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 record
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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Labor only
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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
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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 San Diego?
How we chose the best moving companies for your CA to SC move
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.
- We Like To Move It Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- McCarthy Transfer & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Grizzly Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- Best California Movers: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- One Stop Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
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 |
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 Columbia
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:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 50% lower than in San Diego, 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 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.