Highly rated local moving companies for Columbia to Pittsburgh moves
Organizing a move from Columbia to Pittsburgh 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 Pittsburgh.
- 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 Pittsburgh?
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 | $1,020 – $3,106 | $645 – $1,668 | $409 – $776 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,945 – $4,899 | $1,190 – $2,351 | $446 – $947 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,656 – $7,625 | $1,666 – $2,997 | $550 – $1,131 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Pittsburgh
When planning a move to Pittsburgh from Columbia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,020 and $3,106. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,945 and $4,899 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,656 to $7,625.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Pittsburgh
When you’re heading from Columbia to Pittsburgh, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $645 and $1,668. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,190 and $2,351. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,666 to $2,997. 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 Pittsburgh
A moving rental truck from Columbia to Pittsburgh 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 $409 to $776. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $446 to $947, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Columbia to Pittsburgh costs around $550 to $1,131.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Columbia to Pittsburgh
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Pittsburgh may only cost $1,451, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,390.
- 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 ($409–$999), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Pittsburgh
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Pittsburgh runs about 9% higher for singles and 17% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,129 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,011 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $1,710 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,917 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $222,451 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $54,306 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,129 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,011 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 7.1% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 3.07% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Pittsburgh from Columbia with rent being about the same in each state.
- With home prices differing by less than 5% between Pittsburgh and Columbia, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 16% less in Pittsburgh than in Columbia.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Pittsburgh, with the cost of living for a single person being 9% more than in Columbia. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Pittsburgh, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 17% higher than in Columbia.
- Pittsburgh has a higher unemployment rate than Columbia by about 37%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are 13% cheaper in Pittsburgh compared to Columbia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 56% less in Pennsylvania 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 Pittsburgh:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Pittsburgh |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $263.34 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $53.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.62 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $4.03 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $43.33 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Pittsburgh, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Pittsburgh.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Pittsburgh.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Pittsburgh.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Pittsburgh.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Pittsburgh.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Pittsburgh
| Columbia | Pittsburgh | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 303,255 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 55 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 37.74 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 62.26 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Pittsburgh’s population is about 122% greater than Columbia.
- Pittsburgh’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s score of 5.
- Pittsburgh is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 55 out of 100, Pittsburgh 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.
- Pittsburgh’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 37.74 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Pittsburgh neighborhoods are safer than 37.74% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Pittsburgh is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 62.26 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Pittsburgh is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Pittsburgh move
- HOA rules: Costs across Columbia and Pittsburgh 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 decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, 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 Pittsburgh. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Pittsburgh
With your sights set on Birmingham of America, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Pittsburgh.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenfield
- Oakland
- Polish Hill
- Shadyside
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brookline
- Highland Park
- Point Breeze
- Regent Square
- Squirrel Hill North
Things to do in Pittsburgh
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Pittsburgh. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Pittsburgh is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Duquesne Incline, Bicycle Heaven, Carnegie Museum of Natural History, and The Andy Warhol Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Point State Park, Schenley Park, Frick Park, and West End – Elliot Overlook 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 Pittsburgh Pirates (MLB)Pittsburgh Steelers (NFL)Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)Pittsburgh Riverhounds (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Pittsburgh?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Columbia to Pittsburgh. 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 Pittsburgh?
Want to save on your move from Columbia to Pittsburgh? 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 Pittsburgh take?
The 538-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Pittsburgh, , takes one to six 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 Pittsburgh.
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
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