Quick answer: The cost to move from San Diego to Columbia ranges from $1,694 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 2,353-mile move on your own.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to San Diego guide.

Our track recordtoggle

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Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

There are 24 interstate moving companies in San Diego, so figuring out which one is best for your move from San Diego, 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 San Diego companies to only the best long-distance movers in San Diego, no matter what type of move you’re planning.

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Professional
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Best professional movers from San Diego to Columbia

When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from San Diego 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 San Diego to Columbia without the headaches.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in San Diego?toggle

Service availability isn’t the same everywhere. This table highlights how often movers in San Diego offer each option, alongside figures for CA and nationwide, so you can quickly see what’s simple to book and what may require extra planning.

Service San Diego (Count) San Diego (%) California (Count) California (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 28 100% 351 99% 2835 98%
Unpacking 28 100% 346 98% 2800 97%
Fragile-only packing 11 39% 102 29% 717 25%
Packing materials 24 86% 239 68% 1683 58%
Storage
Storage 28 100% 305 86% 2501 87%
Climate-controlled storage 9 32% 69 20% 975 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 23 82% 287 81% 1886 65%
Art 16 57% 226 64% 1400 48%
Antiques 16 57% 222 63% 1400 48%
Piano 21 75% 288 82% 2175 75%
Hot tub 12 43% 117 33% 669 23%
Pool table 13 46% 153 43% 943 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 277 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Find trusted moving companies for your San Diego to Columbia journey

Organizing a move from San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego to Columbia.

  1. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  2. McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  3. Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  5. One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/weliketomoveitsd, https://x.com/san_movers
94% of all reviews were positive
6% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made nearly effortless—We Like To Move It Moving receives consistently impressive customer feedback. Out of 379 reviews analyzed, 94% describe positive experiences citing efficient service, attention to detail with belongings, and truly professional movers. Many customers mention a quick, organized moving process and commend the team’s friendly, communicative attitude.
Movers arrive promptly, handle items with care, and communicate clearly throughout, making stressful moves much easier. Transparent pricing and easy booking also earn high praise. While negative feedback is rare, some customers saw final costs higher than expected, and a few reported damage to belongings or delays. Compared to typical moving companies, We Like To Move It Moving reliably delivers fast, careful, and personable service. High satisfaction rates and strong recommendations set them apart as a leader in the San Diego area.
Show more
Get a Quote (619) 483-1505

Company Info

State license #: 0191446

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2843171


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/SanDiegoMover/,
91% of all reviews were positive
8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about McCarthy Transfer & Storage’s professionalism and efficiency. Out of 221 feedback entries, over 91% praise the team’s politeness, careful handling, prompt communication, and quick moving process, reporting moves completed with speed and concern for personal property. Input frequently emphasizes courteous, skilled crews and services handled with respect for homes and belongings.
Some note that the company regularly exceeds experiences with other movers—especially for military relocations—earning more trust for reliability and staff friendliness. A small portion of feedback points out issues such as damaged or lost items, unprofessional conduct, or unexpected extra charges, particularly during military moves. Despite these isolated problems, most customer feedback compares McCarthy Transfer favorably to other moving companies for dependability and quality service.
Show more
Get a Quote (619) 596-2594

Company Info

State license #: 0154190

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 2059504

Alternate Names: McCarthy Transfer & Storage Incorporated


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOD certified
https://www.facebook.com/grizzlymovingsd,
93% of all reviews were positive
7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customer input for Grizzly Moving points to standout performance: more than 92% of the 434 reviews highlight prompt, efficient, and careful service. Clients consistently mention that the team handles furniture cautiously and communicates well from booking to delivery. Movers show up on time, treat property with respect, and complete jobs swiftly, which sets Grizzly apart from standard moving companies.
The staff is repeatedly described as professional, polite, and considerate, making stressful relocations easier for families, businesses, and individuals alike. On the downside, around 7% of reviewers cite real concerns, especially about damage to belongings, unexpected final costs, and, less frequently, delays or missed arrival windows. While complaints are few compared to the high volume of positive feedback, the nature of issues—such as significant item damage or underestimated costs—are important for potential customers to consider before booking. Compared to competitors, Grizzly’s consistent execution, fair communication, and efficient process earn high marks, though diligence is still advisable to clarify insurance, costs, and special handling when booking. With such a dominant trend of satisfied feedback, Grizzly ranks as a top contender, though a minority of experiences remind customers to confirm all details upfront.
Show more
Get a Quote (844) 474-9959

Company Info

State license #: 0191376

Years in Business: 9

DOT #: 2642040

Alternate Names: Grizzly Movers LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BestCAMovers/,
99% of all reviews were positive
1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving day stress gets left behind with Best California Movers, according to an overwhelming 1,177 reviews—of which 98.5% were positive. Customers repeatedly point out efficient service, careful handling, professionalism, quick moving, and excellent communication—attributes not seen as consistently in most moving companies. Feedback shows that belongings arrive safe and undamaged, with movers working swiftly and showing courtesy at every stage.
Many notice that clear communication and transparent pricing make the process easier, and crews are praised for problem-solving in tough situations. A handful of reviewers, though, cite incidents involving damaged items, unexpected charges from inaccurate price quotes, or difficulty with claims and follow-up. These lapses are rare compared to industry averages but noteworthy for those prioritizing accountability. While neutral reviews mention minor flaws with after-move support, they still highlight professionalism and care by the moving teams. Compared to other moving services, Best California Movers stands out for reliability, speed, and the personal touch so often missing in the industry.
Show more
Get a Quote (858) 997-2487

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
https://www.facebook.com/Onestopmoving, https://x.com/1StopMoving
76% of all reviews were positive
23% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
One Stop Moving & Storage stands out for its efficient, professional service, with a remarkable 76% of customer feedback describing a positive experience. Out of 628 reviews, most customers report quick moves, careful handling of belongings, polite staff, and clear communication—qualities that set this company above many competitors. Many mention moving day being stress-free thanks to a hardworking team skilled at protecting furniture and executing moves seamlessly.
Pricing is usually transparent and estimates tend to be accurate compared to other movers. On the downside, about 23% of feedback details more serious problems: some moves resulted in furniture damage, missing items, or unexpected charges, and customers who experienced these issues struggled to get satisfactory help after the fact. A few reviews also describe poor claims handling and communication gaps. While most people recommend One Stop Moving & Storage for careful, professional relocations, anyone booking a move should confirm all terms and insurance coverage in writing to help avoid surprises.
Show more
Get a Quote (858) 633-8600

Company Info

State license #: 0190616

Years in Business: 16

DOT #: 1956864

Alternate Names: One Stop Moving & Storage Inc, San Diego Expert Movers, Quick San Diego Movers, Coastal Movers, Manpower Movers


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from San Diego to Columbia?

San Diego movers charge $200 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 $1,453 - $5,868 $1,425 - $3,432 $1,565 - $2,968
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,999 - $8,314 $2,506 - $5,250 $1,694 - $3,638
4+ bedrooms $7,820 - $13,918 $3,410 - $7,193 $2,119 - $4,078
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,353 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from California to South Carolina

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from California to South Carolina typically costs between $1,453 and $5,868. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,999 and $8,314 when moving from CA to SC. If you're tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from California to South Carolina, you're looking at costs ranging from $7,820 up to $13,918.

Cost of moving containers from California to South Carolina

Moving containers from California to South Carolina will cost you $1,425 to $3,432 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,506 to $5,250. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,410 to $7,193. 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 typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $1,565 and $2,968 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,694 to $3,638. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $2,119 to $4,078.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Columbiatoggle

The cost of San Diego movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from San Diego to Columbia might cost as little as $1,453, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,986.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in San Diego, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,565 to $3,684 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from San Diego to Columbia

Looking to trim monthly costs? Columbia usually runs cheaper than San Diego — about 42% for singles and 45% for families.

Singles average $1,956 in Columbia vs. $3,346 in San Diego; families see $4,274 vs. $7,719.

The breakdown below shows where those savings appear:

San Diego Columbia
Average 1 BR rent $2,704 $1,300
Average 3 BR rent $4,914 $2,220
Average home value $1,003,444 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $64,683
Unemployment rate 6.6% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.75% 8.0%
State income tax 13.3% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 50% lower than in San Diego, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
    Home prices in Columbia are 78.0% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in Columbia is 11.3% lower than in San Diego, 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 41.5% lower than in San Diego.
  • 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 44.6% less than what it costs in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 21.21% lower than in San Diego.
  • 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 San Diego.
  • One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 47.37% lower than in San Diego.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Diego and Columbia:

San Diego Columbia
Basic utilities $277.55 $148.09
Cell phone plan $66.79 $54.77
Dozen eggs $5.26 $3.46
Loaf of bread $4.5 $2.65
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $21 $16
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $100 $60
Gym membership $65.68 $40
  • Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Diego than in Columbia.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Diego than in Columbia.
  • Eggs cost more in San Diego than in Columbia.
  • Bread is more expensive in San Diego than in Columbia.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in San Diego than in Columbia.
  • A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Diego than in Columbia.
  • Gym memberships cost more in San Diego than in Columbia.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Columbia

Columbia San Diego
Population 136,632 1,386,932
Transportation Score 5 6
Walkability score 35 53
Bike friendliness score 35 43
Crime Index 3.0 39.83
Safety Index 48.39 60.17
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbia's population is about 90% less than San Diego.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
  • Columbia is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 35 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 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 San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 3.0 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
  • Columbia is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 48.39 vs San Diego's 60.17.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego 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

Now that you've chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cayce
  • Seven Oaks
  • Irmo
  • West Columbia
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Irmo
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Seven Oaks
  • Cayce

Things to do in Columbia

Now that you've made the move to South Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Columbia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • 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 San Diego to Columbia?

The best time to move from San Diego to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Diego.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Columbia?

With many people choosing to move from San Diego 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 San Diego to Columbia take?

The 2,353-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Columbia, SC, takes seven to 18 days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.

Do movers in San Diego offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 1 movers in San Diego offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

Which movers in San Diego offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 21 movers in San Diego have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 16 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 288 piano movers and 222 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2175 and 1400.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

Helpful moving resources