Highly rated local moving companies for Pittsburgh to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Pittsburgh to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 11 local movers in Pittsburgh known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Pittsburgh to Columbia.
- Don Farr Moving & Storage: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- South Hills Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Gardner Moving: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 8922932
Years in Business: 43
DOT #: 345157
Alternate Names: Exclusive Services, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 94
DOT #: 98045
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00108945
Years in Business: 103
DOT #: 947009
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 00121505
Years in Business: 24
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 8923758
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 902281
Alternate Names: Summit Moving and Storage Inc , All My Sons of Pittsburgh, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Pittsburgh to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Pennsylvania charge about $143 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,042 – $3,016 | $659 – $1,636 | $430 – $784 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,927 – $4,950 | $1,214 – $2,468 | $441 – $919 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,412 – $7,784 | $1,634 – $2,966 | $584 – $1,164 |
Cost to hire movers from Pittsburgh to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Pittsburgh, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,042 and $3,016. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,927 and $4,950 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,412 to $7,784.
Cost of moving containers from Pittsburgh to Columbia
When you’re heading from Pittsburgh to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $659 and $1,636. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,214 and $2,468. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,634 to $2,966. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Pittsburgh to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Pittsburgh to Columbia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $430 to $784. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $441 to $919, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Pittsburgh to Columbia costs around $584 to $1,164.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Pittsburgh to Columbia
The cost of Pittsburgh movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Pittsburgh to Columbia may only cost $1,588, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,270.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Pittsburgh.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($430–$1,029), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Pittsburgh to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Pittsburgh – roughly 8% less for singles and 15% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,129 in Pittsburgh. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,011.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Pittsburgh | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,710 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,917 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $222,451 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $54,306 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,129 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,011 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.1% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 7.0% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Columbia from Pittsburgh with rent being about the same in each state.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Columbia and Pittsburgh, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 19% greater in Columbia than in Pittsburgh, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person there is 8% below that of Pittsburgh.
- A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 15% lower compared to Pittsburgh.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Pittsburgh by about 27%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Pittsburgh by 14%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 128% more in South Carolina than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Pittsburgh versus Columbia:
| Living Expense | Pittsburgh | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $263.34 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $53.44 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.62 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.03 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.33 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
How life is different in Pittsburgh vs. Columbia
| Pittsburgh | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,255 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 55 | 35 |
| Crime index | 37.74 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 62.26 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 55% less than Pittsburgh.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Pittsburgh’s score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Pittsburgh with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Pittsburgh’s 62 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 Pittsburgh, which has a score of 55.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Pittsburgh with a score of 3.0 compared to Pittsburgh’s 37.74. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Pittsburgh with a score of 48.39 vs Pittsburgh’s 62.26.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Pittsburgh it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Pittsburgh to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Pittsburgh and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Pittsburgh to Columbia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Pittsburgh to Columbia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Pittsburgh.
When is the cheapest time to move from Pittsburgh to Columbia?
Want to save on your move from Pittsburgh to Columbia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Pittsburgh to Columbia take?
The 538-mile move from Pittsburgh, PA, to Columbia, , takes one to six days. Some Pittsburgh movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Pittsburgh?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 8 movers in Pittsburgh provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 55 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
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