Quick answer: For a 734-mile move from Baton Rouge to Columbia, expect to spend around $595 – $5,604 and one to six days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you’re going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Columbia to Baton Rouge.
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Best professional movers from Baton Rouge to Columbia
A full-service mover can streamline every step of your interstate move from Baton Rouge to Columbia. While they handle the packing, loading, and transportation, you’re free to focus on securing your new home, planning your first few weeks, or just taking a breath before the next chapter begins.
There are 4 interstate moving companies in Baton Rouge, below, you’ll find our top recommendations equipped to get you to Columbia efficiently and with minimal stress.
What moving services are available in Baton Rouge?
How we chose the best movers LA→SC movers
Top-rated local movers that handle Baton Rouge to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Baton Rouge 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 local movers in Baton Rouge 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 Baton Rouge to Columbia.
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- David Moving Company: 4.28 out of 5 stars
- Acadiana Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- A & L Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 7508-A
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons Moving & Storage of Baton Rouge
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 7644
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: HWJ Legacy, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 71
DOT #: 1291881
Alternate Names: North American Van Lines (agent for)
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 15
DOT #: 1996186
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8056
Years in Business: 9
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Baton Rouge to Columbia?
Movers in Louisiana charge 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 | $1,275 – $3,981 | $820 – $1,911 | $529 – $1,045 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,464 – $5,604 | $1,434 – $2,620 | $595 – $1,216 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,300 – $8,448 | $1,884 – $3,659 | $721 – $1,534 |
Cost to hire movers from Baton Rouge to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Baton Rouge to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,275 and $3,981. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,464 to $5,604 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Baton Rouge to Columbia typically runs between $4,300 and $8,448.
Cost of moving containers from Baton Rouge to Columbia
When moving from Baton Rouge to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $820 and $1,911. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,434 to $2,620. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,884 up to $3,659. 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 Louisiana.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Baton Rouge to Columbia
Renting a moving truck Baton Rouge 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 $529 and $1,045. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $595 and $1,216. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $721 and $1,534.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from Baton Rouge to Columbia

What to know before moving from Baton Rouge to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about 19% higher for singles and 8% higher for families than Baton Rouge.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Baton Rouge versus $1,638 in Baton Rouge; families pay $4,274 compared with $3,941.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Baton Rouge | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,326 | $1,300 |
Average 3 BR rent | $2,033 | $2,220 |
Average home value | $213,584 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $60,369 | $64,683 |
Unemployment rate | 7.5% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 9.5% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 4.25% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbia, note that rent can be roughly 16% more expensive than it is in Baton Rouge; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Home prices are within about 5% of each other in Columbia and Baton Rouge, so there’s no need to change up your mortgage budget, unless you’re upgrading your living situation.
- Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 7% higher in Columbia compared to Baton Rouge, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person is 19% more than in Baton Rouge. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- If your journey leads to Columbia, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 8% more than it is in Baton Rouge.
- Columbia experiences an unemployment rate that is about 31% lower than that of Baton Rouge. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 16% lower in Columbia than in Baton Rouge. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbia can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 65% higher in South Carolina compared to Louisiana. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Baton Rouge with Columbia:
Living Expense | Baton Rouge | Columbia |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $138.12 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $44.20 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $3.07 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $3.01 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $16.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $60.00 |
Gym membership | $52.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Baton Rouge than in Columbia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Baton Rouge than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Baton Rouge than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Baton Rouge than in Columbia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Baton Rouge than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Baton Rouge than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Baton Rouge than in Columbia.
How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. Columbia
Baton Rouge | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 222,191 | 136,632 |
Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
Walkability score | 39 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 44 | 35 |
Crime index | 2.0 | 3.0 |
Safety index | 30.74 | 48.39 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 39% less than Baton Rouge.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Baton Rouge’s score of 4.
- Columbia is less walkable than Baton Rouge with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Baton Rouge’s 39 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 Baton Rouge, which has a score of 44.
- Columbia’s crime rate is higher than Baton Rouge with a score of 3.0 compared to Baton Rouge’s 2.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Baton Rouge with a safety index of 48.39 vs Baton Rouge’s 30.74.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Baton Rouge it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Baton Rouge 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
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