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Local moving companies in Charleston
Choosing one of the 52 local South Carolina movers for your Charleston to Columbia move, makes everything easier. With their local know-how, these pros offer personalized service and take care of packing, loading, and transporting your stuff, so your move goes faster and feels a lot less stressful.
- Smooth Move Charleston: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Low Country Moving, LLC: 4.36 out of 5 stars
- Cougar Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars
- Reads Moving Systems of Carolina, Inc.: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 9823
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2357653
Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 9792-B
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
Company Info
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2362770
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
Company Info
Pricing: $124/hr
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2868021
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 149-D
Years in Business: 47
DOT #: 2021301
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Cost to move from Charleston to Columbia
Take a look at the table below for typical moving cost estimates from Charleston to Columbia. Costs are grouped by home size and moving service to make comparing options straightforward.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $501 – $2,174 | $463 – $1,127 | $121 – $171 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,066 – $3,121 | $822 – $1,492 | $124 – $217 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,347 – $3,612 | $1,075 – $1,987 | $144 – $238 |
Cost to hire movers from Charleston to Columbia
For a studio or one-bedroom move from Charleston to Columbia, expect to pay between $501 and $2,174. Moving a two- to three-bedroom home from Charleston to Columbia generally falls between $1,066 and $3,121. A large-scale move from Charleston to Columbia typically ranges from $1,347 to $3,612.
Cost of moving containers from Charleston to Columbia
Container moves from Charleston to Columbia start around $463 and can reach $1,127 for smaller shipments. For homes with two to three bedrooms, pricing generally lands between $822 and $1,492. Four-bedroom and bigger moves usually cost $1,075–$1,987. Learn more about PODS cost.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move within South Carolina.
Cost of renting a moving truck from Charleston to Columbia
A rental truck for the Charleston to Columbia route is often the cheapest choice, but it requires you to do all the driving and physical work.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $121 to $171. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $124 to $217, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Charleston to Columbia costs around $144 to $238.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from Charleston to Columbia
Cost of living: Charleston vs. Columbia
The cost of living in Charleston vs. Columbia goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Columbia stacks up against Charleston.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Charleston | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $2,500 | $1,447 |
| Average home cost | $559,231 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,294 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $5,300 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $7,890 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.0% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent in Columbia is roughly 42% less expensive than in Charleston. That leaves you with extra cash for savings, entertainment, or anything else you want to spend money on.
- Home prices in Columbia are 61% lower than in Charleston, which may make it easier to enter the housing market and get a more affordable mortgage, freeing up your budget for other priorities.
- Income is similar in Charleston and Columbia, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- Cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 63% lower than in Charleston. That means you’ll probably have more room in your budget for saving, spending, or investing.
- The living costs for a family of four are 46% lower in Columbia than in Charleston. That means your money stretches further, giving you extra room in your budget and the opportunity to enjoy an even better quality of life after your move.
- Unemployment in Columbia is 30% higher than in Charleston. This means job hunting may be tougher and job security less certain, especially if you’re relocating without having a job lined up.
- You’ll benefit from 11% lower sales taxes in Columbia compared to Charleston, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Charleston, expect to budget around $1,110 to maintain the same lifestyle in Columbia.
How life is different in Charleston vs. Columbia
As you plan your move, comparing life in Charleston vs. Columbia is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between Charleston and Columbia to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Charleston | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 150,277 | 136,632 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 39ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 48″ | 46″ |
| Annual snow | 0″ | 1″ |
| Crime index | 44.97 | 3.0 |
Columbia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll find that Columbia is about 9% less populated than Charleston. Living in a smaller city often means more peace, extra space, and lower costs, but you might miss some of the perks that come with big-city life.
- In the last presidential election, Columbia voted and Charleston voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Columbia and Charleston are nearly identical, with averages around 94°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Charleston and Columbia experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 39°F and 35°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Charleston to Columbia. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 48 inches in Charleston and 46 inches in Columbia.
- Charleston sees no annual snowfall, while Columbia averages about 1 inch per year. If you’re moving, be prepared for a shift from snow-free winters to snowy conditions.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than Charleston, with a crime index of 3.0 vs 44.97.
Things to do in Columbia
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Charleston has something for everyone.
Museums in Columbia
- South Carolina State Museum
- Columbia Museum of Art
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
- EdVenture Children’s Museum
- South Carolina Military Museum
Parks in Columbia
- Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
- Saluda Shoals Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Finlay Park
- Memorial Park
Sports teams in Columbia
- Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
- Benedict Tigers (SIAC)
Universities in Columbia
- Virginia College Columbia
- University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Columbia College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Charleston to Columbia?
Moving your furniture from Charleston to Columbia with a professional moving company usually ranges from $501 to $2,174. If you’re packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,066 and $3,121. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,347 to $3,612 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Charleston to Columbia?
If you’re moving from Charleston to Columbia and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $463 to $1,127. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $822 and $1,492. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,075 to $1,987.
How much is a moving truck from Charleston to Columbia?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $121 and $171. If you’re moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $124 to $217. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Charleston to Columbia, rental prices generally fall between $144 and $238.
How far in advance should I book Charleston-to-Columbia movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Charleston to Columbia at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your Charleston-to-Columbia movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia?
If you want to save money on your move to Columbia, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
Learn more about your move to Columbia
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