Top Raleigh, NC to Columbia, SC Movers

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

1. Athens Moving Experts: 4.86 out of 5 stars
2. Bellhop Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
3. Little Guys Movers : 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.72 out of 5 stars
5. Miracle Movers: 4.8 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 $823 and $2,850. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,484 to $4,624 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 $2,012 and $5,926.

Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to South Carolina

If you're relocating from North Carolina to South Carolina, you'll typically spend between $636 and $1,585 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,143 up to $2,124. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,486 and $2,639. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from North Carolina to South Carolina

Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.

Expect to pay between $289 and $495 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $295 to $603. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $389 to $721.

These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.

• Rent prices in Columbia are 13% lower than in Raleigh, 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 48.9% lower than in Raleigh.
• You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 2,414.9% higher than in Raleigh. Major employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
• 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 67.8% lower than in Raleigh.
• 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 29.7% less than what it costs in Raleigh.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 20.93% higher than in Raleigh.
• 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 Raleigh.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 55.56% higher than in Raleigh.

• Columbia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 71% less than Raleigh.
• Columbia offers better access to buses and trains than Raleigh, based on public transportation ratings. Columbia has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 4 in Raleigh. The higher the score, the more public transportation pickup and dropoff locations a city provides.
• Living in Columbia means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Raleigh. Columbia is considered more walkable than Raleigh, with a score of 35 out of 100 versus 31 out of 100 in Raleigh. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Raleigh. While Raleigh has a bike-friendliness score of 39 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 Raleigh based on scores of 3.0 and Raleigh's 38.87, 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 Raleigh, whose index is 60.13. 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 Raleigh. Columbia has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Raleigh. 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: 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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Seven Oaks
• Forest Acres
• Lexington
• West Columbia
• Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

• Forest Acres
• Blythewood
• Seven Oaks
• 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: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.