Quick answer: A move from Los Angeles to Columbia costs $1,801–$9,216 and takes seven to 18 days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,387-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Los Angeles guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from Los Angeles to Columbia
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Los Angeles to go to Columbia can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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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How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your Los Angeles to Columbia journey
Organizing a move from Los Angeles to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Los Angeles known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Los Angeles to Columbia.
- Seka Moving: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Move Central Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Prof Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Pure Moving Company: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0192497
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
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
Company Info
State license #: 0191020
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2365576
Alternate Names: Move Central Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 0191695
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3052150
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191103
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3207734
Alternate Names: Pure Pros Movers, Pure Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Los Angeles to Columbia?
Los Angeles 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 | $1,640 - $6,837 | $1,523 - $3,860 | $1,663 - $3,185 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,356 - $9,216 | $2,958 - $5,727 | $1,801 - $4,021 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,100 - $15,272 | $3,835 - $7,851 | $2,252 - $4,742 |
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 $1,640 and $6,837. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,356 to $9,216 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 $8,100 and $15,272.
Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina
Moving from California to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,523 and $3,860. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,958 to $5,727. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,835 up to $7,851. 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 typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,663 and $3,185 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,801 to $4,021. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,252 to $4,742.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Los Angeles to Columbia move
What to know before moving from Los Angeles to Columbia
Moving from Los Angeles to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Los Angeles than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Los Angeles compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Los Angeles | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,960 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $2,368,088 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $74,993 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,922 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,213 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 51% lower than in Los Angeles, 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 90.7% lower than in Los Angeles. - Income in Columbia is 13.7% lower than in Los Angeles, 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 50.1% lower than in Los Angeles.
- 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 53.6% less than what it costs in Los Angeles.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 50.94% lower than in Los Angeles.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city's sales taxes in Columbia are 15.79% lower than in Los Angeles.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Los Angeles.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,496.18 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Los Angeles vs. Columbia
Columbia | Los Angeles | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 3,820,914 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 69 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 59 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 53.81 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 46.19 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbia's population is about 96% less than Los Angeles.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Los Angeles's higher score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Los Angeles with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Los Angeles's 69 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 Los Angeles, which has a score of 59 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Los Angeles with a score of 3.0 compared to Los Angeles's 53.81. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81%.
- Columbia and Los Angeles are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Los Angeles it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Los Angeles 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
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
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Chapin
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it's time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- 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, 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Los Angeles to Columbia?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Los Angeles to Columbia. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Los Angeles.
When is the cheapest time to move from Los Angeles to Columbia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Los Angeles to Columbia moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Los Angeles to Columbia take?
Covering 2,387 miles, the move from Los Angeles, CA to Columbia, SC typically takes seven to 18 days. Some Los Angeles movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Columbia can help bridge the gap.