Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Providence move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Providence can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed seven top local movers in Columbia who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Columbia to Providence.
- 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 Providence?
In South Carolina, moving services typically cost around $137 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,154 – $3,990 | $801 – $1,984 | $570 – $1,154 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,191 – $5,562 | $1,354 – $2,789 | $640 – $1,398 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,787 – $7,515 | $1,916 – $3,651 | $819 – $1,634 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Providence
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Providence from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,154 and $3,990. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,191 to $5,562 for the trip from Columbia to Providence. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $3,787 and $7,515.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Providence
Moving containers from Columbia to Providence will cost you $801 to $1,984 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,354 to $2,789. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,916 to $3,651. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Providence
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Providence typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $570 and $1,154 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $640 to $1,398. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $819 to $1,634.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Providence move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,084 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,144 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Columbia.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $570 to $1,437, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Providence
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Providence runs about 27% higher for singles and 26% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $2,493 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $5,406 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $2,103 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $2,714 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $398,785 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $69,956 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $2,493 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $5,406 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 8.6% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 5.99% |
- Planning a move to Providence? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 52% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Providence are about 81% higher than those in Columbia.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 8% higher in Providence compared to Columbia, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Providence, as living costs for a single person are 27% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- 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% higher than in Columbia.
- Providence shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Columbia by around 65%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 13% less in Providence relative to Columbia. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Rhode Island are 14% below those in South Carolina. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Providence:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Providence |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $293.60 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $41.88 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $5.19 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.36 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $19.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $63.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Providence, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Columbia than in Providence.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Providence.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Providence.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Providence.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Providence.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Providence.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Providence
| Columbia | Providence | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 190,934 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 7 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 76 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 61 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 49.84 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 50.16 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Providence’s population is about 40% greater than Columbia.
- Providence’s public transportation score of 7 out of 10 is higher than Columbia’s 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 it is 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 have a similar safety level, with scores of 50.16 and 48.39.
- Air quality in Providence is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Providence move
- 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, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Rhode Island’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Rhode Island 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: 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: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Providence
Planning your move to The Creative Capital? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Providence.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Elmhurst
- Federal Hill
- Fox Point
- Mount Hope
Best neighborhoods for families
- Blackstone
- Wayland
- College Hill
- Hope
- Mount Hope
- Fox Point
Things to do in Providence
After settling into your new Rhode Island home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Providence has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Providence features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Rhode Island School of Design Museum of Art, Providence Children’s Museum, John Brown House Museum, and Providence Art Club.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Water Place Park, Roger Williams Park, India Point Park, and Roger Williams National Memorial — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Providence Bruins (AHL)Brown Bears (Ivy League)Providence Friars (Big East) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Providence?
Planning your move from Columbia to Providence? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Providence?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Providence in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Columbia to Providence take?
The 884-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Providence, , typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you’re on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Providence.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Columbia?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Columbia, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, South Carolina has 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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