The best local movers for Columbus to Columbia moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Columbus that also handles long-distance moves to Columbia. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated nine local movers in Columbus who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbus to Columbia.
- Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Apple Moving : 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- American International Movers Inc.: 4.14 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 110
DOT #: 2897746
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 500159
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Trad Holdings, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9128
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 1934458
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Crating
- Storage
Company Info
State license #: 3754018
Years in Business: 0
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 34
DOT #: 270715
Alternate Names: IHS Technologies, Inc. , Trading Post Moving & Storage , American International Movers, Inc. , Covenant Storage, Inc. , Southern Choice Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Columbus to Columbia?
The average hourly rate for movers in Georgia is $139. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $949 – $3,114 | $618 – $1,434 | $308 – $560 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,661 – $4,864 | $1,088 – $2,111 | $345 – $677 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,364 – $6,036 | $1,482 – $2,652 | $406 – $841 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbus to Columbia
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbia will cost between $949 and $3,114. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbus to Columbus will range from $1,661 to $4,864, and a large move from Columbus to Columbia will cost from $2,364 to $6,036.
Cost of moving containers from Columbus to Columbia
If you’re moving from Columbus to Columbia, expect to pay between $618 and $1,434 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,088 up to $2,111. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,482 and $2,652. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Georgia.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbus to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Columbus to Columbia is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $308 and $560. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $345 and $677. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $406 up to $841 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbus to Columbia
The cost of Columbus movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,223, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $5,356.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($308–$709) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbus to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about -4% higher for singles and 11% higher for families than Columbus.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Columbus versus $2,041 in Columbus; families pay $4,274 compared with $3,834.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbus | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,250 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,400 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $157,861 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $50,542 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,041 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,834 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 7.0% |
- Rent is estimated to be 32% higher in Columbia compared to Columbus; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 40% greater in Columbia than in Columbus.
- Here’s some promising news: the average income is around 28% higher in Columbia than in Columbus, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Columbia and Columbus, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- When relocating to Columbia, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 11% greater than in Columbus.
- The unemployment rates of Columbia and Columbus are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
- Sales taxes drop 11% in Columbia compared to Columbus, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 28% higher in South Carolina than in Georgia, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbus and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Columbus | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.40 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $40.33 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.24 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.52 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $10.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Columbus than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbus than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbus than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbus than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbus than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbus than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbus than in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbus vs. Columbia
| Columbus | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 206,922 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 25 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 31 | 35 |
| Crime index | 72.18 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 27.82 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 34% less than Columbus.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Columbus’s score of 2.
- Columbia is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Columbus’s 25 out of 100.
- With a score of 35 out of 100, Columbia is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 3.0 compared to Columbus’s 72.18. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 48.39 vs Columbus’s 27.82.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Columbus it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbus to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Soda City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you’re settled into your new home in South Carolina, it’s time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbus to Columbia?
The best time to move from Columbus to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbus.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Columbia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbus to Columbia, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Columbus to Columbia take?
Moving from Columbus, GA to Columbia, covers 315 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Columbus movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Columbus?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Columbus advertise piano moving expertise. 3 movers in Columbus provide antique moving services. State totals show 54 piano movers and 39 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Columbus moving services
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