Quick answer: A typical 2,812-mile move from Portland to Columbia runs $1,923–$9,795 and takes seven to 21 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Portland guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
There are 18 interstate moving companies in Portland, so figuring out which one is best for your move from Portland, OR, to Columbia, SC, can feel overwhelming. You’ll also need to decide whether to hire professional full-service movers or take a more DIY approach.
Not to worry — we’ve made the process easier for you. We compared each mover by key factors like service options and cost, and analyzed customer feedback in online reviews. Using our research, we have narrowed the list of Portland companies to only the best long-distance movers in Portland, no matter what type of move you’re planning.
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Best professional movers from Portland to Columbia
Making the trip from Portland to Columbia is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.
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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What moving services are available in Portland?
How we chose the best moving companies for your OR to SC move
Local moving companies servicing Portland to Columbia moves
When planning a move from Portland to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. There are plenty of companies, but which ones are actually worth it?
We've taken care of the research for you — reviewing local movers in Portland who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Portland to Columbia.
- All Service Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- PDX Movers: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- You Move Me: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.72 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 1863079
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1863079
Alternate Names: ASM LLC, All Service Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 2353055
Pricing: $255/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2353055
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 14401
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: 0955821 BC Ltd.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 253620
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: AMS Moving & Storage of Portland, 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 #: 217157
Pricing: $216/hr
Years in Business: 16
Alternate Names: 2Brothers Services Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Columbia?
Portland movers charge $130 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 | $1,770 - $7,252 | $1,540 - $4,078 | $1,740 - $3,408 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $5,082 - $9,795 | $2,988 - $5,769 | $1,923 - $4,220 |
4+ bedrooms | $9,275 - $15,176 | $3,887 - $7,707 | $2,381 - $4,781 |
Cost to hire movers from Oregon to South Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Oregon to South Carolina will cost between $1,770 and $7,252. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from OR to SC will range from $5,082 to $9,795, and a large move from Oregon to South Carolina will cost from $9,275 to $15,176.
Cost of moving containers from Oregon to South Carolina
If you're moving from Oregon to South Carolina, expect to pay between $1,540 and $4,078 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,988 up to $5,769. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,887 and $7,707. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Oregon.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Oregon to South Carolina
Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,740 and $3,408. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,923 and $4,220. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $2,381 and $4,781.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Columbia
What to know before moving from Portland to Columbia
For many households, Columbia means lower monthly costs than Portland — roughly 24% for singles and 30% for families.
That’s about $1,956 per month for singles and $4,274 for families in Columbia, compared with $2,572 and $6,077 in Portland.
See the side-by-side details below:
- Rent prices in Columbia are 5% lower than in Portland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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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 57.8% lower than in Portland. - Income in Columbia is 24.7% lower than in Portland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia — including Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina — may pay more.
- 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 24.0% lower than in Portland.
- 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 Portland.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 24.64% lower than in Portland.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Columbia, since its sales taxes are 8.00% higher than what you are paying in Portland.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 29.29% lower than in Portland.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Portland and Columbia:
Portland | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $211.77 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20 | $16 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95 | $60 |
Gym membership | $37.76 | $40 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Columbia.
How life is different in Portland vs. Columbia
Columbia | Portland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 652,503 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 81 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 92 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 57.37 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 42.63 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 79% less than Portland.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Portland's higher score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Portland with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 3.0 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 48.39 vs Portland's 42.63.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Portland it's good.
Other things to consider for your Portland 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- 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: 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you've decided to make the move to Soda City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Cayce
Things to do in Columbia
Now that you've made the move to South Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Columbia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- 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, 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 — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Portland to Columbia?
The best time to move from Portland to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Columbia?
With many people choosing to move from Portland to Columbia in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Portland to Columbia take?
The 2,812-mile move from Portland, OR, to Columbia, SC, takes seven to 21 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
What kinds of discounts do Portland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Which movers in Portland offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 16 movers in Portland have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 10 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across OR, there are 24 piano movers and 16 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2175 and 1400.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.