Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to St. Petersburg move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to St. Petersburg can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in Columbia who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbia to St. Petersburg.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
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 #: 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 #: 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 #: 9890
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- 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
How much does it cost to move from Columbia to St. Petersburg?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,105 – $2,820 | $631 – $1,631 | $389 – $737 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,846 – $4,961 | $1,249 – $2,320 | $445 – $856 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,359 – $7,110 | $1,662 – $2,923 | $538 – $1,085 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to St. Petersburg
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to St. Petersburg from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,105 and $2,820. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,846 to $4,961 for the trip from Columbia to St. Petersburg. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,359 and $7,110.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to St. Petersburg
Moving containers from Columbia to St. Petersburg will cost you $631 to $1,631 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,249 to $2,320. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,662 to $2,923. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to St. Petersburg
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to St. Petersburg typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $389 and $737 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $445 to $856. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $538 to $1,085.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to St. Petersburg move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,431 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,510 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $389 to $998, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to St. Petersburg
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – St. Petersburg runs about 35% higher for singles and 45% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,642 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $6,178 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $360,584 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $64,374 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,642 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $6,178 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to St. Petersburg? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 43% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in St. Petersburg are about 63% higher than those in Columbia.
- In terms of average income, St. Petersburg and Columbia are closely matched, within a 5% range, keeping your financial situation largely unchanged.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in St. Petersburg, as living costs for a single person are 35% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to St. Petersburg, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in St. Petersburg is 45% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in St. Petersburg is about 12% lower than in Columbia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 13% less in St. Petersburg relative to Columbia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and St. Petersburg:
| Living Expense | Columbia | St. Petersburg |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | |
| Gym membership | $40.00 |
How life is different in Columbia vs. St. Petersburg
| Columbia | St. Petersburg | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 259,343 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 43 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 59 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 39.54 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 60.46 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Petersburg’s population is about 90% greater than Columbia.
- St. Petersburg’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- St. Petersburg is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 43 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 59 out of 100, St. Petersburg is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- St. Petersburg’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 39.54 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that St. Petersburg neighborhoods are safer than 39.54% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- St. Petersburg is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 60.46 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in St. Petersburg is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to St. Petersburg move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Florida’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Florida does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to St. Petersburg. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in St. Petersburg
Planning your move to Always in Season? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in St. Petersburg.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- North Downtown
- North Shore
- Crescent Lake
- Uptown
- University Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Crescent Heights
- Holiday Park
- Euclid-St. Paul
- Magnolia Heights
- Snell Isle
Things to do in St. Petersburg
After settling into your new Florida home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, St. Petersburg has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: St. Petersburg features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the The Dali Museum, Chihuly Collection, Duncan McClellan Gallery, and Imagine Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Sawgrass Lake Park, Boyd Hill Nature Preserve, Vinoy Park, and Skyway Fishing Pier State Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Tampa Bay Rays (MLB)Tampa Bay Rowdies (USL Championship Soccer)Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL – Located in nearby Tampa)St. Petersburg AquaticsSt. Petersburg CardinalsSt. Petersburg Devil RaysSt. Petersburg FCSt. Petersburg Kickers game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to St. Petersburg?
Planning your move from Columbia to St. Petersburg? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to St. Petersburg?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to St. Petersburg in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbia to St. Petersburg take?
The 509-mile journey from Columbia, SC to St. Petersburg, , typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in St. Petersburg.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbia, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
Helpful moving resources
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