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($1,107) Cost to Move From Columbia, SC to Houston, TX

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Estimated cost & time: If you’re moving 1,001 miles from Columbia to Houston, expect to pay between $735 and $5,633. The journey should take about two–eight days. Costs can vary due to distance, the date of the move, home size, and your choice between DIY and professional assistance.
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Best movers from Columbia to Houston

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Columbia to Houston

For a stress-free interstate move from Columbia to Houston, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

With 5 interstate moving companies in Columbia, we’re here to highlight the best options for a seamless transition to Houston.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Columbia to Houston

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,001-mile move from Columbia to Houston using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of validated rates from movers across the U.S., with monthly updates to reflect seasonality and market conditions. Your end price may shift due to load size, service add-ons, access or parking limitations, fuel costs, and your move date. We recommend obtaining several quotes to get a reliable estimate.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,942 – $4,326
  • Moving Container $1,173 – $2,076
  • Rental Truck $667 – $1,291
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,323 – $5,633
  • Moving Container $1,435 – $2,798
  • Rental Truck $735 – $1,549
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,845 – $7,381
  • Moving Container $1,896 – $3,991
  • Rental Truck $887 – $1,885
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Roadway Moving
Livingston, SC Bonney, TX
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 05, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Red Bank, SC La Porte, TX
3 Bedrooms
Sep 28, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Perry, SC Meadows Place, TX
2 Bedrooms
Sep 22, 2025
American Van Lines
Chapin, SC Beasley, TX
Studio apartment
Sep 18, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Peak, SC Roman Forest, TX
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 15, 2025
BLVD Moving
West Columbia, SC Conroe, TX
3 Bedrooms
Sep 10, 2025
United Van Lines
Cordova, SC Hedwig Village, TX
4 Bedrooms
Sep 08, 2025
PODS
Columbia, SC Bellaire, TX
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 24, 2025
North American Van Lines
Lexington, SC Patton Village, TX
3 Bedrooms
Aug 06, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Jenkinsville, SC Pleak, TX
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 04, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Houston, TX to Columbia, SC guide.

Top-rated local movers that handle Columbia to Houston moves

When planning a move from Columbia to Houston, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing seven local movers in Columbia who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Columbia to Houston.

  1. Gentlemen Movers Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
  2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  3. JEGA Movers LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
  4. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.22 out of 5 stars
  5. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.16 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
72.0% of all reviews were positive
27.3% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Gentlemen Movers Inc. earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, standing out with 72% positive feedback from 161 reviews. Customers consistently praise the team’s effective service, politeness, careful handling of belongings, speed, and affordable prices. Many appreciate how the staff alleviates the usual stress of moving. Still, nearly 28% of input highlights problems like damaged items, unexpected extra charges, and hard-to-reach management. Experiences with item protection and clear communication fall short for some, leading to frustration over unaddressed complaints. In comparison with other companies, Gentlemen Movers rates highly for staff professionalism and affordability but lags in reliability when damage claims or billing inaccuracies arise. Most people are happy with the company, but those considering more delicate moves or strict budgets should be attentive to potential risks.
Get a Quote (803) 782-0063

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
86.7% of all reviews were positive
11.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Dependable service and professionalism stand out in feedback for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK. After analyzing 256 reviews, a remarkable 86.7% of input praised efficient, careful movers who handle belongings thoughtfully and display a positive attitude. Fast service, courteous staff, and respect for customer property routinely put this company ahead of competitors. Clients often highlighted seamless communication and the crews’ on-time arrival, underscoring their reliability. Negative remarks, making up 11.7% of feedback, centered on property damage, additional unexpected fees, and rare breakdowns in communication. Some reviewers cited items arriving damaged or incomplete responses to damage claims. A very small number (1.6%) posted neutral feedback, usually noting mixed communication or unclear pricing. This company receives more enthusiastic recommendations and repeat business than many moving providers, thanks to organized, efficient service and respectful teams. The rare complaints about broken belongings and disputed charges align with frustrations customers have encountered with other movers, but appear far less often here, helping TWO MEN AND A TRUCK earn trust with those seeking a reliable moving partner.
Get a Quote (803) 310-7445

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
42.9% of all reviews were positive
57.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
JEGA Movers LLC receives enthusiastic praise from customers who appreciate professional staff, careful handling of belongings, transparent pricing, strong communication, and efficient service. Most positive feedback highlights respectful treatment of cherished items and hassle-free booking. Negative input focuses on unprofessional behavior, property damage, and the company not delivering all promised services, like furniture reassembly and reliability. 42.9% of reviews express satisfaction, but more than half of the feedback reveals significant issues, suggesting higher concerns than seen with typical local moving companies. Those considering JEGA Movers should weigh reported customer service quality against consistent complaints about professionalism and property care.
Get a Quote (803) 888-0917

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.4% of all reviews were positive
5.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about the fast, friendly, and careful teams at College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving. Out of 242 pieces of input, about 93% was favorable, showing impressive consistency. Most customer feedback mentions efficiency, helpful movers, respectfulness, and quick job completion—qualities that set College Hunks apart from other moving services. Professionalism and careful handling of items frequently impressed customers, even on large or complicated jobs. Some negative remarks point to damaged possessions, missing items, and bigger bills than expected—issues that matter when choosing a mover. Complaints about estimate accuracy or lost belongings remain far fewer than the positive notes about speed and politeness. Compared to many competitors, College Hunks earns trust for reliability and respectful teams, consistently outperforming others in both speed and care.
Get a Quote (336) 810-1801

Company Info

State license #: 9890

DOT #: 2378173

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
50.0% of all reviews were positive
46.9% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Fast moves and friendly crews shine through the feedback on All My Sons Moving & Storage. Out of 64 reviews, half commend the company’s professional attitude, careful handling of items, efficient process, and supportive movers—qualities that keep their reputation solid against competitors. Many customers highlight swift service and the politeness of staff, with teams regularly described as helpful and highly professional. Yet a significant share (nearly 47%) report major frustrations about final pricing far exceeding initial estimates, damage to items, and unanticipated fees. Customers often mention unexpected charges and slow resolution for reported damages, which leads many to express regret or dissatisfaction. While the company frequently delivers the speed and care people expect from leading movers, the pattern of higher costs and inflexible billing contrasts sharply with the positive feedback. Those considering All My Sons can expect fast, polite service, but should clarify all pricing details up front and remain vigilant about item protection and final billing.
Get a Quote (803) 219-4957

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 Houston?

Movers in South Carolina charge $137 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 $1,107 – $4,686 $866 – $2,071 $641 – $1,267
2 – 3 bedrooms $2,323 – $5,633 $1,435 – $2,798 $735 – $1,549
4+ bedrooms $3,845 – $7,381 $1,896 – $3,991 $887 – $1,885
*The figures shown represent approximate costs for a 1,001-mile relocation from Columbia to Houston, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from moving companies across the country and updates the data each month to capture seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Final pricing may vary based on shipment size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel costs, and schedule. For accuracy, collect quotes from several movers.

Cost to hire movers from Columbia to Houston

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Columbia to Houston, you can expect to spend between $1,107 and $4,686. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,323 to $5,633 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Columbia to Houston typically runs between $3,845 and $7,381.

Cost of moving containers from Columbia to Houston

When moving from Columbia to Houston, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $866 and $2,071. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,435 to $2,798. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $1,896 up to $3,991. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from South Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Columbia to Houston

Renting a moving truck in Columbia is usually your cheapest option to get to Houston. 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 $641 and $1,267. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $735 and $1,549. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $887 and $1,885.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that impact moving costs from Columbia to Houston

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,268, but larger homes can run up to $6,482.
  • Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Columbia.
  • Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($641–$1,708) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Houston

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 42% higher for singles and 67% higher for families than Columbia.

Singles spend around $2,770 in Columbia versus $1,956 in Columbia; families pay $7,157 compared with $4,274.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

Columbia Houston
Average 1 BR rent $1,300 $1,658
Average 3 BR rent $2,220 $3,195
Average home value $220,612 $263,945
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $69,833
Cost of living (single) $1,956 $2,770
Cost of living (family of four) $4,274 $7,157
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.1%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • As you consider relocating to Houston, note that rent can be roughly 7% more expensive than it is in Columbia; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 20% higher in Houston than in Columbia.
  • Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 8% higher in Houston compared to Columbia, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
  • Plan for higher expenses in Houston, since the cost of living for a single person is 42% more than in Columbia. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
  • If your journey leads to Houston, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Houston is 67% more than it is in Columbia.
  • Houston experiences an unemployment rate that is about 21% lower than that of Columbia. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
  • Sales taxes are similar in Houston and Columbia (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
  • 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.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Columbia with Houston:

Living Expense Columbia Houston
Basic utilities $148.09 $200.52
Cell phone plan $54.77 $60.77
Dozen eggs $3.46 $4.11
Loaf of bread $2.65 $3.05
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $16.00 $20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $60.00 $80.00
Gym membership $40.00 $38.29
  • Basic utilities cost less in Columbia than in Houston, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans are cheaper in Columbia than in Houston.
  • Eggs are less expensive in Columbia than in Houston.
  • Bread costs less in Columbia than in Houston.
  • A quick meal is cheaper in Columbia than in Houston.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Columbia than in Houston.
  • Gym memberships cost more in Columbia than in Houston.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Houston

Columbia Houston
Population 136,632 2,301,572
Transportation score 5 5
Walkability score 35 47
Bike friendliness score 35 49
Crime index 3.0 63.5
Safety index 48.39 36.5
Air quality Good Good
  • Houston’s population is about 1585% greater than Columbia.
  • Houston’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Columbia, making them very similar.
  • Houston is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Columbia’s 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 49 out of 100, Houston 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.
  • Houston’s crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 63.5 compared to Columbia’s 3.0. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Houston is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 36.5 vs Columbia’s 48.39.
  • Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Columbia it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia to Houston move

  • HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Texas moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Texas doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Houston smoothly. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Houston

Now that you’ve chosen HOU as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Houston to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Greenway/Upper Kirby
  • Montrose
  • Museum District

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Clear Lake City
  • Friendswood
  • Kingwood
  • Memorial
  • Sugar Land

Things to do in Houston

After getting comfortable in your new Texas home, it’s time to see what Houston is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Houston offers cultural landmarks like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Columbia to Houston are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Columbia are lower.

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

Because spring and fall moves from Columbia to Houston are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Columbia to Houston take?

A move of 1,001 miles from Columbia, SC to Houston, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in Columbia sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Houston is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which movers in Columbia offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 5 movers in Columbia have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 2 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SC, there are 33 piano movers and 18 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

Helpful moving resources

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