movers and 45 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2172 and 1398.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.