Columbia, SC to Augusta, GA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Columbia to Augusta typically costs $1,000–$3,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 76 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Columbia to Augusta
Moving from Columbia, SC to Augusta, GA typically costs $1,000–$3,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 76-mile move from Columbia to Augusta, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
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2-3 bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $2,451 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $1,936 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $126 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a rental truck.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Augusta move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $500 for a one-bedroom, or up to $3,900 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 $100 to $200, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Augusta, GA to Columbia, SC guide.
Best Columbia to Augusta movers by type
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Best professional movers from Columbia to Augusta
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Columbia to Augusta much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
How we chose the best SC→GA movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 52 South Carolina movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- 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%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Augusta
Many movers find Augusta easier on the wallet than Columbia - roughly 4% less for singles and 9% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,874 for one person in Augusta versus $1,956 in Columbia. For a family of four, it's $3,881 compared with $4,274.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbia | Augusta | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,250 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,625 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $169,040 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $160,600 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,874 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $3,881 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.49% |
- When relocating from Columbia to Augusta, expect to find rent about 14% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 23% more affordable in Augusta compared to Columbia.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 148% higher in Augusta compared to Columbia, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Since the cost of living for a single person in both Augusta and Columbia is within a 5% difference, your expenses will be quite similar.
- A move to Augusta can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 9% less than what it costs in Columbia.
- With Augusta and Columbia having similar unemployment rates, deviating by approximately 5%, job opportunities and market competitiveness remain consistent.
- Sales taxes in Augusta are 6% more than in Columbia, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Georgia are 22% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Augusta:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Augusta |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $200.76 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $55.33 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.25 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $13.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $71.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $27.50 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Augusta, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Augusta.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Augusta.
- Bread is more expensive in Columbia than in Augusta.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in Augusta.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Augusta.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Augusta.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Augusta
| Columbia | Augusta | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 202,081 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 2 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 22 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 33 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 48.46 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 51.54 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Augusta's population is about 48% greater than Columbia.
- Augusta's public transportation score of 2 out of 10 is lower than Columbia's score of 5.
- Augusta is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 22 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
- Augusta has a bike-friendliness score of 33 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Columbia, which has a score of 35.
- Augusta's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 48.46 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Augusta neighborhoods are safer than 48.46% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Augusta is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 51.54 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Augusta is Good, and in Columbia it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Augusta 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: Moving companies in Georgia are regulated by the the Georgia Department of Public Safety (GDPS). Regulations include insurance requirements and the handling of consumer complaints. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Georgia’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Georgia 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 Augusta. 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 for its cost-effectiveness, offered by movers at no extra charge. However, it provides minimal coverage, with the mover's responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, explore other options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Augusta
Planning your move to The Garden City of the South? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Augusta.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Augusta
- Sand Hills
- Lake Aumond
- Lakemont
- National Hills
Best neighborhoods for families
- Summerville
- Forest Hills
- West Augusta
- Martinez
- Evans
Things to do in Augusta
After settling into your new Georgia home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Augusta has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Augusta features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Augusta Canal Discovery Center, Augusta Museum of History, Morris Museum of Art, and Meadow Garden.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pendleton King Park, Reed Creek Nature Park, Augusta Common, and Springfield Village 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 Augusta GreenJackets (Low-A East)Soul City Sirens (WFTDA)Georgia Soul (WABA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Augusta?
Planning your move from Columbia to Augusta? 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 Augusta?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Augusta 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 Augusta take?
The 76-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Augusta, GA, typically takes one to two 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 Augusta.
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 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.