Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Durham moves
Organizing a move from Columbia to Durham can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating seven local movers in Columbia known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Columbia to Durham.
- 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 Durham?
On average, moving companies in South Carolina charge about $137 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $717 – $2,612 | $546 – $1,339 | $260 – $479 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,310 – $4,002 | $1,074 – $1,847 | $276 – $584 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,792 – $5,191 | $1,386 – $2,568 | $337 – $633 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Durham
When planning a move to Durham from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $717 and $2,612. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,310 and $4,002 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $1,792 to $5,191.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Durham
When you’re heading from Columbia to Durham, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $546 and $1,339. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,074 and $1,847. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,386 to $2,568. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from South Carolina easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Durham
A moving rental truck from Columbia to Durham is generally 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 $260 to $479. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $276 to $584, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Durham costs around $337 to $633.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Durham
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Durham may only cost $1,085, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $4,491.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Columbia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($260–$615), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Durham
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Durham runs about 43% higher for singles and 39% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,803 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,945 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,875 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,573 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $391,719 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $69,117 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,803 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,945 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.5% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 4.5% |
- Rent is about 17% more expensive in Durham than in Columbia. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 78% steeper in Durham compared to Columbia.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 7% greater in Durham than in Columbia, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Durham, with the cost of living for a single person being 43% more than in Columbia. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Durham, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 39% higher than in Columbia.
- Durham has a lower unemployment rate than Columbia by about 21%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 6% cheaper in Durham compared to Columbia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 36% less in North Carolina compared to South Carolina, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbia versus Durham:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Durham |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $148.21 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $51.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.53 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.66 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Durham, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Durham.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Durham.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Durham.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Columbia than in Durham.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Durham.
- Gym memberships are similarly priced in both cities.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Durham
| Columbia | Durham | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 283,506 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 30 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 38 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 54.72 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 45.28 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Durham’s population is about 107% greater than Columbia.
- Durham’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Durham is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 30 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 38 out of 100, Durham 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.
- Durham’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 54.72 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Durham neighborhoods are safer than 54.72% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Durham is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 45.28 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Durham is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Durham move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia and Durham are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a “C Number” issued by the commission, signifying that they’ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the state’s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in North Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in North Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Durham. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Durham
With your sights set on City of The Viper, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Durham.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Golden Belt
- Warehouse District
- City Center
- Research Triangle Park
- Central Park
- Chapel Hill
- Northgate Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Treyburn
- American Village/Arrowhead
- Willowhaven
- Fieldstone by the Eno
- Hope Valley Farms
Things to do in Durham
With your move to North Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Durham. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Durham is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Life + Science, Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Museum of Durham History, and V & E Simonetti Historic Tuba Collection.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s West Point on the Eno, RollingView Falls Lake State Park, Durham Central Park, and Historic Durham Athletic Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Duke University (ACC)Durham Bulls (Triple-A East baseball) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Durham?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Durham. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Durham?
Want to save on your move from Columbia to Durham? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Columbia to Durham take?
The 234-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Durham, , takes one to two days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Durham.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Columbia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 5 movers in Columbia provide piano moving services. 2 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
Popular South Carolina routes
- South Carolina to North Carolina car shippers
- South Carolina to California movers
- South Carolina to Florida movers
- South Carolina to Georgia movers
- South Carolina to Illinois movers
- South Carolina to Michigan movers
- South Carolina to New York movers
- South Carolina to North Carolina movers
- South Carolina to Ohio movers
- South Carolina to Pennsylvania movers
- South Carolina to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!