$1,256 Movers From Columbia to Lafayette

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Columbia, SC to Lafayette, LA averages from $676 to $6,294 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Columbia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Lafayette, LA.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Lafayette to Columbia guide.

Moving from Columbia to Lafayette resources

Moving 788 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Lafayette?

Columbia movers charge $256 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,256 - $4,684 $875 - $2,122 $632 - $1,227
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,395 - $6,294 $1,543 - $3,252 $676 - $1,471
4+ bedrooms $4,139 - $9,069 $2,047 - $3,995 $881 - $1,801
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 788 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Columbia to Lafayette will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbia to Lafayette?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Lafayette will cost between $1,256 to $4,684. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,395 to $6,294, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbia to Lafayette will cost from $4,139 to $9,069.

How much are moving container companies from Columbia to Lafayette?

Moving containers from Columbia to Lafayette will cost you $875 to $2,122 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,543 to $3,252. A larger home will cost $2,047 to $3,995.

How much is a moving truck from Columbia to Lafayette?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $632 to $1,227. A larger move will cost $676 to $1,471, and a four-bedroom move from Columbia to Lafayette costs from $881 to $1,801. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Columbia to Lafayette moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbia to Lafayette is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Columbia to Lafayette.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbia to Lafayette

Cost of living: Columbia vs Lafayette

Columbia Lafayette
Average rent cost $1,447 $4,310
Average home value $220,612 $213,482
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $58,457
Cost of Living (single person) $1,956 $1,811
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,274 $3,774
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.8%
Sales Tax 8.0% 9.45%
State Income Tax 7.0% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lafayette are 198% higher than in Columbia.
  • Home prices in Lafayette are 3.2% lower than in Columbia.
  • Income in Lafayette is 9.6% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lafayette is 7.4% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lafayette is 11.7% lower than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Lafayette is 11.54% higher than in Columbia.
  • Sales taxes in Lafayette are 18.13% higher than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in Lafayette are 39.29% lower than in Columbia.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,777.61 in Lafayette to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How is life different in Columbia compared to Lafayette?

Lafayette Columbia
Population 121,374 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 42 35
Bike friendliness score 47 35
Crime Index 47.29 3.0
Safety Index 52.71 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lafayette's population is about 11% less than Columbia.
  • Lafayette's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
  • Lafayette is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • Lafayette is more bike-friendly than Columbia with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35.
  • Lafayette's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 47.29 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 47.29% 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 52.71 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Lafayette is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Considerations for moving to Lafayette

  • Weather: It's best to plan your move to Lafayette during April, October and November..
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Louisiana moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Louisiana does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Lafayette. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Columbia movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentlemen Movers Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, Columbia, SC, 29223
(803) 782-0063
JEGA Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
325 Tomentosa Drive, Columbia, SC, 29209
(803) 888-0917

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Lafayette

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hub City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Lafayette.

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • Youngsville
  • Erath
  • Maurice
  • Broussard
  • Milton
  • Scott
  • Cade

What to do in Lafayette

These are some of the best things to do in your new Louisiana home.

  • Acadian Village
  • Children's Museum of Acadiana
  • Art at the Paul and Lulu Hilliard University Art Museum
  • Avery Island
  • Lafayette Science Museum
  • Cajun Swamp Tour
  • Downtown Lafayette

Get your sports on!

Lafayette is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns (Sun Belt)

FAQs about moving from Columbia to Lafayette

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Lafayette?

The best time to move from Columbia to Lafayette is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 92ºF and the winter lows of 61ºF in Lafayette.

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 summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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