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Local moving companies in Columbia
Choosing one of the 52 local South Carolina movers for your Columbia to Charleston 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.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.16 out of 5 stars
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
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
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
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
Company Info
State license #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Cost to move from Columbia to Charleston
Take a look at the table below for typical moving cost estimates from Columbia to Charleston. 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 | $516 – $2,067 | $486 – $1,149 | $115 – $186 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,055 – $2,909 | $874 – $1,570 | $123 – $211 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,475 – $3,802 | $1,097 – $1,968 | $147 – $236 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Charleston
For a studio or one-bedroom move from Columbia to Charleston, expect to pay between $516 and $2,067. Moving a two- to three-bedroom home from Columbia to Charleston generally falls between $1,055 and $2,909. A large-scale move from Columbia to Charleston typically ranges from $1,475 to $3,802.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Charleston
Container moves from Columbia to Charleston start around $486 and can reach $1,149 for smaller shipments. For homes with two to three bedrooms, pricing generally lands between $874 and $1,570. Four-bedroom and bigger moves usually cost $1,097–$1,968. 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 Columbia to Charleston
A rental truck for the Columbia to Charleston 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 $115 to $186. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $123 to $211, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Charleston costs around $147 to $236.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Considerations when moving from Columbia to Charleston
Cost of living: Columbia vs. Charleston
The cost of living in Columbia vs. Charleston goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Charleston stacks up against Columbia.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $2,500 |
| Average home cost | $220,612 | $559,231 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $62,294 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $5,300 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $7,890 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.0% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Charleston are 73% higher than in Columbia. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Charleston are 153% higher than in Columbia. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- Income is similar in Columbia and Charleston, so you can expect steady earning potential, making it easier to plan your finances.
- The cost of living for a single person in Charleston is 171% higher than in Columbia, you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Charleston? Get ready for living expenses to be about 85% higher than in Columbia. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Charleston is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Charleston is 23% lower than in Columbia, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- In Charleston, sales taxes are 13% higher than in Columbia. That means everyday buys — from groceries to gadgets — could end up costing you more.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Columbia, expect to budget around $8,130 to maintain the same lifestyle in Charleston.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Charleston
As you plan your move, comparing life in Columbia vs. Charleston 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 Columbia and Charleston to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| Columbia | Charleston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 150,277 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 56-43 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 39ºF |
| Annual rain | 46″ | 48″ |
| Annual snow | 1″ | 0″ |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 44.97 |
Charleston sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Charleston is about 10% larger than Columbia. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that’s exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- In the last presidential election, Charleston voted Democratic and Columbia voted .
- Summer highs in Charleston and Columbia are nearly identical, with averages around 89°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both Columbia and Charleston experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 35°F and 39°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from Columbia to Charleston. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 46 inches in Columbia and 48 inches in Charleston.
- Charleston has no annual snowfall, while Columbia averages about 1 inch per year. A move here means saying goodbye to snowy winters.
- Crime rates are higher in Charleston, with an index of 44.97, compared to Columbia at 3.0.
Things to do in Charleston
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Columbia has something for everyone.
Museums in Charleston
- Fort Sumter National Monument
- Nathaniel Russell House
- Old Slave Mart Museum
- The Charleston Museum
- Gibbes Museum of Art
Parks in Charleston
- Middleton Place
- Battery & White Point Gardens
- Magnolia Plantation & Gardens
- Joseph P. Riley, Jr. Park
- Hampton Park
Sports teams in Charleston
- Charleston RiverDogs (Carolina League)
Universities in Charleston
- Charleston School of Law
- The Citadel College of Charleston
- Medical University of South Carolina
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Columbia to Charleston?
Moving your furniture from Columbia to Charleston with a professional moving company usually ranges from $516 to $2,067. If you’re packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $1,055 and $2,909. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,475 to $3,802 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from Columbia to Charleston?
If you’re moving from Columbia to Charleston and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $486 to $1,149. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $874 and $1,570. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $1,097 to $1,968.
How much is a moving truck from Columbia to Charleston?
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 $115 and $186. If you’re moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $123 to $211. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from Columbia to Charleston, rental prices generally fall between $147 and $236.
How far in advance should I book Columbia-to-Charleston movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from Columbia to Charleston 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 Columbia-to-Charleston 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 Charleston?
If you want to save money on your move to Charleston, 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 Charleston
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