Quick answer: A typical 2,362-mile move from Riverside to Columbia runs $1,548–$8,485 and takes seven to 18 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 Riverside 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. Riverside has 49 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 Riverside for every moving option.
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Labor only
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Best professional movers from Riverside to Columbia
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
Local movers servicing Riverside to Columbia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Riverside 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 Riverside 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 Riverside to Columbia.
- Golden Eagle Moving, LLC: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Golden West Moving Systems, Inc.: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- Trek Movers: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- JFK Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Terry Moving and Storage Inc.: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0191570
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 77949
Alternate Names: Golden Eagle Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190351
Years in Business: 61
DOT #: 70719
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 0191956
Pricing: $120/hr
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3256910
Alternate Names: Trek Solutions LLC, Trek Movers Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191935
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3079794
Alternate Names: JFK Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Riverside to Columbia?
Riverside 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 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,423 - $5,987 | $1,497 - $3,575 | $1,520 - $2,968 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,040 - $8,485 | $2,532 - $5,038 | $1,548 - $3,291 |
4+ bedrooms | $7,283 - $12,725 | $3,586 - $7,409 | $1,975 - $4,248 |
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 $1,423 and $5,987. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,040 to $8,485 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 $7,283 and $12,725.
Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina
When you're heading from California to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,497 and $3,575. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,532 and $5,038. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,586 to $7,409. 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 California to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,520 and $2,968. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,548 and $3,291. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $1,975 up to $4,248 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Riverside to Columbia
What to know before moving from Riverside to Columbia
Columbia often delivers a lighter monthly spend than Riverside — around 24% less for singles and 24% less for families.
Expect about $1,956 per month for singles and $4,274 for families in Columbia, versus $2,573 and $5,604 in Riverside.
Check the categories below to see where costs diverge:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 37% lower than in Riverside, 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 65.7% lower than in Riverside. - Income in Columbia is 15.7% lower than in Riverside, 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 24.0% lower than in Riverside.
- 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 23.7% less than what it costs in Riverside.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 26.76% lower than in Riverside.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city's sales taxes in Columbia are 8.57% lower than in Riverside.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in Riverside.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Riverside and Columbia:
Riverside | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $226.85 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $46.5 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $4.02 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85 | $60 |
Gym membership | $35 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Riverside than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Riverside than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Riverside than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Riverside than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Riverside than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Riverside than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Riverside than in Columbia.
How life is different in Riverside vs. Columbia
Columbia | Riverside | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 317,261 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 35 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 49 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 40.24 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 59.76 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbia's population is about 57% less than Riverside.
- Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Riverside.
- Columbia is less walkable than Riverside with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Riverside'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 Riverside, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Riverside with a score of 3.0 compared to Riverside's 40.24. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Riverside with a score of 48.39 vs Riverside's 59.76.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Riverside it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Riverside 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
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Chapin
- 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 Riverside to Columbia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Riverside to Columbia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Riverside.
When is the cheapest time to move from Riverside to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Riverside 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 Riverside to Columbia take?
The 2,362-mile journey from Riverside, CA to Columbia, SC, typically takes seven to 18 days. Some movers in Riverside 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.
Do movers in Riverside offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Riverside can handle specialty items for my move to Columbia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Riverside, 41 movers can handle pianos. 33 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.