($1,087+) Columbia, SC to Billings, MT Movers
Moving from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT, runs anywhere from $1,087 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,742 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,011 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,178, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,742 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,529 - $5,943, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,087 - $3,279.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,320 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 Billings, MT
Moving options from Columbia to Billings fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,320 - $7,151 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 40% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 62% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,011 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,011-mile route from Columbia to Billings, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,178 - $4,840 with full-service movers, $1,529 - $3,113 with a container, $1,087 - $2,139 with a rental truck, or $1,489 - $2,640 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,320 - $7,151 full-service, $1,977 - $3,985 by container, $1,276 - $2,730 by rental truck, or $1,567 - $3,221 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $5,805 - $9,742 full-service, $2,877 - $5,943 by container, $1,593 - $3,279 by rental truck, or $2,190 - $4,573 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT
For the 2,011-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, full-service movers cost between $2,178 and $9,742. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $271 - $1,804 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Columbia generally start around $262 plus $256 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Columbia to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,178 - $4,840
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,320 - $7,151
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,805 - $9,742
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 Billings.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT
Specialty needs vary by market: 50% of Columbia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Billings, 67% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing73% of local movers | $451 - $4,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready50% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $180 - $1,082/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $271 - $2,165 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage4% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $902 - $2,706 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,255 - $9,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $676 - $1,284 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentlemen Movers Inc. | $902 - $2,255 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $722 - $3,157 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $271 - $1,353 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $586 - $1,804 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $271 - $13,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $271 - $3,157+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Columbia to Billings?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
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 Billings, MT
Moving containers from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, cost between $1,529 and $5,943. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Columbia runs about $50/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Columbia to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,529 - $3,113
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,977 - $3,985
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,877 - $5,943
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 $631 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 $68 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $135 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 Billings, MT, destination before booking.
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 $1,529. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,977 - $3,985.
What are the best moving containers Columbia to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
Renting a moving truck for the 2,011-mile move from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana, costs between $1,087 and $3,279, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $577 - $660
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- 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 Billings based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,087 - $2,139
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,276 - $2,730
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,593 - $3,279
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,087 - $3,279 when pricing out a rental truck from Columbia to Billings. Fuel alone runs $577 - $660, and overnight lodging ($135/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Columbia, South Carolina, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $631.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $577 - $660 for the 2,011-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $54 and $293, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $135 per night for hotel stops on the 2,011-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $271 - $406.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Columbia to Billings?
- 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 Billings, MT
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Columbia, South Carolina, to Billings, Montana. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $812 and $3,221.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Columbia to Billings:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,489 - $2,640
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,567 - $3,221
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,190 - $4,573
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $631.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $68 - $135 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 Billings?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Billings quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Columbia, SC vs Billings, MT
Good news for your budget: Billings isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Columbia. Cost of living index runs 95 there against 87 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 35/100 and 48.39/100 here versus 35/100 and 50.37/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Billings, MT to Columbia, SC guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 1 real quote from South Carolina to Montana, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. South Carolina alone has 155 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 2,011-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 2,011-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT, costs between $2,178 and $9,742 with full-service movers, $1,529 - $5,943 with a moving container, and $1,087 - $3,279 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,320 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Billings Clinic and First Interstate BancSystem.
FAQs: Moving from Columbia, SC, to Billings, MT
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 Billings run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT?
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.
How much does it cost to move from Columbia, SC to Billings, MT?
Costs on this route range from around $1,087 to $9,742, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,178 and $9,742, 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.
How walkable is Billings?
Billings has a walkability score of 35 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($577 - $660), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Columbia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Columbia handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.