Quick answer: Expect to pay $561–$5,671 for a move from Columbia to Memphis, with most moves taking one to six days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 605 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Memphis to Columbia guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 4 interstate movers to choose from like you do in Columbia, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each Columbia mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in Columbia, so you can move forward with confidence.
Professional
|
Container
|
Rental truck
|
Labor only
|
Best professional movers from Columbia to Memphis
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Columbia to Memphis far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Safeway Moving
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Allied Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
Mayzlin Relocation
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
North American Van Lines
![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
What moving services are available in Columbia?
How we chose the best moving companies for your SC to TN move
Find trusted moving companies for your Columbia to Memphis journey
Organizing a move from Columbia to Memphis can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Columbia known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Columbia to Memphis.
- Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- JEGA Movers LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Ballantyne & Beyond Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
- Smooth Move: 4.62 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 #: 9784-A
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 2557751
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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 Memphis?
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 | $1,211 - $3,720 | $829 - $1,848 | $519 - $999 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,166 - $5,671 | $1,424 - $2,910 | $561 - $1,140 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,254 - $8,737 | $1,843 - $3,436 | $707 - $1,334 |
Cost to hire movers from South Carolina to Tennessee
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from South Carolina to Tennessee will cost between $1,211 and $3,720. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from SC to TN will range from $2,166 to $5,671, and a large move from South Carolina to Tennessee will cost from $4,254 to $8,737.
Cost of moving containers from South Carolina to Tennessee
If you're moving from South Carolina to Tennessee, expect to pay between $829 and $1,848 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,424 up to $2,910. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,843 and $3,436. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from South Carolina.
Cost of moving truck rentals from South Carolina to Tennessee
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $519 and $999 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $561 to $1,140. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $707 to $1,334.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Memphis
What to know before moving from Columbia to Memphis
Moving to Memphis typically means higher monthly totals — roughly 6% more for singles and 3% more for families compared with Columbia.
Singles spend around $1,842 in Memphis vs. $1,956 in Columbia, and families see $4,402 vs. $4,274.
Use the breakdown below to plan your budget:
- Rent prices in Memphis are 10% lower than in Columbia, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
-
In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Memphis are 34.9% lower than in Columbia. - Income in Memphis is 25.7% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Memphis — including FedEx, AutoZone, and International Paper — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Memphis. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 5.8% lower than in Columbia.
- If you're moving your family to Memphis, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Memphis is 3.0% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Memphis is 53.85% higher than in Columbia.
- Shopping and dining out will likely be a little pricier in Memphis, since its sales taxes are 21.88% higher than what you are paying in Columbia.
- One perk of moving to Memphis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Columbia versus Memphis.
Columbia | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $148.09 | $213.78 |
Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $58.88 |
Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.12 |
Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $2.83 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16 | $19.5 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60 | $75 |
Gym membership | $40 | $37.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Memphis, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Memphis.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Memphis.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Memphis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Memphis.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Memphis.
- Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Memphis.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Memphis
Memphis | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 633,104 | 136,632 |
Transportation Score | 4 | 5 |
Walkability score | 35 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 41 | 35 |
Crime Index | 77.49 | 3.0 |
Safety Index | 22.51 | 48.39 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Memphis's population is about 363% greater than Columbia.
- Memphis's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
- Memphis and Columbia are similarily walkable.
- With a score of 41 out of 100, Memphis 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.
- Memphis's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 77.49 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Memphis is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 22.51 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Memphis is good, and in Columbia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Memphis move
- Weather: Winter weather comes alternately from the upper Great Plains and the Gulf of Mexico, which can lead to drastic swings in temperature. Summer weather may come from Texas (very hot and humid) or the Gulf (hot and very humid). Severe thunderstorms can occur at any time of the year though mainly during the spring months. Large hail, strong winds, flooding and frequent lightning can accompany these storms. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: You can verify a Tennessee moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Memphis Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Memphis
Ready to relocate to Bluff City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Memphis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Binghampton
- Cooper-Young
- Crosstown
- Downtown
- Midtown
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bartlett
- Cordova
- East Memphis
- Germantown
- River Oaks-Kirby-Balmoral
Things to do in Memphis
Once you're settled into your new home in Tennessee, it's time to get out and discover what Memphis has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Memphis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum - Lorraine Motel, Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Memphis Rock 'n' Soul Museum, and Slave Haven / Burkle Estate Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Shelby Farms Park, Mud Island River Park, Tom Lee Park, and Levitt Shell — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Memphis Grizzlies (NBA) and Memphis Hustle (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Memphis?
The best time to move from Columbia to Memphis 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 Memphis?
With many people choosing to move from Columbia to Memphis 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 Memphis take?
The 605-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Memphis, TN, 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 Memphis.
Which movers in Columbia offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Columbia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 1 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 27 piano movers and 12 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 1919 and 1190.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.