Quick answer: The cost to move from Lancaster to Columbia ranges from $1,678 to $8,314 and the journey will take approximately seven to 18 days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 2,370-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Lancaster guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 18 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Lancaster, 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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Lancaster to Columbia
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Lancaster to Columbia, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
Here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you from Lancaster to Columbia without the headaches.
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 Lancaster?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
Local movers servicing Lancaster to Columbia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Lancaster that also provides long-distance services to Columbia can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Lancaster who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Lancaster to Columbia.
- Antelope Valley Van & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Air 1 Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Camelot Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Speedwell Transportation Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0061148
Years in Business: 76
DOT #: 34380
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0189688
Years in Business: 22
DOT #: 1095485
Alternate Names: Air 1 Moving & Storage, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0150296
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 501984
Alternate Names: Camelot Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 159158
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 1861478
Alternate Names: Speedwell Transportation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191663
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 3075110
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Lancaster to Columbia?
Lancaster movers charge $100 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 | $1,511 - $5,809 | $1,511 - $3,539 | $1,580 - $2,939 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,876 - $8,314 | $2,532 - $5,356 | $1,678 - $3,638 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,973 - $13,255 | $3,551 - $6,906 | $1,996 - $4,418 |
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 $1,511 and $5,809. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,876 to $8,314 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 $7,973 and $13,255.
Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina
Moving from California to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,511 and $3,539. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,532 to $5,356. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,551 up to $6,906. 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 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 $1,580 and $2,939. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,678 to $3,638. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,996 and $4,418.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Lancaster to Columbia
What to know before moving from Lancaster to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Lancaster — roughly 23% less for singles and 23% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,540 in Lancaster. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,562.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 44% lower than in Lancaster, 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 53.4% lower than in Lancaster. - Income in Columbia is 13.4% lower than in Lancaster, 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 23.0% lower than in Lancaster.
- 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 23.2% less than what it costs in Lancaster.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 66.67% lower than in Lancaster.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city's sales taxes in Columbia are 21.95% lower than in Lancaster.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Lancaster.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Lancaster and Columbia, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Lancaster | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $225 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $43 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $2.67 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $5.51 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $60 |
Gym membership | $40 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Lancaster than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Lancaster than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Lancaster than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Lancaster than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Lancaster than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Lancaster than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.
How life is different in Lancaster vs. Columbia
Columbia | Lancaster | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 173,516 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 0 |
Walkability score | 35 | 29 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 40 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 45.5 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 54.5 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 21% less than Lancaster.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lancaster's lower score of 0.
- Columbia is more walkable than Lancaster with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Lancaster's 29 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 Lancaster, which has a score of 40 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Lancaster with a score of 3.0 compared to Lancaster's 45.5. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lancaster neighborhoods are safer than 45.5%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Lancaster with a score of 48.39 vs Lancaster's 54.5.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Lancaster it's good.
Other things to consider for your Lancaster 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
Ready to relocate to Soda City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Cayce
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: 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 Lancaster to Columbia?
The best time to move from Lancaster to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lancaster.
When is the cheapest time to move from Lancaster to Columbia?
With many people choosing to move from Lancaster 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 Lancaster to Columbia take?
The 2,370-mile move from Lancaster, CA, to Columbia, SC, takes seven to 18 days. Some Lancaster movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Lancaster?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In Lancaster, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Lancaster offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 19 movers in Lancaster have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 15 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 266 piano movers and 208 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 1901 and 1176.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.