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.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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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
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to RI move
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.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move: 4.66 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 #: 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
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 |
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 Providence
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.