Top-rated movers to make your St. Petersburg to Columbia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in St. Petersburg that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 41 top local movers in St. Petersburg who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from St. Petersburg to Columbia.
- Let’s Get Moving, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Big Man’s Moving Company, LLC: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Brothers EZ Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- 2 College Brothers Moving and Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2270761
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 2270761
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2951960
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2951960
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2349033
Alternate Names: Brothers EZ Moving, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: ACBR, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2106
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2787568
Alternate Names: Smarter Moving Solutions LLC , 2 College Brothers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Petersburg to Columbia?
In Florida, moving services typically cost around $172 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $985 – $2,809 | $677 – $1,631 | $389 – $729 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,874 – $4,421 | $1,153 – $2,366 | $445 – $892 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,311 – $6,666 | $1,646 – $3,101 | $533 – $1,074 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Petersburg to Columbia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from St. Petersburg, you can expect prices to land between $985 and $2,809. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,874 to $4,421 for the trip from St. Petersburg to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,311 and $6,666.
Cost of moving containers from St. Petersburg to Columbia
Moving containers from St. Petersburg to Columbia will cost you $677 to $1,631 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,153 to $2,366. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,646 to $3,101. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Petersburg to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from St. Petersburg to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $389 and $729 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $445 to $892. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $533 to $1,074.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your St. Petersburg to Columbia move
The cost of St. Petersburg movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,342 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,638 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in St. Petersburg.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $389 to $1,037, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from St. Petersburg to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than St. Petersburg – roughly 26% less for singles and 31% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,642 in St. Petersburg. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $6,178.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| St. Petersburg | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | |
| Average home value | $360,584 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,374 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,642 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,178 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.6% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- When relocating from St. Petersburg to Columbia, expect to find rent about 30% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 39% more affordable in Columbia compared to St. Petersburg.
- In terms of average income, Columbia and St. Petersburg are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, as the cost of living for a single person is 26% lower compared to St. Petersburg.
- 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 31% less than what it costs in St. Petersburg.
- Columbia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds St. Petersburg by around 13%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 14% more than in St. Petersburg, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Florida does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between St. Petersburg and Columbia:
| Living Expense | St. Petersburg | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | |
| Gym membership | $40.00 |
How life is different in St. Petersburg vs. Columbia
| St. Petersburg | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 259,343 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 43 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 59 | 35 |
| Crime index | 39.54 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 60.46 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 47% less than St. Petersburg.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Petersburg’s score of 6.
- Columbia is less walkable than St. Petersburg with a score of 35 out of 100 vs St. Petersburg’s 43 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 St. Petersburg, which has a score of 59.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than St. Petersburg with a score of 3.0 compared to St. Petersburg’s 39.54. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than St. Petersburg with a score of 48.39 vs St. Petersburg’s 60.46.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in St. Petersburg it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Petersburg to Columbia move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbia
Planning your move to Soda City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Columbia.
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
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- 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, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Petersburg to Columbia?
Planning your move from St. Petersburg to Columbia? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in St. Petersburg.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Petersburg to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from St. Petersburg to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from St. Petersburg to Columbia take?
The 508-mile journey from St. Petersburg, FL to Columbia, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in St. Petersburg 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.
Are there special savings available from movers in St. Petersburg?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 2 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in St. Petersburg?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In St. Petersburg, 31 movers can manage piano relocations. 21 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Florida has 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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