Moving from Myrtle Beach to Columbia, SC
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Quick answer: Moving from Myrtle Beach to Columbia costs between $211 to $5,138 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 152-mile route within South Carolina take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Myrtle Beach to Columbia
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Myrtle Beach to Columbia are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Myrtle Beach to driving and unloading in Columbia, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 152 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,426 - $4,106 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $1,099 - $2,001 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $225 - $381 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $56/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Myrtle Beach to Columbia?
It costs between $211 to $5,138 to move from Myrtle Beach to Columbia. The prices below break down your 152-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $761 - $5,138
- Moving containers: $846 - $2,568
- Rental trucks: $211 - $469
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $761 - $3,335 | $846 - $1,482 | $211 - $353 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,426 - $4,106 | $1,099 - $2,001 | $225 - $381 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,843 - $5,138 | $1,445 - $2,568 | $252 - $469 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $270 - $2,250+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $56/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $80/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $180 - $720 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $45 - $180 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Myrtle Beach to Columbia
At 152 miles, your Myrtle Beach to Columbia move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Myrtle Beach to Columbia. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout South Carolina, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 152 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Myrtle Beach to Columbia. They've been in business since 1998 (28 years of experience) and 92.1% of their 240 verified reviews are positive.
More South Carolina moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia to Myrtle Beach guide.
Considerations when moving from Myrtle Beach to Columbia
Cost of living: Myrtle Beach vs. Columbia
When weighing the cost of living in Myrtle Beach versus Columbia, there's more to consider than just housing costs. Let’s dive into important financial factors like rent, home prices, average income, daily expenses, and job market trends, so you can see how life in Columbia really compares to Myrtle Beach.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Myrtle Beach | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,850 | $1,447 |
| Average home cost | $342,298 | $241,128 |
| Average income (per capita) | $53,679 | $55,653 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,388 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,791 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 5.2% |
| Average Sales Tax | 9.0% | 8.0% |
- Rent in Columbia is around 22% less expensive than in Myrtle Beach, leaving you with extra cash for saving, investing, or having fun.
- Home prices in Columbia are 30% lower than in Myrtle Beach. That means you’ll have an easier time getting into the housing market, scoring a more affordable mortgage, and having extra cash left over for what matters most.
- Income levels in Myrtle Beach and Columbia are quite similar, so you can expect steady earning potential and less financial stress in your new city.
- Living in Columbia is 18% cheaper for one person compared to Myrtle Beach. That means more money left in your pocket—to save, spend, or invest however you like.
- If you’re moving to Columbia, you’ll find that the cost of living is 11% lower than in Myrtle Beach. That means your family can save money and potentially enjoy a better quality of life after the move.
- Unemployment in Columbia is 32% lower than in Myrtle Beach. That means you’re headed towards a healthier job market, more career opportunities, and better economic stability in your new home.
- Sales taxes are 11% lower in Columbia than in Myrtle Beach. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbia can reduce your overall living expenses.
To match the lifestyle you enjoy on $3,000 in Myrtle Beach, you’d need about $2,460 in Columbia.
How life is different in Myrtle Beach vs. Columbia
Before you move, take a look at how life compares in Myrtle Beach and Columbia. From weather and population to cost of living, politics, and safety, these factors can all impact your daily life. Use this side-by-side comparison to find out which city fits your lifestyle and priorities best.
| Myrtle Beach | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 35,682 | 136,632 |
| Political leaning | Republican 66-33 | |
| Summer high | 89ºF | 94ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 35ºF |
| Annual rain | 52" | 46" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 1" |
| Crime index | 58.06 | 3.0 |
Columbia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Columbia is about 283% larger than Myrtle Beach. Moving to a bigger city means more people, new opportunities, and a vibrant cultural scene, but you’ll also face higher living costs and a faster pace. Whether that sounds exciting or overwhelming comes down to what you want in your next home.
- In the last presidential election, Columbia voted , while Myrtle Beach voted Republican.
- In Columbia and Myrtle Beach, summer highs run about the same — 94°F vs. 89°F. You can expect similar weather and expenses.
- In the coldest months, both Myrtle Beach and Columbia face similar winter lows—Myrtle Beach drops to 35°F, while Columbia falls to 35°F.
- Myrtle Beach usually sees more rain than Columbia, with about 52 inches of rainfall each year compared to Columbia’s 46 inches.
- You won’t notice much difference in snowfall moving from Myrtle Beach to Columbia. Both average about 1 and 1 inch of snow each year.
- Columbia offers more peace of mind than Myrtle Beach, with a lower crime index of 3.0 versus 58.06.
Things to do in Columbia
Looking for adventure, vibrant culture, or exciting live sports? Columbia has it all.
Museums in Columbia
- South Carolina State Museum
- Columbia Museum of Art
- South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
- EdVenture Children's Museum
- South Carolina Military Museum
Parks in Columbia
- Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
- Saluda Shoals Park
- Sesquicentennial State Park
- Finlay Park
- Memorial Park
Sports teams in Columbia
- Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
- South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
- Benedict Tigers (SIAC)
Universities in Columbia
- Virginia College Columbia
- University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
- Allen University
- Benedict College
- Columbia College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Myrtle Beach to Columbia?
If you’re planning to hire a moving company to get your belongings from Myrtle Beach to Columbia, here’s what you can expect: Moving just a few items or a small bedroom typically costs between $749 and $2,839. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices generally range from $1,426 up to $4,106. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay anywhere from $1,843 to $5,138 for the whole move.
How much are moving container companies from Myrtle Beach to Columbia?
Moving containers from Myrtle Beach to Columbia will cost you $589 to $1,488 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,099 to $2,001. A larger home will cost $1,445 to $2,568.
How much is a moving truck from Myrtle Beach to Columbia?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is typically your most budget-friendly choice. Just keep in mind, you’ll be handling all the driving and heavy lifting yourself. We’ve factored estimated fuel costs into these price estimates, so you know what to expect.
Renting a truck to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment typically ranges from $211 to $326. If you’re moving a bigger place, expect to pay between $225 and $381. For a four-bedroom home or larger going from Myrtle Beach to Columbia, costs usually fall between $252 and $469.
How far in advance should I book Myrtle Beach-to-Columbia movers?
To make your move from Myrtle Beach to Columbia as easy as possible, try locking in your movers at least two months ahead of time. If you’re planning to move during the busy summer season, aim for three months in advance. Booking early gives you a better shot at your ideal moving date and can land you better rates. Some companies even offer early-bird discounts when you reserve ahead of time.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia?
For the best deals on your move to Columbia, aim for a date between early October and late April. Skipping the busy May-to-September rush not only saves you money, but also helps you lock in better rates and more flexible scheduling.
