Moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach, SC
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Quick answer: Moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach costs between $191 to $5,086 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 151-mile route within South Carolina take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Columbia to Myrtle Beach
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Columbia to driving and unloading in Myrtle Beach, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 151 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,412 - $4,228 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,099 - $2,104 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $218 - $413 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $256/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
It costs between $191 to $5,086 to move from Columbia to Myrtle Beach. The prices below break down your 151-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $833 - $5,086
- Moving containers: $899 - $2,440
- Rental trucks: $191 - $478
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $833 - $3,436 | $899 - $1,572 | $191 - $330 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,412 - $4,228 | $1,099 - $2,104 | $218 - $413 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,900 - $5,086 | $1,503 - $2,440 | $258 - $478 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $261 - $2,175+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $256/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $50/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $174 - $696 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $44 - $174 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Columbia to Myrtle Beach
At 151 miles, your Columbia to Myrtle Beach move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Columbia to Myrtle Beach. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout South Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 151 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Columbia to Myrtle Beach. They've been in business since 1995 (31 years of experience) and 86.7% of their 256 verified reviews are positive.
More South Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Myrtle Beach to Columbia guide.
Considerations when moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach
Cost of living: Columbia vs. Myrtle Beach
When weighing the cost of living in Columbia versus Myrtle Beach, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Myrtle Beach really compares to Columbia.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Columbia | Myrtle Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,447 | $1,850 |
| Average home cost | $241,128 | $342,298 |
| Average income (per capita) | $55,653 | $53,679 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $2,388 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $4,791 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.6% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.0% | 9.0% |
- Rent prices in Myrtle Beach are 28% higher than in Columbia. Be prepared to spend more on housing, which might mean less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Myrtle Beach are 42% higher than in Columbia. This means buying a home may be tougher, with a bigger down payment and possibly higher monthly mortgage costs.
- Income levels in Columbia and Myrtle Beach are quite similar, so you can expect steady earning potential and less financial stress in your new city.
- Living costs for one person are 22% higher in Myrtle Beach compared to Columbia, so you’ll likely need to adjust your budget to handle the added expenses.
- The cost of living for a family in Myrtle Beach is 12% higher than in Columbia. This means household expenses like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, which could make Myrtle Beach less affordable if you have dependents or other family members to care for.
- Unemployment in Myrtle Beach is 46% higher than in Columbia. This means landing a job could be tougher and job security less certain—especially if you're making the move without a job already secured.
- Sales taxes are 13% higher in Myrtle Beach than in Columbia. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Columbia, you’d need about $3,660 in Myrtle Beach.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Myrtle Beach
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Columbia and Myrtle Beach. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Columbia | Myrtle Beach | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 35,682 |
| Political leaning | Republican 66-33 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 89ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 52" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 1" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 58.06 |
Myrtle Beach sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Myrtle Beach is approximately 74% lower than the population of Columbia. Moving to a smaller city usually means more peace, space, and affordability, but also fewer big-city conveniences.
- In the last presidential election, Myrtle Beach voted Republican, while Columbia voted .
- In Myrtle Beach and Columbia, summer highs run about the same — 89°F vs. 94°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Columbia and Myrtle Beach face similar winter lows—Columbia drops to 35°F, while Myrtle Beach falls to 35°F.
- Myrtle Beach receives more annual rainfall than Columbia, with about 52 inches per year compared to Columbia’s 46 inches.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Columbia to Myrtle Beach. Both average about 1 and 1 inch of snow each year.
- Myrtle Beach reports a higher crime index than Columbia, with scores of 58.06 and 3.0, respectively.
Things to do in Myrtle Beach
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Myrtle Beach has it all.
Museums in Myrtle Beach
- Hollywood Wax Museum
- Myrtle Beach Pinball Museum
- Wheels of Yesteryear
- Ripley's Believe It or Not!
- Franklin G. Burroughs - Simeon B. Chapin Art Museum
Parks in Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach State Park
- Grand Strand
- Savannah's Playground
- Horry County Bike Run Park
- Barc Parc South
Sports teams in Myrtle Beach
- Myrtle Beach Pelicans (Carolina League)
Universities in Myrtle Beach
- Golf Academy of America Myrtle Beach
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Columbia to Myrtle Beach, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $713 and $2,867. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,412 up to $4,228. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,900 to $5,086 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
Moving containers from Columbia to Myrtle Beach will cost you $601 to $1,459 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,099 to $2,104. A larger home will cost $1,503 to $2,440.
How much is a moving truck from Columbia to Myrtle Beach?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $195 to $336. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $218 and $413. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Columbia to Myrtle Beach, costs usually fall between $258 and $478.
How far in advance should I book Columbia-to-Myrtle Beach movers?
To make your move from Columbia to Myrtle Beach as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Myrtle Beach?
For the best deals on your move to Myrtle Beach, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
