Quick answer: A typical 2,512-mile move from Fresno to Columbia runs $1,807–$9,885 and takes seven to 21 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 Fresno guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
From California to South Carolina, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Fresno has 6 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.
After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Fresno for every moving option.
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Fresno to Columbia
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Fresno 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 Fresno 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 Fresno?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
The top local movers servicing Fresno to Columbia moves
It's not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Fresno that also handles long-distance moves to Columbia. With so many options, figuring out which ones you can trust takes time.
Luckily, we've done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Fresno who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Fresno to Columbia.
- Meathead Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Colonial Van & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Economy Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Courtesy Moving and Storage: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Master Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc., Princess Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0099536
Years in Business: 54
DOT #: 2973
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 money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0190355
Years in Business: 54
DOT #: 1011944
Alternate Names: United Van Lines AGT, Packaging Store
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
Company Info
State license #: 191184
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 3119841
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 190355
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Fresno to Columbia?
Fresno movers charge $135 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 | $1,553 - $6,348 | $1,586 - $4,148 | $1,722 - $3,332 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,419 - $9,885 | $3,079 - $6,220 | $1,807 - $4,129 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,480 - $15,448 | $4,037 - $7,875 | $2,306 - $4,916 |
Cost to hire movers from California to South Carolina
If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from California to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $1,553 and $6,348. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,419 to $9,885 for the trip from CA to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $8,480 and $15,448.
Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina
If you're moving from California to South Carolina, expect to pay between $1,586 and $4,148 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $3,079 up to $6,220. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $4,037 and $7,875. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,722 and $3,332 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,807 to $4,129. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,306 to $4,916.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Factors that influence moving costs from Fresno to Columbia
What to know before moving from Fresno to Columbia
Budget-wise, Columbia tends to come out ahead — about 14% lower for singles and 20% lower for families than Fresno.
One person’s costs run $1,956 in Columbia vs. $2,277 in Fresno; for a family of four, think $4,274 vs. $5,358.
Scan the comparison below to see where you’ll save most:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 12% lower than in Fresno, 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 42.1% lower than in Fresno. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 2.7% higher than in Fresno. Major employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- 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 14.1% lower than in Fresno.
- 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 20.2% less than what it costs in Fresno.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 26.66% lower than in Fresno.
- Sales taxes are the same in Columbia and Fresno.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Fresno.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Fresno and Columbia, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Fresno | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $317.73 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $50.33 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.29 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $2.66 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70 | $60 |
Gym membership | $73.33 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fresno than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fresno than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Fresno than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Fresno than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Fresno than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Fresno than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fresno than in Columbia.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Columbia
Columbia | Fresno | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 542,107 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 35 | 47 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 58 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 56.85 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 43.15 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 75% less than Fresno.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Columbia will be about the same as it currently is in Fresno. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Columbia neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Fresno. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Columbia isn't as walkable as Fresno, which has a score of 47 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Fresno. While Fresno has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, Columbia earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than Fresno based on scores of 3.0 and Fresno's 56.85, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- You might find more confidence in your overall safety in Columbia than in Fresno, based on Columbia's safety index of 48.39 versus 43.15 for Fresno. With this index, higher scores indicate more safety, particularly around how comfortable residents feel walking alone during the day and at night.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Columbia has better air quality than in Fresno. Columbia has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Fresno. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Fresno 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 decided to make the move to Soda City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Irmo
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Lexington
- 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: 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 Fresno to Columbia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fresno to Columbia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fresno.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fresno to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Fresno 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 Fresno to Columbia take?
The 2,512-mile journey from Fresno, CA to Columbia, SC, typically takes seven to 21 days. Some movers in Fresno 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.
Which movers in Fresno give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
How many movers in Fresno can handle specialty items for my move to Columbia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Fresno, 8 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 288 piano movers and 222 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2173 and 1398 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.