$1,197 Movers From Detroit to Columbia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Detroit, MI to Columbia, SC averages from $552 to $6,092 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Detroit moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Columbia, SC.

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

Moving from Detroit to Columbia resources

Moving 716 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Detroit movers charge $100 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 $1,197 - $4,258 $735 - $1,816 $538 - $1,030
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,534 - $6,092 $1,392 - $2,754 $552 - $1,128
4+ bedrooms $3,984 - $8,524 $1,753 - $3,332 $733 - $1,424
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 716 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 Detroit to Columbia will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Detroit to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Detroit to Columbia will cost between $1,197 to $4,258. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,534 to $6,092, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Detroit to Columbia will cost from $3,984 to $8,524.

How much are moving container companies from Detroit to Columbia?

Moving containers from Detroit to Columbia will cost you $735 to $1,816 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,392 to $2,754. A larger home will cost $1,753 to $3,332.

How much is a moving truck from Detroit to Columbia?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $538 to $1,030. A larger move will cost $552 to $1,128, and a four-bedroom move from Detroit to Columbia costs from $733 to $1,424. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Detroit to Columbia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Detroit to Columbia is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Detroit to Columbia.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Detroit to Columbia

Cost of living: Detroit vs Columbia

Detroit Columbia
Average rent cost $1,200 $1,447
Average home value $65,800 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $34,762 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $969 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,338 $4,274
Unemployment rate 10.0% 5.2%
Sales Tax 6.0% 8.0%
State Income Tax 4.25% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 21% higher than in Detroit.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 235.3% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Columbia is 86.1% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 101.9% higher than in Detroit.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 28.0% higher than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 48.00% lower than in Detroit.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 33.33% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 64.71% higher than in Detroit.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,055.73 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How is life different in Detroit compared to Columbia?

Columbia Detroit
Population 136,632 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 35 51
Bike friendliness score 35 52
Crime Index 3.0 55.84
Safety Index 48.39 25.97
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbia's population is about 79% less than Detroit.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's lower score of 7.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 out of 100.
  • Columbia is less bike-friendly than Detroit with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Detroit's 52.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 3.0 compared to Detroit's 55.84. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 55.84%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 48.39 vs Detroit's 25.97.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Detroit it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Columbia

  • 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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 forwarded to Columbia. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Detroit movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Palmer Moving Services Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
24660 Dequindre Road, Warren, MI, 48091
(586) 834-3400
Handy Relocations Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
2209 Gratiot Ave, 2nd floor , Detroit, MI, 48207
(313) 649-4917

Visit our best long distance movers in Detroit page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Columbia

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 is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
  • South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
  • Benedict Tigers (SIAC)

FAQs about moving from Detroit to Columbia

When is the best time to move from Detroit to Columbia?

The best time to move from Detroit to Columbia is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Detroit to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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