Quick answer: The cost to move from Columbia to Providence ranges from $777 to $7,105 and the journey will take approximately two to seven days. Key factors influencing these estimates include your moving volume, chosen moving date, and whether you opt for professional movers or handle the 884-mile move on your own.

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

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Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
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Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
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Best Movers By Type

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Best Professional Movers from Columbia to Providence

Picking a long-distance moving company for your move from Columbia to Providence isn't easy — there are tons of options out there, and figuring out who's reliable (and who's not) can feel like a real challenge.

No need to stress about sifting through endless options — we've already done the homework for you. Our picks are based on real reviews, pricing, and the range of services offered.

Safeway Moving
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to RI movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 32 South Carolina movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

The best local movers servicing Columbia to Providence moves

Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Providence can be a challenge. With so many movers advertising similar services, it's tough to know who really delivers on quality.

Good news — we've done the homework for you. Our team reviewed top local movers in Columbia who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.

Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Columbia to Providence.

  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
https://www.facebook.com/GentlemenMoversSC/, https://twitter.com/gentlemenmover3?lang=en
72% of all reviews were positive
27% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Gentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team's effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving.
Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

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
https://www.facebook.com/twomenandatruckcolumbiasc/, https://twitter.com/TwoMenColumbia/
87% of all reviews were positive
12% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Dependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors.
Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crews’ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

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
https://www.facebook.com/JEGAMover/,
43% of all reviews were positive
57% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
JEGA Movers LLC receives enthusiastic praise from customers who appreciate professional staff, careful handling of belongings, transparent pricing, strong communication, and efficient service. Most positive feedback highlights respectful treatment of cherished items and hassle-free booking. Negative input focuses on unprofessional behavior, property damage, and the company not delivering all promised services, like furniture reassembly and reliability. 42.9% of reviews express satisfaction, but more than half of the feedback reveals significant issues, suggesting higher concerns than seen with typical local moving companies.
Those considering JEGA Movers should weigh reported customer service quality against consistent complaints about professionalism and property care.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 888-0917

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
https://www.facebook.com/AllMySons/, https://x.com/allmysonsmoving
50% of all reviews were positive
47% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves and friendly crews shine through the feedback on All My Sons Moving & Storage. Out of 64 reviews, half commend the company’s professional attitude, careful handling of items, efficient process, and supportive movers—qualities that keep their reputation solid against competitors. Many customers highlight swift service and the politeness of staff, with teams regularly described as helpful and highly professional.
Yet a significant share (nearly 47%) report major frustrations about final pricing far exceeding initial estimates, damage to items, and unanticipated fees. Customers often mention unexpected charges and slow resolution for reported damages, which leads many to express regret or dissatisfaction. While the company frequently delivers the speed and care people expect from leading movers, the pattern of higher costs and inflexible billing contrasts sharply with the positive feedback. Those considering All My Sons can expect fast, polite service, but should clarify all pricing details up front and remain vigilant about item protection and final billing.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 219-4957

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
https://www.facebook.com/Smooth-Move-1555136268059713/, https://twitter.com/SmoothMoveRH
97% of all reviews were positive
2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave reviews set Smooth Move apart. Of 255 pieces of customer feedback, 97% rated their experience positively, a rare feat in the moving industry. Customers consistently highlight Smooth Move’s efficient service, polite and professional staff, careful handling of items, speedy relocations, and helpful movers.
Many praise the crews for going out of their way to protect belongings and make the process stress-free, even in complex or emotional situations. Negative feedback centers on isolated complaints about damage to items, communication delays, or inaccurate estimates. When compared to other companies, Smooth Move stands out for reliability, responsiveness, and respect for property. Their reputation for thorough care and pleasant experiences makes them a top pick for those seeking movers who value client trust and seamless service.
Show more
Get a Quote (803) 366-6683

Company Info

State license #: 9823

Years in Business: 12

DOT #: 2823802

Alternate Names: Go Smooth Move, LLC, Carolina Movers, LLC


Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Columbia to Providence?

Columbia movers charge $256 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,390 - $5,308 $964 - $2,293 $766 - $1,361
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,913 - $7,105 $1,820 - $3,387 $777 - $1,768
4+ bedrooms $4,506 - $9,601 $2,471 - $4,388 $985 - $2,046
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 884 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Rhode Island

Planning a move from South Carolina to Rhode Island? For a studio or one-bedroom, you'll likely pay between $1,390 and $5,308. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,913 and $7,105 for the same journey (SC to RI). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,506 to $9,601.

Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Rhode Island

Moving containers from South Carolina to Rhode Island will cost you $964 to $2,293 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,820 to $3,387. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,471 to $4,388. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Rhode Island

Looking to save money? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option. Just keep in mind that you'll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you're moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $766 and $1,361. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $777 and $1,768. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $985 and $2,046.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Providencetoggle

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Providence might cost as little as $1,390, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,852.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Columbia, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $766 to $1,874 Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Providence

Moving from Columbia to Providence comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Providence is generally more expensive than Columbia, it's important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Columbia Providence
Average rent cost $1,447 $2,200
Average home value $220,612 $398,785
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $69,956
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $2,493
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $5,406
Unemployment rate 5.2% 8.6%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.0%
State income tax 7.0% 5.99%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Providence, since prices are typically 52% higher than in Columbia.
  • The home prices in Providence are 80.8% higher than in Columbia, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
  • You're likely to make a higher income living in Providence, where incomes are, on average, 8.2% higher than in Columbia. Major employers in Providence include Textron, United Natural Foods, and Citizens Financial Group.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Providence, since the cost of living for a single person in Providence is 27.5% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If you're moving your family to Providence, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Providence is 26.5% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Providence is 65.38% higher than in Columbia.
  • You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Providence, since the city's sales taxes in Providence are 12.50% lower than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to Providence is paying less in state income taxes, which are 14.43% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,823.62 in Providence to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Providence

Providence Columbia
Population 190,934 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 7 5
Walkability score 76 35
Bike friendliness score 61 35
Crime Index 49.84 3.0
Safety Index 50.16 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Providence's population is about 40% greater than Columbia.
  • Providence's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
  • Providence is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 76 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 61 out of 100, Providence 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.
  • Providence's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 49.84 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Providence neighborhoods are safer than 49.84% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Providence and Columbia are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Providence is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Providence move

  • Weather: June, September and August are the most pleasant months in Providence, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • 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: In Rhode Island, the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission (RIPUC) is responsible for providing regulation and oversight of the moving and storage industry. The state maintains a database of licensed movers, though some information may not be current. To verify that the movers you’re considering are licensed, insured, and authorized to provide relocation services without the state, check the above link and call (401) 780-9700. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Rhode Island moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: Rhode Island doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Providence. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Rhode Island, movers often provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, offering coverage at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or explore third-party insurance options. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and reading reviews before choosing an insurance plan for your move.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Providence

Ready to relocate to Creative Capital? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Providence.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Elmhurst
  • Federal Hill
  • Fox Point
  • Mount Hope

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blackstone
  • Wayland
  • Hope
  • Mount Hope
  • Fox Point

Things to do in Providence

After getting comfortable in your new Rhode Island home, it's time to see what Providence is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Providence include museums and art centers like the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence Children's Museum, John Brown House Museum, Providence Art Club, and Lippitt House Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Providence Bruins (AHL), Brown Bears (Ivy League), or Providence Friars (Big East) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Providence?

The best time to move from Columbia to Providence is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Providence?

With many people choosing to move from Columbia to Providence in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

How long does a move from Columbia to Providence take?

The 884-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Providence, RI, takes two to seven 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 Providence.

Helpful moving resources