Top Columbia, SC to Raleigh, NC Movers

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

1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
4. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
5. Smooth Move: 4.66 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to North Carolina

If you're packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move from South Carolina to North Carolina, you can expect prices to land between $910 and $3,481. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,708 to $4,717 for the trip from SC to NC. If you're moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you're likely looking at a price tag between $2,338 and $6,678.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to North Carolina

If you're relocating from South Carolina to North Carolina, you'll typically spend between $710 and $1,667 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,315 up to $2,517. If you're moving a larger home—four bedrooms or more—expect to pay anywhere between $1,643 and $3,008. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to North Carolina

A moving rental truck 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 $303 to $575. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $327 to $653, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from South Carolina to North Carolina costs around $430 to $757.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• You may want to budget more for rent in Raleigh, since prices are typically 15% higher than in Columbia.
• The home prices in Raleigh are 95.7% higher than in Columbia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
• Income in Raleigh is 96.0% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Raleigh — including State of North Carolina, WakeMed, and North Carolina State University — may pay more.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Raleigh, since the cost of living for a single person in Raleigh is 210.7% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you're moving your family to Raleigh, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Raleigh is 42.2% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Raleigh is 17.31% lower than in Columbia.
• You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Raleigh, since the city's sales taxes in Raleigh are 9.38% lower than in Columbia.
• One perk of moving to Raleigh is paying less in state income taxes, which are 35.71% lower than in Columbia.

• Raleigh's population is about 242% greater than Columbia.
• Raleigh's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
• Raleigh is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 31 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 39 out of 100, Raleigh is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Raleigh's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 38.87 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Raleigh is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 60.13 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Raleigh is moderate, and in Columbia it's good.

• Weather: The climate in Raleigh is unlikely to affect your move. However, some days in the winter, the roads may become icy which causes traffic issues.
• 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: 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). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
• State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: North Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
• 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 Raleigh. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Central Raleigh
• Five Points
• North Raleigh
• Northwest Raleigh
• West Raleigh

Best neighborhoods for families

• Oakwood
• North Hills
• Mordecai
• South Park
• Brier Creek

Things to do in Raleigh

After settling into your new North Carolina home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Raleigh has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:

• Arts and culture: Raleigh features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the African American Cultural Complex, Contemporary Art Museum of Raleigh, Gregg Museum of Art & Design at North Carolina State University, Haywood Hall House & Gardens, and Marbles Kids Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city's Pullen Park, William B. Umstead State Park, Yates Mill County Park, and JC Raulston Arboretum — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Carolina Hurricanes (NHL), North Carolina FC (USL), North Carolina Courage (NWSL), or Carolina Mudcats (MiLB) game.