Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,747–$9,362 for a move from Columbia to San Diego, with most moves taking seven to 18 days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 2,353 miles.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to Columbia guide.

Our track recordtoggle

Recommended by Time Magazine
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Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

Best movers by type

From South Carolina to California, your interstate move will have a lot of moving parts — starting with which company to hire. Columbia has 5 options for interstate moves, and each one comes with different strengths and specialties. Deciding which is right for you can be a challenge in itself.

After comparing service packages, pricing details, and real feedback from customer reviews, we were able to pinpoint the best long-distance movers in Columbia for every moving option.

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Professional
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Rental Truck
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Best professional movers from Columbia to San Diego

Making the trip from Columbia to San Diego 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
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in Columbia?toggle

To understand what’s realistic in your area, use this table as a guide. It compares service availability in Columbia to all of SC and to the national picture, making it easier to identify easy wins and potential gaps.

Service Columbia (Count) Columbia (%) South Carolina (Count) South Carolina (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 7 100% 48 96% 2831 98%
Unpacking 7 100% 48 96% 2796 97%
Fragile-only packing 1 14% 7 14% 715 25%
Packing materials 6 86% 45 90% 1682 58%
Storage
Storage 6 86% 41 82% 2499 87%
Climate-controlled storage 2 29% 17 34% 973 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 3 43% 28 56% 1885 65%
Art 1 14% 16 32% 1397 48%
Antiques 2 29% 17 34% 1398 48%
Piano 5 71% 32 64% 2173 75%
Hot tub 1 14% 7 14% 668 23%
Pool table 2 29% 9 18% 941 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

Local movers servicing Columbia to San Diego moves

Searching for a dependable local mover in Columbia that also provides long-distance services to San Diego can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.

That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in Columbia who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.

Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Columbia to San Diego.

  1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
  4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  5. Smooth Move: 4.66 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/GentlemenMoversSC/, https://twitter.com/gentlemenmover3?lang=en
72% of all reviews were positive
27% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Gentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team's effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving.
Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

Company Info

State license #: 9756

Years in Business: 21

DOT #: 1442337


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/twomenandatruckcolumbiasc/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenColumbia/
87% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Dependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors.
Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crews’ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

Company Info

State license #: 9494-C

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 2527384


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/JEGAMover/,
43% of all reviews were positive
57% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
JEGA Movers LLC receives enthusiastic praise from customers who appreciate professional staff, careful handling of belongings, transparent pricing, strong communication, and efficient service. Most positive feedback highlights respectful treatment of cherished items and hassle-free booking. Negative input focuses on unprofessional behavior, property damage, and the company not delivering all promised services, like furniture reassembly and reliability. 42.9% of reviews express satisfaction, but more than half of the feedback reveals significant issues, suggesting higher concerns than seen with typical local moving companies.
Those considering JEGA Movers should weigh reported customer service quality against consistent complaints about professionalism and property care.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 888-0917

Company Info

State license #: 2021239

Years in Business: 5

DOT #: 3583359


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://x.com/allmysonsmoving
50% of all reviews were positive
47% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves and friendly crews shine through the feedback on All My Sons Moving & Storage. Out of 64 reviews, half commend the company’s professional attitude, careful handling of items, efficient process, and supportive movers—qualities that keep their reputation solid against competitors. Many customers highlight swift service and the politeness of staff, with teams regularly described as helpful and highly professional.
Yet a significant share (nearly 47%) report major frustrations about final pricing far exceeding initial estimates, damage to items, and unanticipated fees. Customers often mention unexpected charges and slow resolution for reported damages, which leads many to express regret or dissatisfaction. While the company frequently delivers the speed and care people expect from leading movers, the pattern of higher costs and inflexible billing contrasts sharply with the positive feedback. Those considering All My Sons can expect fast, polite service, but should clarify all pricing details up front and remain vigilant about item protection and final billing.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 219-4957

Company Info

State license #: 9873

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 902281


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/Smooth-Move-1555136268059713/, https://twitter.com/SmoothMoveRH
97% of all reviews were positive
2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews set Smooth Move apart. Of 255 pieces of customer feedback, 97% rated their experience positively, a rare feat in the moving industry. Customers consistently highlight Smooth Move’s efficient service, polite and professional staff, careful handling of items, speedy relocations, and helpful movers.
Many praise the crews for going out of their way to protect belongings and make the process stress-free, even in complex or emotional situations. Negative feedback centers on isolated complaints about damage to items, communication delays, or inaccurate estimates. When compared to other companies, Smooth Move stands out for reliability, responsiveness, and respect for property. Their reputation for thorough care and pleasant experiences makes them a top pick for those seeking movers who value client trust and seamless service.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 366-6683

Company Info

State license #: 9823

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2823802

Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC, Carolina Movers, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Columbia to San Diego?

Columbia movers charge $256 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 $1,587 - $6,289 $1,607 - $3,833 $1,630 - $3,345
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,287 - $9,362 $2,855 - $5,685 $1,747 - $3,829
4+ bedrooms $7,736 - $14,478 $4,080 - $7,951 $2,161 - $4,743
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,353 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to California

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to California, you can expect prices to land between $1,587 and $6,289. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $4,287 to $9,362 for the trip from SC to CA. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $7,736 and $14,478.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to California

Moving containers from South Carolina to California will cost you $1,607 to $3,833 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,855 to $5,685. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $4,080 to $7,951. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to California

A moving rental truck 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 $1,630 to $3,345. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,747 to $3,829, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Carolina to California costs around $2,161 to $4,743.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to San Diegotoggle

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Size of your move: The more items you have, the more your move will cost. A smaller move from Columbia to San Diego (like a one-bedroom) could be as low as $1,587, while larger moves may reach $12,468 for a four-bedroom home.
  • Seasonal demand: Moving in the summer? Expect to pay more — it's the busiest time of year for movers in Columbia,
  • DIY vs. hiring pros: You can cut costs by renting a truck (typically $1,630 to $4,072), but it requires more effort than hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to San Diego

Monthly costs run higher in San Diego than in Columbia — roughly 71% more for singles and 81% more for families.

Singles spend $3,346 vs. $1,956, and families $7,719 vs. $4,274.

Use the comparison below to plan your budget with confidence:

Columbia San Diego
Average 1 BR rent $1,300 $2,704
Average 3 BR rent $2,220 $4,914
Average home value $220,612 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $72,963
Unemployment rate 5.2% 6.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.75%
State income tax 7.0% 13.3%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 99% higher than in Columbia.
  • The home prices in San Diego are 354.8% higher than in Columbia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 12.8% higher than in Columbia. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in San Diego, since the cost of living for a single person in San Diego is 71.1% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 80.6% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 26.92% higher than in Columbia.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 3.13% lower than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in San Diego are 90.00% higher than in Columbia.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Columbia and San Diego:

Columbia San Diego
Basic utilities $148.09 $277.55
Cell phone plan $54.77 $66.79
Dozen eggs $3.46 $5.26
Loaf of bread $2.65 $4.5
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16 $21
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60 $100
Gym membership $40 $65.68
  • Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in San Diego.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in San Diego.
  • Bread costs less in Columbia than in San Diego.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in San Diego.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in San Diego.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in San Diego.

How life is different in Columbia vs. San Diego

San Diego Columbia
Population 1,386,932 136,632
Transportation Score 6 5
Walkability score 53 35
Bike friendliness score 43 35
Crime Index 39.83 3.0
Safety Index 60.17 48.39
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • San Diego's population is about 915% greater than Columbia.
  • San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
  • San Diego is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 43 out of 100, San Diego is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • San Diego's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 39.83 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 60.17 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. San Diego move

  • Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
  • 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in California, 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 San Diego Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in San Diego

Now that you've decided to make the move to America's Finest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • Ocean Beach
  • Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Carmel Valley
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Loma Portal
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • Rancho Penasquitos

Things to do in San Diego

Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Diego From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in San Diego include museums and art centers like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to San Diego?

The best time to move from Columbia to San Diego is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to San Diego?

With many people choosing to move from Columbia to San Diego 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 Columbia to San Diego take?

The 2,353-mile move from Columbia, SC, to San Diego, CA, takes seven to 18 days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Diego.

Are there special savings available from movers in Columbia?

Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs.

These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.

Which movers in Columbia offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Columbia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 32 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2173 and 1398.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

Helpful moving resources