Top-rated local movers that handle Tallahassee to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Tallahassee to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing six local movers in Tallahassee who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Tallahassee to Columbia.
- Browning Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Community Moving & Storage: 4.26 out of 5 stars
- Pinky’s Moving Service: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mike’s Moving: 4.2 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 41
Years in Business: 37
DOT #: 077949
Alternate Names: Fister Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2068
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Black Wolf Moving Florida, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 125563
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2100
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2356292
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Shipment tracking
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 33
DOT #: 799596
Alternate Names: Tallahassee Motor Coach , Mike’s Moving , Go Mini Storage Tallahassee , Mike’s Limousine Luxury
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Tallahassee to Columbia?
Movers in Florida charge $172 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 | $904 – $2,597 | $635 – $1,549 | $346 – $633 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,468 – $4,283 | $1,072 – $2,111 | $362 – $758 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,283 – $5,915 | $1,537 – $2,660 | $448 – $845 |
Cost to hire movers from Tallahassee to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Tallahassee to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $904 and $2,597. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $1,468 to $4,283 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Tallahassee to Columbia typically runs between $2,283 and $5,915.
Cost of moving containers from Tallahassee to Columbia
When moving from Tallahassee to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $635 and $1,549. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,072 to $2,111. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,537 up to $2,660. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Florida.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tallahassee to Columbia
Renting a moving truck in Tallahassee is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbia. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $346 and $633. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $362 and $758. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $448 and $845.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Tallahassee to Columbia
The cost of Tallahassee movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $1,228, but larger homes can run up to $4,880.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Tallahassee.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($346–$835) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from Tallahassee to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Tallahassee – roughly 3% less for singles and 8% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,019 in Tallahassee. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $4,631.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Tallahassee | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,610 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,007 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $283,504 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,077 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,019 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,631 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.1% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Tallahassee to Columbia, as rent prices are comparably stable.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 22% lower in Columbia than in Tallahassee.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 32% higher in Columbia compared to Tallahassee, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person is within 5% of the same in both Columbia and Tallahassee, you shouldn’t see much difference.
- Moving to Columbia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 8% less than in Tallahassee.
- Both Columbia and Tallahassee present nearly identical unemployment rates, within a 5% range, signifying stability in employment conditions.
- Sales taxes are 7% higher in Columbia than in Tallahassee. This means you’ll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- 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.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Tallahassee with Columbia:
| Living Expense | Tallahassee | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $149.82 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $42.92 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.62 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.32 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $23.50 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tallahassee than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Tallahassee than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Tallahassee than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Tallahassee than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Tallahassee than in Columbia.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Tallahassee than in Columbia.
How life is different in Tallahassee vs. Columbia
| Tallahassee | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 201,731 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 30 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 45 | 35 |
| Crime index | 58.35 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 41.65 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 32% less than Tallahassee.
- Columbia’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Tallahassee, making them very similar.
- Columbia is more walkable than Tallahassee with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Tallahassee’s 30 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 Tallahassee, which has a score of 45.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Tallahassee with a score of 3.0 compared to Tallahassee’s 58.35. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tallahassee neighborhoods are safer than 58.35%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Tallahassee with a safety index of 48.39 vs Tallahassee’s 41.65.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Tallahassee it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tallahassee to Columbia move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbia smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
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
- 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 getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbia offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Tallahassee to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Tallahassee to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Tallahassee are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Tallahassee to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Tallahassee 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 Tallahassee to Columbia take?
A move of 354 miles from Tallahassee, FL to Columbia, generally takes one to four days. Movers in Tallahassee sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Tallahassee offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Tallahassee have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 3 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across FL, there are 174 piano movers and 105 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
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