$1,048 Movers From Columbia to Chattanooga

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Columbia, SC to Chattanooga, TN averages from $417 to $4,960 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Columbia moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Chattanooga, TN.

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

Moving from Columbia to Chattanooga resources

Moving 332 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

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 $1,048 - $3,166 $714 - $1,674 $376 - $699
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,931 - $4,960 $1,360 - $2,343 $417 - $829
4+ bedrooms $2,712 - $7,038 $1,695 - $3,291 $516 - $982
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 332 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.

The cost to move from Columbia to Chattanooga will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Columbia to Chattanooga?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Chattanooga will cost between $1,048 to $3,166. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,931 to $4,960, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Columbia to Chattanooga will cost from $2,712 to $7,038.

How much are moving container companies from Columbia to Chattanooga?

Moving containers from Columbia to Chattanooga will cost you $714 to $1,674 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,360 to $2,343. A larger home will cost $1,695 to $3,291.

How much is a moving truck from Columbia to Chattanooga?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $376 to $699. A larger move will cost $417 to $829, and a four-bedroom move from Columbia to Chattanooga costs from $516 to $982. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Columbia to Chattanooga moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Columbia to Chattanooga is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Columbia to Chattanooga.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Columbia to Chattanooga

Cost of living: Columbia vs Chattanooga

Columbia Chattanooga
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,500
Average home value $220,612 $58,615
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $58,615
Cost of Living (single person) $1,956 $1,032
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,274 $3,614
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.6%
Sales Tax 8.0% 9.25%
State Income Tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Chattanooga are 4% higher than in Columbia.
  • Home prices in Chattanooga are 73.4% lower than in Columbia.
  • Income in Chattanooga is 9.4% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chattanooga is 47.2% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chattanooga is 15.4% lower than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Chattanooga is 7.69% higher than in Columbia.
  • Sales taxes in Chattanooga are 15.63% higher than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in Chattanooga are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,582.82 in Chattanooga to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How is life different in Columbia compared to Chattanooga?

Chattanooga Columbia
Population 181,370 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 29 35
Bike friendliness score 35 35
Crime Index 1.0 3.0
Safety Index 46.81 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Chattanooga's population is about 33% greater than Columbia.
  • Chattanooga's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
  • Chattanooga is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 29 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • Chattanooga and Columbia are similarily bike-friendly.
  • Chattanooga's crime rate is lower than Columbia with a score of 1.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 1.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Chattanooga is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 46.81 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Chattanooga is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Considerations for moving to Chattanooga

  • Weather: May, September and October are the most suitable months for moving in Chattanooga, while you might reconsider your plans in January and July as these are the least comfortable months..
  • 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: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Tennessee does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Chattanooga. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Columbia movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentlemen Movers Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
1001 Pinnacle Point Drive, Columbia, SC, 29223
(803) 782-0063
JEGA Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
325 Tomentosa Drive, Columbia, SC, 29209
(803) 888-0917

Visit our best long distance movers in Columbia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Chattanooga

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Scenic City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chattanooga.

Best neighborhoods for singles:

  • Southside
  • Martin Luther King
  • Fort Wood
  • Lookout Mountain
  • West Village

Best neighborhoods for families:

  • North Shore
  • St. Elmo
  • Lookout Mountain
  • Highland Park
  • Orchard Knob

What to do in Chattanooga

These are some of the best things to do in your new Tennessee home.

  • Creative Discovery Museum
  • Chattanooga Whiskey Tasting
  • Raccoon Mountain Caverns
  • Ruby Falls
  • Tennessee Aquarium
  • Lookout Mountain Incline Railway
  • Bluff View Art District
  • Chickamauga & Chattanooga National Military Park
  • Rock City Gardens
  • Chattanooga Choo Choo

Get your sports on!

Chattanooga is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Chattanooga Lookouts (Southern League)
  • Chattanooga Red Wolves SC (USL League One)

FAQs about moving from Columbia to Chattanooga

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

The best time to move from Columbia to Chattanooga is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 89ºF and the winter lows of 28ºF in Chattanooga.

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

Because most people are moving from Columbia to Chattanooga in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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