Highly rated local moving companies for Atlanta to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Atlanta to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 49 local movers in Atlanta known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Atlanta to Columbia.
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Atlanta Peach Movers: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Wirks Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8948
Pricing: $125/hr
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 3306591
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 8292
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 797586
Alternate Names: Georgia Peach Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 206366
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Relocation , Armstrong Companies
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 500873
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1942465
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9035
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Atlanta to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Georgia charge about $139 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $750 – $2,902 | $575 – $1,377 | $241 – $401 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,432 – $4,001 | $1,015 – $1,826 | $250 – $524 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,905 – $5,534 | $1,345 – $2,357 | $316 – $577 |
Cost to hire movers from Atlanta to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Atlanta, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $750 and $2,902. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,432 and $4,001 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,905 to $5,534.
Cost of moving containers from Atlanta to Columbia
When you’re heading from Atlanta to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $575 and $1,377. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,015 and $1,826. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,345 to $2,357. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Georgia easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Atlanta to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Atlanta to Columbia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $241 to $401. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $250 to $524, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Atlanta to Columbia costs around $316 to $577.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Atlanta to Columbia

What to know before moving from Atlanta to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Atlanta – roughly 38% less for singles and 45% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $3,134 in Atlanta. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $7,822.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Atlanta | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,810 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,039 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $388,167 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,107 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,134 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,822 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.9% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 24% less expensive in Columbia than in Atlanta, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 43% cheaper in Columbia than in Atlanta.
- There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Atlanta are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person there is 38% below that of Atlanta.
- A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 45% lower compared to Atlanta.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Atlanta by about 13%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 10% cheaper in Columbia compared to Atlanta. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 28% more in South Carolina than in Georgia. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Atlanta versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Atlanta | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.80 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $57.65 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.13 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.96 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $46.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Atlanta than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Atlanta than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Atlanta than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Atlanta than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Atlanta than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Atlanta than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Atlanta than in Columbia.
How life is different in Atlanta vs. Columbia
| Atlanta | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 498,715 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 42 | 35 |
| Crime index | 64.23 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 35.77 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 73% less than Atlanta.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Atlanta’s score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Atlanta with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Atlanta’s 48 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 Atlanta, which has a score of 42.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Atlanta with a score of 3.0 compared to Atlanta’s 64.23. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Atlanta neighborhoods are safer than 64.23%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Atlanta with a safety index of 48.39 vs Atlanta’s 35.77.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Atlanta it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Atlanta to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Atlanta 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.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
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.
FAQ
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