Billings, MT to Columbia, SC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Billings to Columbia typically costs $4,300–$9,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,011 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Billings to Columbia
Moving from Billings, MT to Columbia, SC typically costs $4,300–$9,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,011-mile move from Billings to Columbia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $6,236 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Billings to Columbia
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Billings to Columbia may only cost $3,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $14,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Billings.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,300–$3,800), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT guide.
Best Billings to Columbia movers by type
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Local
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Best professional movers from Billings to Columbia
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Billings to Columbia. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MT→SC movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 12 Montana moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Billings to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Columbia runs about 10% higher for singles and -6% higher for families than Billings.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Columbia versus $1,773 in Billings; families pay $4,274 compared with $4,536.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Billings | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,150 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,125 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $381,592 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,515 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,773 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,536 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 6.75% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 11% more expensive in Columbia than in Billings. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 42% cheaper in Columbia than in Billings.
- There's good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Billings are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Columbia, with the cost of living for a single person being 10% more than in Billings. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- 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 6% lower compared to Billings.
- Columbia has a higher unemployment rate than Billings by about 27%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Columbia has a sales tax, while Billings does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are nearly the same between South Carolina and Montana, within a 5% range. This consistency assures you of predictable financial planning during your state move.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Billings versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Billings | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $187.19 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $49.20 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.10 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.33 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Billings than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Billings than in Columbia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Billings than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Billings than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Billings than in Columbia.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Billings than in Columbia.
How life is different in Billings vs. Columbia
| Billings | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 184,167 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 3 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 47 | 35 |
| Crime index | 48.63 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 50.37 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 26% less than Billings.
- Columbia's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Billings's score of 3.
- Columbia and Billings are similarly walkable.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Billings, which has a score of 47.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Billings with a score of 3.0 compared to Billings's 48.63. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Billings neighborhoods are safer than 48.63%.
- Columbia and Billings have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 50.37.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Billings it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Billings to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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
When is the best time to move from Billings to Columbia?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Billings to Columbia. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Billings.
When is the cheapest time to move from Billings to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Billings to Columbia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Billings to Columbia take?
The 2,011-mile move from Billings, MT, to Columbia, SC, takes six to 17 days. Some Billings movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Billings?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Billings provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 8 piano movers and 2 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
