Moving from Chicago, IL to Columbia, SC: Movers and Cost

Sergio Ocampo

Last Updated: Mar 1, 2023 · 5 min read

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Columbia, SC averages from $631 to $5,847 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself. Hiring movers will be on the more expensive side. Renting a truck or renting a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move to Columbia, SC. But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Chicago guide.

• Best Chicago to Columbia movers: We’ve handpicked the best moving companies from Chicago to Columbia.
• How much will your move cost?: Use our moving calculator to get a more accurate estimate on moving costs.
• Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
• Chicago to Columbia car shippers: Moving your car? Here's a list of our top car shipping companies.

Moving 804 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Columbia?

Here are average prices to hire a moving company, rent a moving container, or rent a moving truck:

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 804 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Columbia will depend on:

• Move size: 5 bedroom homes are more expensive to move than 1 bedroom apartments.
• Time of year: Summer is busy season so moving companies charge more.
• Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress.

Who Are The Best Chicago to Columbia Movers?

Hiring a moving company is a big deal.

We’ve researched over 500 interstate moving companies, cross-referencing verified customer reviews, license data, insurance data, and federal complaint records to find you the best long distance moving companies in the industry.

If you’re moving a 1 bedroom apartment worth of stuff or more, these are the best full service moving companies.

Company	Quote	Rating	Price
Safeway Moving Best Overall Value	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
American Van Lines Best industry reputation	Get A Quote	4.5 overall rating
International Van Lines Best customer service	Get A Quote	4.45 overall rating

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Chicago to Columbia?

To ship furniture from Chicago to Columbia with a mover will cost between $1,196 to $4,243. The cost to move a 2 to 3 bedroom home will range from $2,373 to $5,847, and a 4-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Columbia will cost from $4,040 to $8,053.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Columbia?

Moving containers from Chicago to Columbia will cost you $799 to $1,939 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a 2 to 3 bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,437 to $2,831. A larger home will cost $1,930 to $3,695.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Columbia?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $584 to $1,101. A larger move will cost $631 to $1,308, and a 4+ bedroom move from Chicago to Columbia costs from $790 to $1,587.

How to ship a car from Chicago to Columbia?

If you're moving from Chicago to Columbia and need to transport your car, finding a reliable car shipping company is crucial. Look for top-rated Chicago to Columbia car shippers and compare quotes and services to find the best fit for your needs and budget. Keep in mind that the type of transport you choose and the size of your vehicle will affect the cost.

Is moving from Chicago, IL to Columbia, SC a good idea?

Cost of Living: Chicago vs Columbia

• Rent Prices in Columbia, SC are 32% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Home Prices in Columbia, SC are 28.6% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Income in Columbia, SC is 1.4% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Cost of Living for a single person in Columbia, SC is 95.4% higher than in Chicago, IL.
• Cost of Living for a family in Columbia, SC is 19.3% higher than in Chicago, IL.
• Unemployment rate in Columbia, SC is 42.22% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• Sales Taxes in Columbia, SC are 21.95% lower than in Chicago, IL.
• State Income Taxes in Columbia, SC are 41.41% higher than in Chicago, IL.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $137.9 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL to Columbia, SC?

• Columbia’s population is about 95% less than Chicago.
• Columbia’s public transportation is better than Chicago with a score of 5 vs 9.
• Columbia is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 35 vs 77.
• Columbia is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 35 vs 72.
• Columbia's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 3.0 compared to 35.19.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 48.39 vs 33.87.
• Air Quality in Columbia is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

Considerations for moving to Columbia, SC

• Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant..
• 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 you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State Regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
• Moving Permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
• Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forward to Columbia. Get started here.
• Moving Company Insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Released Value Protection is the most economical option because it doesn’t cost anything. It is offered by movers at no additional charge, but the protection is minimal. Under this option, the mover is responsible for no more than 60 cents per pound per article. For example, if your mover lost or damaged a 50 inch TV weighing 25 pounds, you would only receive $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). If you need for the full value of your items to be covered, please consult with the moving company you're hiring for other options or a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving Checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Local Chicago Movers

Visit our Best Movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Columbia, SC

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Soda City", these are the best neighborhoods in Columbia to move to.

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

What to do in Columbia

Moving to The “Soda City”? These are some of the best things to do in your new South Carolina home.

• Riverbanks Zoo
• Riverbanks Botanical Garden
• South Carolina State House
• South Carolina State Museum
• Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park
• Columbia Museum of Art
• University of South Carolina Visitor Center
• Waverly Historic District
• EdVenture Children's Museum

Get your sports on!

• Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
• South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
• Benedict Tigers (SIAC)

Related articles to your move

Movers and cost

• Los Angeles to Columbia
• New York City to Columbia
• Houston to Columbia
• Phoenix to Columbia
• Philadelphia to Columbia
• San Antonio to Columbia
• San Diego to Columbia
• Dallas to Columbia
• San Jose to Columbia
• Austin to Columbia

Learn more about Columbia

• What Is The Cost To Move In Columbia?
• What Is The Cost To Move To South Carolina?
• Best Moving Companies in Columbia, SC
• Best Moving Companies in South Carolina