Top Chapel Hill, NC to Columbia, SC Movers

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

1. Miracle Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
3. Bellhop Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
5. The Armstrong Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to South Carolina

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from North Carolina to South Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $881 and $3,203. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,640 to $4,309 for the trip from NC to SC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $2,200 and $6,001.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to South Carolina

When you're heading from North Carolina to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $651 and $1,486. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,205 and $2,115. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,633 to $2,772. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from North Carolina easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to South Carolina

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $298 and $565. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $309 to $624. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $401 and $769.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Rent prices in Columbia are 26% lower than in Chapel Hill, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
  Home prices in Columbia are 62.8% lower than in Chapel Hill.
• Income in Columbia is 1.4% lower than in Chapel Hill, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia — including Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina — may pay more.
• Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 13.0% lower than in Chapel Hill.
• A move to Columbia can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 10.8% less than what it costs in Chapel Hill.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 62.50% higher than in Chapel Hill.
• Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 6.67% higher than what you are paying in Chapel Hill.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 55.56% higher than in Chapel Hill.

• The population of Columbia is about 114% greater than Chapel Hill, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Getting around Columbia without a car might be more difficult than in Chapel Hill. Columbia has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Chapel Hill is ranked 6. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
• You'll find Columbia to be about as walkable as Chapel Hill. The two cities have similar walkability scores of 35 and 34 respectively out of 100 in terms of how close housing is to businesses, recreational facilities, and jobs.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Chapel Hill. While Chapel Hill has a bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, Columbia earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
• Columbia has a lower crime rate than Chapel Hill based on scores of 3.0 and Chapel Hill's 26.42, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
• You may want to exercise more caution as you're getting used to your new surroundings in Columbia. With a crime index of 48.39, Columbia ranks lower in overall safety than Chapel Hill, whose index is 73.58. The safety index measures how safe people in a city feel about walking alone, both during the day and at night, as well as data on muggings, theft, vandalism, and other instances of petty crime.
• You can breathe easy knowing that Columbia has better air quality than in Chapel Hill. Columbia has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Chapel Hill. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.

• 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• 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: 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Cayce
• Seven Oaks
• Irmo
• St. Andrews
• Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

• Irmo
• Forest Acres
• Lexington
• Blythewood
• Cayce

Things to do in Columbia

After settling into your new South Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbia include museums and art centers like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.