Top-rated movers to make your Columbia to Austin move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Columbia that offers long-distance services to Austin 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 Austin.
- 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 Austin?
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 | $1,086 – $4,425 | $891 – $2,091 | $699 – $1,344 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,469 – $5,994 | $1,532 – $3,007 | $826 – $1,681 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,240 – $7,734 | $2,010 – $4,308 | $948 – $2,068 |
Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Austin
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Austin from Columbia, you can expect prices to land between $1,086 and $4,425. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $2,469 to $5,994 for the trip from Columbia to Austin. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $4,240 and $7,734.
Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Austin
Moving containers from Columbia to Austin will cost you $891 to $2,091 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,532 to $3,007. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,010 to $4,308. 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 Austin
Renting a moving truck from Columbia to Austin typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $699 and $1,344 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $826 to $1,681. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $948 to $2,068.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Columbia to Austin move
The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,098 for a one-bedroom, or up to $6,874 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 $699 to $1,909, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Columbia to Austin
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Austin runs about 71% higher for singles and 83% higher for families than Columbia.
Singles spend around $3,345 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $7,815 compared with $4,274.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Columbia | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $220,612 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,956 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,274 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.0% | 0.0% |
- Planning a move to Austin? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 22% higher than in Columbia, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Austin are about 131% higher than those in Columbia.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 6% higher in Austin compared to Columbia, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Austin, as living costs for a single person are 71% higher than in Columbia. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- If you’re moving your family to Austin, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Austin is 83% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Austin is about 33% lower than in Columbia. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes hold steady between Austin and Columbia (within a 5% margin), alleviating the need for major budget adjustments.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Columbia and Austin:
| Living Expense | Columbia | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.00 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Austin, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Austin.
- Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Austin.
- Bread costs less in Columbia than in Austin.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Austin.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Austin.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Columbia than in Austin.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Austin
| Columbia | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 54 |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 48.39 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin’s population is about 613% greater than Columbia.
- Austin’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
- Austin is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 54 out of 100, Austin 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.
- Austin’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 42.91 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Austin is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 59.87 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia to Austin 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-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Texas’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Texas 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 Austin. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Austin
Planning your move to ATX? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
After settling into your new Texas home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Austin has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Austin features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — 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 Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Austin?
Planning your move from Columbia to Austin? 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 Austin?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Austin 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 Austin take?
The 1,165-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Austin, , typically takes two to eight 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 Austin.
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.
Helpful moving resources
Columbia moving services
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