($1,068) Cost to Move From Albany, NY to Columbia, SC

1. Mabey’s Moving & Storage: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. Clark Moving & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
3. Don’s Moving & Storage: 4.28 out of 5 stars
4. Arnoff Moving & Storage: 4.34 out of 5 stars
5. All-Ways Moving & Storage Co: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Albany to Columbia

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Albany to Columbia will cost between $1,068 and $3,598. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Albany to Albany will range from $2,116 to $4,994, and a large move from Albany to Columbia will cost from $3,654 to $6,833.

Cost of moving containers from Albany to Columbia

If you’re moving from Albany to Columbia, expect to pay between $784 and $1,829 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,327 up to $2,645. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,820 and $3,491. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from New York.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Albany to Columbia

Renting a moving truck from Albany to Columbia is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $551 and $1,094. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $608 and $1,223. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $776 up to $1,484 for your rental truck.

These quotes include estimated fuel costs.

• Budgeting for a move from Albany to Columbia won’t necessitate major adjustments since rent remains relatively constant.
• Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 22% less in Columbia than in Albany.
• Fortunately, the average income in Columbia and Albany is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 9% higher than in Albany. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Columbia and Albany, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
• Columbia enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 27% lower compared to Albany, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
• Sales taxes show little difference between Columbia and Albany (around 5%), making it one less financial concern for your move.
• Income taxes are 36% less in South Carolina than in New York. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.

• Columbia’s population is about 38% greater than Albany.
• Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Albany’s score of 8.
• Columbia is less walkable than Albany with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Albany’s 65 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 Albany, which has a score of 55.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Albany with a score of 3.0 compared to Albany’s 10.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0%.
• Columbia and Albany have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 49.65.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Albany it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
• 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
• State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status 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: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Columbia. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

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

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, and EdVenture Children’s 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: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.