Quick answer: Expect to pay $568 – $5,566 when moving from Jersey City to Columbia, with most moves taking one to six days. Prices depend on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 706 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Columbia to Jersey City.
Our track record
Best movers by type
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Jersey City to Columbia
When you’d rather skip the packing tape, heavy lifting, and scheduling hassles for your interstate move from Jersey City to Columbia, full-service movers are the answer. They manage every step so you can keep your attention on the big decisions and the excitement of the move.
There are 147 interstate moving companies in Jersey City, here are our picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to take you to Columbia without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Jersey City?
How we chose the best movers NJ→SC movers
Top-rated movers to make your Jersey City to Columbia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Jersey City that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Jersey City who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Jersey City to Columbia.
- Seka Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Ample Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Roadway Moving : 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Piece of Cake Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Dumbo Moving and Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 40118
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 3014539
Alternate Names: Seka Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2971434
Years in Business: 7
DOT #: 2971434
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 money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 38589
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 1854436
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 40244
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 3066988
Alternate Names: Piece of Cake Moving & Storage LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 36990
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1543241
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Jersey City to Columbia?
In New Jersey, moving services typically cost around per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,197 – $3,889 | $788 – $1,777 | $516 – $1,040 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,095 – $5,566 | $1,363 – $2,834 | $568 – $1,258 |
4+ bedrooms | $3,870 – $7,788 | $1,807 – $3,576 | $697 – $1,379 |
Cost to hire movers from Jersey City to Columbia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from Jersey City, you can expect prices to land between $1,197 and $3,889. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,095 to $5,566 for the trip from Jersey City to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,870 and $7,788.
Cost of moving containers from Jersey City to Columbia
Moving containers from Jersey City to Columbia will cost you $788 to $1,777 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,363 to $2,834. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,807 to $3,576. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of New Jersey.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Jersey City to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Jersey City to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $516 and $1,040 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $568 to $1,258. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $697 to $1,379.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Jersey City to Columbia move

What to know before moving from Jersey City to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Jersey City – roughly 56% less for singles and 57% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $4,397 in Jersey City. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $9,861.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
Jersey City | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $3,306 | $1,300 |
Average 3 BR rent | $5,833 | $2,220 |
Average home value | $589,419 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $75,265 | $64,683 |
Unemployment rate | 8.3% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 6.63% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 10.7% | 7.0% |
- When relocating from Jersey City to Columbia, expect to find rent about 51% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 63% more affordable in Columbia compared to Jersey City.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 14% lower in Columbia compared to Jersey City.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, as the cost of living for a single person is 56% lower compared to Jersey City.
- 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 57% less than what it costs in Jersey City.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is about 37% lower than in Jersey City. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 21% more than in Jersey City, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in South Carolina are 35% below those in New Jersey. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Jersey City and Columbia:
Living Expense | Jersey City | Columbia |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $118.73 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $41.88 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.71 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $3.97 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $60.00 |
Gym membership | $80.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Jersey City than in Columbia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Jersey City than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Jersey City than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Jersey City than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Jersey City than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Jersey City than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Jersey City than in Columbia.
How life is different in Jersey City vs. Columbia
Jersey City | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 292,449 | 136,632 |
Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
Walkability score | 87 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 64 | 35 |
Crime index | 43.21 | 3.0 |
Safety index | 56.79 | 48.39 |
Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 53% less than Jersey City.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Jersey City’s score of 9.
- Columbia is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Jersey City’s 87 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Jersey City, which has a score of 64.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Jersey City with a score of 3.0 compared to Jersey City’s 43.21. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Jersey City with a score of 48.39 vs Jersey City’s 56.79.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Jersey City it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Jersey City to Columbia move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- 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: 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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
Planning your move to Soda City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
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: 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, and EdVenture Children’s 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: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on 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 Jersey City to Columbia?
When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Columbia?
How long does a move from Jersey City to Columbia take?
Are there special savings available from movers in Jersey City?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Jersey City?
Helpful moving resources
Jersey City moving services
Popular New Jersey routes
- New Jersey to South Carolina car shippers
- New Jersey to California movers
- New Jersey to Florida movers
- New Jersey to Georgia movers
- New Jersey to Illinois movers
- New Jersey to Michigan movers
- New Jersey to New York movers
- New Jersey to North Carolina movers
- New Jersey to Ohio movers
- New Jersey to Pennsylvania movers
- New Jersey to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!