Quick answer: The cost to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia ranges from $243 to $4,600 and the journey will take approximately one to two days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 170-mile move on your own.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Winston-Salem guide.
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Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Winston-Salem to Columbia
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from Winston-Salem to Columbia can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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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How we chose the best moving companies for your NC to SC move
The best local movers servicing Winston-Salem to Columbia moves
Finding a trusted local moving company in Winston-Salem that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.
Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Winston-Salem who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Winston-Salem to Columbia.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- American Moving & Hauling, Inc.: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Todd’s Easy Moves: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- City Transfer and Storage: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 126
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Kline, LLC, Greensboro Movers, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2411
Years in Business: 19
DOT #: 2007351
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2276
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 2390090
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2883
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: All My Sons of Greensboro, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 131
Years in Business: 117
Alternate Names: Atlas Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia?
Winston-Salem movers charge $85 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 | $800 - $3,064 | $639 - $1,585 | $247 - $391 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,527 - $4,600 | $1,141 - $2,267 | $243 - $475 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,024 - $5,916 | $1,615 - $2,839 | $305 - $592 |
Cost to hire movers from North Carolina to South Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from North Carolina to South Carolina will cost between $800 and $3,064. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from NC to SC will range from $1,527 to $4,600, and a large move from North Carolina to South Carolina will cost from $2,024 to $5,916.
Cost of moving containers from North Carolina to South Carolina
Moving from North Carolina to South Carolina? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $639 and $1,585. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,141 to $2,267. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,615 up to $2,839. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.
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 $247 and $391. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $243 to $475. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $305 and $592.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from Winston-Salem to Columbia
What to know before moving from Winston-Salem to Columbia
Moving from Winston-Salem to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Winston-Salem than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Winston-Salem compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Winston-Salem | Columbia | |
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Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $248,806 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,431 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,420 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,265 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 4.5% | 7.0% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 11% higher than in Winston-Salem.
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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 11.3% lower than in Winston-Salem. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 3.6% higher than in Winston-Salem. 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 19.2% lower than in Winston-Salem.
- 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 18.8% less than what it costs in Winston-Salem.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia and Winston-Salem.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 14.29% higher than what you are paying in Winston-Salem.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 55.56% higher than in Winston-Salem.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,424.79 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Winston-Salem.
How life is different in Winston-Salem vs. Columbia
Columbia | Winston-Salem | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 249,545 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 3 |
Walkability score | 35 | 22 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 29 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 32.67 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 67.33 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 45% less than Winston-Salem.
- Columbia offers better access to buses and trains than Winston-Salem, based on public transportation ratings. Columbia has a transit score of 5 out of 10 compared to 3 in Winston-Salem. 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 Winston-Salem. Columbia is considered more walkable than Winston-Salem, with a score of 35 out of 100 versus 22 out of 100 in Winston-Salem. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Columbia is considered more bike-friendly than Winston-Salem in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, while Winston-Salem is rated as 29 out of 100.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than Winston-Salem based on scores of 3.0 and Winston-Salem's 32.67, 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 Winston-Salem, whose index is 67.33. 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.
- The air quality in Columbia and Winston-Salem is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your Winston-Salem 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: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While South Carolina doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Columbia without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbia
Ready to relocate to Soda City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Chapin
- Cayce
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: 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Winston-Salem. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Winston-Salem to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Winston-Salem 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 Winston-Salem to Columbia take?
Moving from Winston-Salem, NC to Columbia, SC covers 170 miles and usually takes one to two days Need to move faster? Some Winston-Salem movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Columbia.