($504+) Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to New Orleans, LA, runs anywhere from $510 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,635 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 677 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,566, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,635 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,051 - $3,528, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $510 - $1,372.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to New Orleans, LA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,161 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA
Moving options from Columbia to New Orleans fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,161 - $5,694 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 677 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 677-mile route from Columbia to New Orleans, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,566 - $3,987 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,051 - $1,924), rental truck ($510 - $963), or freight trailer ($1,004 - $1,732). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,161 - $5,694 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $7,635.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 677-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, with costs ranging from $1,566 - $7,635. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $279 - $1,860. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Columbia and New Orleans. Local movers in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate plus $256/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,566 - $3,987
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $5,694
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,966 - $7,635
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Columbia to New Orleans.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from South Carolina to Louisiana. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA
Specialty needs vary by market — 86% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In New Orleans, 75% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $465 - $4,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready86% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $186 - $1,116/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $279 - $2,232 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs57% of local movers | $930 - $2,790 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,325 - $9,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $697 - $1,323 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $930 - $2,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $744 - $3,255 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling29% of local movers | $279 - $1,395 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $605 - $1,860 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $279 - $13,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $279 - $3,255+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to New Orleans?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Louisiana Motor Transport Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Columbia, SC, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana, cost between $1,051 and $3,528. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Columbia typically runs around $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $1,924
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,308 - $2,800
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,842 - $3,528
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $651 in Columbia, SC. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $140 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your New Orleans, LA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a South Carolina to Louisiana move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,051. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,308 - $2,800, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Columbia to New Orleans?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Columbia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Columbia:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5)
- Undergrads Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA
Plan on $510 - $1,372 for a rental moving truck on the 677-mile route from Columbia, South Carolina, to New Orleans, Louisiana. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $200 - $229
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Columbia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $39.95
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Columbia to New Orleans based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $510 - $963
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $578 - $1,144
- 4+ bedrooms: $679 - $1,372
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $510 - $1,372 when pricing out a rental truck from Columbia to New Orleans. Fuel alone runs ($200 - $229) , and overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $200 - $229 for the 677-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for about 5 hours typically costs around $651.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 677-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $140 per night, adding $279 - $419 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $279.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to New Orleans?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA
If you're moving a larger household from Columbia, South Carolina, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to New Orleans, Louisiana.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,124 and $2,153.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to New Orleans:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,004 - $1,732
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,124 - $2,153
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,473 - $2,655
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Columbia, South Carolina, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $651.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $140 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Columbia to New Orleans?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. (4.5/5 stars): Southeastern Freight Lines, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in New Orleans fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs New Orleans, LA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in New Orleans, side by side with Columbia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Columbia, SC | New Orleans, LA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 102 |
| Average rent | $1,447/mo | $1,755/mo |
| Median home value | $241,128 | $300,283 |
| Average income | $55,653/yr | $55,339/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 11.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.0% | Up to 4.25% |
| Walkability score | 35/100 | 58/100 |
| Safety index | 48.39/100 | 32.69/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our New Orleans, LA to Columbia, SC guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from South Carolina to Louisiana, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 53 movers in South Carolina, so you have real options to compare for this 677-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Columbia, SC, to New Orleans, LA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,566 for a studio to $7,635 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 677-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,051 - $3,528. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $510 - $1,372, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,161 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Entergy and Ochsner Health System.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to New Orleans, LA
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($200 - $229), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is New Orleans?
New Orleans has a walkability score of 58 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 35 and 35 in Columbia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,566 to $7,635, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,566 and $7,635, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbia, SC to New Orleans, LA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What do local movers charge in Columbia?
Local movers based in Columbia typically start around $262 as a base rate, plus $256/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in New Orleans run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
