Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Lafayette move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Lafayette 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 Lafayette.
- 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 Lafayette?
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 | $1,124 – $3,952 | $753 – $1,789 | $565 – $973 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,083 – $5,096 | $1,287 – $2,584 | $582 – $1,277 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,526 – $7,284 | $1,908 – $3,507 | $757 – $1,534 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Lafayette
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Lafayette from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,124 and $3,952. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,083 to $5,096 for the trip from Columbia to Lafayette. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,526 and $7,284.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Lafayette
Moving containers from Columbia to Lafayette will cost you $753 to $1,789 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,287 to $2,584. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,908 to $3,507. 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 Lafayette
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Lafayette typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $565 and $973 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $582 to $1,277. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $757 to $1,534.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Lafayette move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,882 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,126 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 $565 to $1,325, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Lafayette
Many movers find Lafayette easier on the wallet than Columbia – roughly 9% less for singles and 2% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,785 for one person in Lafayette versus $1,956 in Columbia. For a family of four, it’s $4,208 compared with $4,274.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Columbia | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,200 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $1,725 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $214,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $59,490 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $1,785 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $4,208 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 5.8% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 9.45% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.25% |
- Planning a move to Lafayette? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 95% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Home pricing is relatively consistent, with less than a 5% difference between Lafayette and Columbia, making significant budget changes unnecessary unless you opt for a larger space.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 8% lower in Lafayette compared to Columbia.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Lafayette, as the cost of living for a single person is 9% lower compared to Columbia.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Lafayette and Columbia, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- Lafayette shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbia by around 12%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes in Lafayette are 18% more than in Columbia, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Louisiana are 39% 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 Lafayette:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Lafayette |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $244.46 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $52.00 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.99 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $17.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $76.11 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $61.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Lafayette, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Lafayette.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Lafayette.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Lafayette.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Lafayette.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Lafayette.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Lafayette.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Lafayette
| Columbia | Lafayette | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 121,374 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 3 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 47 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 45.75 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 54.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Lafayette’s population is about 11% less than Columbia.
- Lafayette’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Lafayette is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 47 out of 100, Lafayette 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.
- Lafayette’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 45.75 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Lafayette is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 54.25 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Lafayette is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Lafayette 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: If you’re using a legitimate moving company to relocate from one home or apartment within the state to another, look for a company regulated by the Louisiana Public Service Commission (LPSC). During the pre-move screening process, families on the move should verify that prospective movers are registered and in good standing with the LPSC. In cases of substandard service, inflated costs, and unlicensed movers operating illegally, consumers may file a complaint, after which the commission will initiate an investigation. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Louisiana’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Louisiana 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 Lafayette. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. Choose Released Value Protection for free coverage at 60 cents per pound from movers. For full-value protection, explore alternative 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 Lafayette
Planning your move to The Hub City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Lafayette.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Saint Streets
- Freetown-Port Rico
- Downtown Lafayette
- Scott
- Youngsville
Best neighborhoods for families
- Youngsville
- Erath
- Maurice
- Broussard
- Milton
- Scott
- Cade
Things to do in Lafayette
After settling into your new Louisiana home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lafayette has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Lafayette features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Lafayette Science Museum, Acadian Cultural Center, Children’s Museum of Acadiana, and Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Evangeline State Park, Acadiana Park Nature Station, and Girard Park Center — 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 Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Lafayette?
Planning your move from Columbia to Lafayette? 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 Lafayette?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Lafayette 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 Lafayette take?
The 789-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Lafayette, , typically takes two to seven 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 Lafayette.
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.
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