($1,282) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Columbia, SC

1. West Coast Moving Systems, Inc: 4.52 out of 5 stars
2. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
3. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Sweet Lemon Moving Services: 4.44 out of 5 stars
5. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Columbia

When planning a move to Columbia from Oakland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,282 and $5,361. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,806 and $7,574 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,951 to $12,081.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Columbia

When you’re heading from Oakland to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,360 and $3,420. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,461 and $4,887. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,263 to $6,922. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Columbia

A moving rental truck from Oakland to Columbia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,398 to $2,737. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,514 to $3,423, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Oakland to Columbia costs around $1,972 to $4,240.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 34% less expensive in Columbia than in Oakland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 70% cheaper in Columbia than in Oakland.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 31% less in Columbia than in Oakland.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person there is 38% below that of Oakland.
• A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 50% lower compared to Oakland.
• Columbia has a higher unemployment rate than Oakland by about 16%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 22% cheaper in Columbia compared to Oakland. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 47% less in South Carolina compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Columbia’s population is about 69% less than Oakland.
• Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Oakland’s score of 8.
• Columbia is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 out of 100.
• Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Oakland, which has a score of 65.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 3.0 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 48.39 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Oakland and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is 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: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• 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: 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Cayce
• Seven Oaks
• Forest Acres
• Irmo
• Lexington
• West Columbia
• St. Andrews
• Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

• Irmo
• Forest Acres
• Lexington
• Blythewood
• Seven Oaks
• Chapin
• Cayce
• Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s 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: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.