Quick answer: For a 2,384-mile move from Irvine to Columbia, expect to spend around $1,612–$8,590 and seven to 18 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Irvine guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
There are 67 interstate moving companies in Irvine, so figuring out which one is best for your move from Irvine, CA, to Columbia, SC, can feel overwhelming. You’ll also need to decide whether to hire professional full-service movers or take a more DIY approach.
Not to worry — we’ve made the process easier for you. We compared each mover by key factors like service options and cost, and analyzed customer feedback in online reviews. Using our research, we have narrowed the list of Irvine companies to only the best long-distance movers in Irvine, no matter what type of move you’re planning.
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Best professional movers from Irvine to Columbia
For an interstate move from Irvine 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 Irvine 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 Irvine?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
Local moving companies servicing Irvine to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Irvine to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Irvine who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Irvine to Columbia.
- Best California Movers: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Meathead Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Maison Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Laaks Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: T0192283
Pricing: $109/hr
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3489907
Alternate Names: Best California Movers & Storage, An Moving Forward
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meat Head Movers Inc, Meathead Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 189603
Years in Business: 28
DOT #: 649215
Alternate Names: Terry Moving and Storage Inc, Richards Moving Company, Orange County Storage Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190726
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 76628
Alternate Names: Orange County Movers Inc, College Boys Moving and Storage of Orange County, Affordable Moving and Storage of Orange County
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191604
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2995987
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Irvine to Columbia?
Irvine movers charge $75 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 |
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Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,513 - $5,710 | $1,434 - $3,670 | $1,443 - $2,791 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,225 - $8,590 | $2,522 - $5,552 | $1,612 - $3,603 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,862 - $12,622 | $3,362 - $7,171 | $2,057 - $4,331 |
Cost to hire movers from California to South Carolina
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to South Carolina, you can expect to spend between $1,513 and $5,710. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,225 to $8,590 on the same route (CA to SC). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from California to South Carolina typically runs between $7,862 and $12,622.
Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina
Moving containers from California to South Carolina will cost you $1,434 to $3,670 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,522 to $5,552. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,362 to $7,171. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from California to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,443 and $2,791. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,612 to $3,603. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,057 and $4,331.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Irvine to Columbia move
What to know before moving from Irvine to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Irvine — roughly 79% less for singles and 76% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $9,167 in Irvine. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $18,000.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 64% lower than in Irvine, 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 85.9% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Columbia is 43.3% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia — including Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina — may pay more.
- 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 78.7% lower than in Irvine.
- 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 76.3% less than what it costs in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 3.70% lower than in Irvine.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 3.23% higher than what you are paying in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Irvine.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Irvine with Columbia.
Irvine | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $200.96 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.5 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100 | $60 |
Gym membership | $54.17 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Irvine than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Irvine than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Irvine than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Irvine than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Irvine than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Irvine than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Irvine than in Columbia.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Columbia
Columbia | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 307,670 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 4 |
Walkability score | 35 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 69 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 31.01 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 68.99 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 56% less than Irvine.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Irvine's lower score of 4.
- Columbia is less walkable than Irvine with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 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 Irvine, which has a score of 69 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Irvine with a score of 3.0 compared to Irvine's 31.01. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Irvine neighborhoods are safer than 31.01%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Irvine with a score of 48.39 vs Irvine's 68.99.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Irvine it's good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Seven Oaks
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbia include museums and art centers like 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 — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Irvine to Columbia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Irvine to Columbia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Irvine 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 Irvine to Columbia take?
The 2,384-mile journey from Irvine, CA to Columbia, SC, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Irvine 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 discounts can you find from movers in Irvine?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
How many movers in Irvine can handle specialty items for my move to Columbia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Irvine, 60 movers can handle pianos. 51 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 288 piano movers and 222 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2175 and 1400 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.