($1,418) Cost to Move From San Jose, CA to Columbia, SC

Quick answer: A move from San Jose to Columbia costs $1,648 – $8,213 and usually takes seven to 21 days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 2,642-mile drive yourself.

1. Lunardi Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
2. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. All In Moving Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Pure Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. Southwest Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Columbia

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Columbia typically costs between $1,418 and $5,464. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,995 and $8,213 when moving from San Jose to Columbia. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from San Jose to Columbia, you’re looking at costs ranging from $7,138 up to $12,592.

Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Columbia

If you’re relocating from San Jose to Columbia, you’ll typically spend between $1,484 and $3,515 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,430 up to $5,488. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $3,664 and $6,897. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Jose to Columbia

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a San Jose to Columbia move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,536 and $2,888. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,648 to $3,509. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $2,124 and $4,349.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent is about 53% less expensive in Columbia than in San Jose, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 85% lower in Columbia than in San Jose.
• Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 22% lower in Columbia than in San Jose.
• 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 47% lower than in San Jose.
• 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 49% less than what it costs in San Jose.
• Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than San Jose by about 21%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 15% lower in Columbia than in San Jose. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbia can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 47% lower in South Carolina than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

• Columbia’s population is about 86% less than San Jose.
• Columbia’s public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus San Jose’s higher score of 7.
• Columbia is less walkable than San Jose with a score of 35 out of 100 vs San Jose’s 51 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 San Jose, which has a score of 62.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than San Jose with a score of 3.0 compared to San Jose’s 47.73. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
• Columbia is considered to be less safe than San Jose with a score of 48.39 vs San Jose’s 52.27.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in San Jose it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across San Jose 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.