($559+) Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC Movers
Moving from Newark, NJ, to Columbia, SC, runs anywhere from $516 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,634 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 705 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,488, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,634 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,072 - $3,399, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $516 - $1,481.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Newark, NJ, to Columbia, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,074 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC
Moving options from Newark to Columbia fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,074 - $5,511 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 705 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 705-mile route from Newark to Columbia, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,488 - $4,037 with full-service movers, $1,072 - $1,888 with a container, $516 - $989 with a rental truck, or $927 - $1,787 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,074 - $5,511 full-service, $1,322 - $2,589 by container, $568 - $1,139 by rental truck, or $1,069 - $2,180 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,642 - $7,634 full-service, $1,770 - $3,399 by container, $762 - $1,481 by rental truck, or $1,491 - $2,775 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 705-mile move from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbia, South Carolina, with prices running from $1,488 - $7,634. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $347 - $2,316 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Newark and Columbia are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Newark movers tend to run around $260 as a base rate plus $120/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Newark to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,488 - $4,037
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,074 - $5,511
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,642 - $7,634
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Newark to Columbia.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New Jersey to South Carolina. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC
Specialty needs vary by market — 94% of Newark movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Columbia, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $579 - $5,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready94% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $232 - $1,390/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $347 - $2,779 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs38% of local movers | $1,158 - $3,474 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,895 - $11,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $867 - $1,648 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items70% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,158 - $2,895 |
| Piano | Any piano type87% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Roadway Moving | $926 - $4,053 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling42% of local movers | $347 - $1,737 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect31% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. | $753 - $2,316 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $347 - $17,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $347 - $4,053+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Newark to Columbia?
Look for South Carolina Trucking Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in South Carolina beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Newark, NJ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC
Moving containers from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbia, South Carolina, cost between $1,072 and $3,399. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Newark typically runs around $130/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Newark to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,072 - $1,888
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,322 - $2,589
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,770 - $3,399
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Newark, NJ and Columbia, SC. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $811 in Newark, NJ, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $87 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $174 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a New Jersey to South Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,072. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,322 - $2,589, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Newark to Columbia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Newark to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Newark:
- Roadway Moving (4.9/5), 18 years in business
- Oz Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Ample Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC
Truck rentals from Newark, New Jersey, to Columbia, South Carolina, range from $516 - $1,481 for the 705-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $260 - $297
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Newark daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Newark to Columbia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $516 - $989
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $568 - $1,139
- 4+ bedrooms: $762 - $1,481
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $516 - $1,481 when pricing out a rental truck from Newark to Columbia. Fuel alone runs ($260 - $297) , and overnight lodging ($174/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $87 and $405.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $174.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $260 and $297 for the 705-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $811 for 2 movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Newark to Columbia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC
If you're moving a larger household from Newark, New Jersey, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Columbia, South Carolina.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,069 and $2,180.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Newark to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $927 - $1,787
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,069 - $2,180
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,491 - $2,775
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $87 - $174 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Newark, New Jersey, for about five hours typically runs $811.
What are the best freight companies from Newark to Columbia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- Freehold Cartage, Inc. (4.84/5 stars): Freehold Cartage, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Columbia fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Newark, NJ vs Columbia, SC
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Columbia, side by side with Newark on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Newark, NJ | Columbia, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 135 | 87 |
| Average rent | $2,300/mo | $1,447/mo |
| Median home value | $335,418 | $241,128 |
| Average income | $48,416/yr | $55,653/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 13.0% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 10.7% | Up to 7.0% |
| Walkability score | 76/100 | 35/100 |
| Safety index | 24.76/100 | 48.39/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia, SC to Newark, NJ guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from New Jersey to South Carolina, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. New Jersey alone has 89 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 705-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Newark, NJ, to Columbia, SC, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,488 - $7,634 on the 705-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,072 - $3,399 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $516 - $1,481 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,074 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Pure Fishing and LexiCode.
FAQs: Moving from Newark, NJ, to Columbia, SC
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbia?
For families, Irmo, Forest Acres, and Lexington are worth a look in Columbia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cayce, Seven Oaks, and Forest Acres tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What do local movers charge in Newark?
Local movers based in Newark typically start around $260 as a base rate, plus $120/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Columbia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Newark, NJ to Columbia, SC?
Costs on this route range from around $1,488 to $7,634, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,488 and $7,634, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What percentage of Newark movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 87% of movers in Newark handle piano moves, and 70% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
