Quick answer: For a 93-mile move from Charlotte to Columbia, expect to spend around $117–$3,126 and one to two 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 Moving from Columbia to Charlotte guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 33 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Charlotte, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Charlotte mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Charlotte, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from Charlotte to Columbia
If you’d rather let the professionals handle every part of your interstate move from Charlotte to Columbia, a full-service mover is the way to go. These companies can manage everything, so you can focus on the big picture instead of the heavy lifting.
Here are our top picks for full-service movers that can get you from Charlotte to Columbia with less stress and more peace of mind.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in Charlotte?
How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to SC move
Local movers servicing Charlotte to Columbia moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Charlotte that also provides long-distance services to Columbia can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Charlotte who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Charlotte to Columbia.
- You Move Me: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- Easy Movers: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Hilldrup: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Road Haugs Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Hornet Moving : 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2572
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: TEC Ventures LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2225
Pricing: $145/hr
Years in Business: 32
DOT #: 648055
Alternate Names: EasyMovers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2210
Years in Business: 121
DOT #: 22302
Alternate Names: Hilldrup Companies, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2570
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2535952
Alternate Names: Road Haugs, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2615
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2841083
Alternate Names: Hornet Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
How much does it cost to move from Charlotte to Columbia?
Charlotte movers charge $80 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 | $543 - $2,361 | $455 - $1,145 | $101 - $163 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,163 - $3,126 | $864 - $1,655 | $117 - $182 |
4+ bedrooms | $1,619 - $3,964 | $1,220 - $2,064 | $137 - $210 |
Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to South Carolina
Planning a move from North Carolina to South Carolina? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $543 and $2,361. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,163 and $3,126 for the same journey (NC to SC). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,619 to $3,964.
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 $455 and $1,145. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $864 and $1,655. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,220 to $2,064. 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
A moving rental truck is generally 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 $101 to $163. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $117 to $182, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from North Carolina to South Carolina costs around $137 to $210.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that influence moving costs from Charlotte to Columbia
What to know before moving from Charlotte to Columbia
For many households, Columbia means lower monthly costs than Charlotte — roughly 38% for singles and 49% for families.
That’s about $1,956 per month for singles and $4,274 for families in Columbia, compared with $3,158 and $8,325 in Charlotte.
See the side-by-side details below:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 19% lower than in Charlotte, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 43.7% lower than in Charlotte. - Income is the same in Columbia and Charlotte.
- 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 38.1% lower than in Charlotte.
- 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 48.7% less than what it costs in Charlotte.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 57.58% higher than in Charlotte.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 10.34% higher than what you are paying in Charlotte.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 55.56% higher than in Charlotte.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Charlotte and Columbia, from monthly bills to routine purchases.
Charlotte | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $156.99 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $54.78 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.55 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $3.82 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80 | $60 |
Gym membership | $51.9 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Charlotte than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Charlotte than in Columbia.
How life is different in Charlotte vs. Columbia
Columbia | Charlotte | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 874,579 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 5 |
Walkability score | 35 | 26 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 31 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 46.52 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 53.48 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- Columbia's population is about 84% less than Charlotte.
- Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Charlotte.
- Columbia is more walkable than Charlotte with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Charlotte's 26 out of 100.
- With a score of 35 out of 100, Columbia is more bike-friendly than Charlotte, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Charlotte with a score of 3.0 compared to Charlotte's 46.52. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Charlotte with a score of 48.39 vs Charlotte's 53.48.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Charlotte it's moderate.
Other things to consider for your Charlotte vs. Columbia move
- 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process 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: 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
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
Things to do in Columbia
Once you're settled into your new home in South Carolina, it's time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Charlotte to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Charlotte to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Charlotte. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Charlotte to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Charlotte to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Charlotte to Columbia take?
Moving from Charlotte, NC to Columbia, SC covers 93 miles and usually takes one to two days Need to move faster? Some Charlotte movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.
Are there special savings available from movers in Charlotte?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 1 provide savings for AAA members. 1 have discounts for military personnel. 1 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Charlotte?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Charlotte, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 11 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, North Carolina has 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2176 and 1401 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.