Sioux Falls, SD to Columbia, SC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Sioux Falls to Columbia typically costs $3,700–$8,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,355 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Sioux Falls to Columbia
Moving from Sioux Falls, SD to Columbia, SC typically costs $3,700–$8,900 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,355-mile move from Sioux Falls to Columbia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,462 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $6,274 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,132 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 21, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 07, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 25, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Sioux Falls to Columbia
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,800, but larger homes can run up to $12,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Sioux Falls.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,000–$2,800) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbia, SC to Sioux Falls, SD guide.
Best Sioux Falls to Columbia movers by type
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Best professional movers from Sioux Falls to Columbia
For a stress-free interstate move from Sioux Falls to Columbia, 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.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best SD→SC movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 15 South Dakota moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Sioux Falls to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Columbia runs about 11% higher for singles and -6% higher for families than Sioux Falls.
Singles spend around $1,956 in Columbia versus $1,770 in Sioux Falls; families pay $4,274 compared with $4,542.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Sioux Falls | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,265 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,250 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $318,982 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,538 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,770 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,542 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.2% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 6.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbia, note that rent can be roughly 32% more expensive than it is in Sioux Falls; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 31% lower in Columbia than in Sioux Falls.
- Great news! You'll find the average income is about 10% higher in Columbia compared to Sioux Falls, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
- Plan for higher expenses in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person is 11% more than in Sioux Falls. This encompasses usual costs like utilities, groceries, apparel, and transit.
- Moving to Columbia could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 6% less than in Sioux Falls.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 63% higher compared to Sioux Falls, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 23% higher in Columbia than in Sioux Falls. This means you'll likely pay more out-of-pocket for everyday purchases on taxable goods like clothing, electronics, dining out, and household items.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while South Dakota does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Sioux Falls with Columbia:
| Living Expense | Sioux Falls | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $205.37 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $44.20 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.28 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $12.50 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $67.50 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.88 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Sioux Falls than in Columbia.
How life is different in Sioux Falls vs. Columbia
| Sioux Falls | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 202,600 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 2 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 38 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 46 | 35 |
| Crime index | 42.83 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 57.17 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 33% less than Sioux Falls.
- Columbia's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Sioux Falls's score of 2.
- Columbia is less walkable than Sioux Falls with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Sioux Falls's 38 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Sioux Falls, which has a score of 46.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Sioux Falls with a score of 3.0 compared to Sioux Falls's 42.83. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sioux Falls neighborhoods are safer than 42.83%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Sioux Falls with a score of 48.39 vs Sioux Falls's 57.17.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Sioux Falls it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Sioux Falls to Columbia 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina 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 Columbia smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you've chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it's time to see what Columbia 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, Columbia offers cultural landmarks like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children's Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Sioux Falls to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Sioux Falls to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Sioux Falls are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Sioux Falls to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from Sioux Falls to Columbia 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 Sioux Falls to Columbia take?
A move of 1,355 miles from Sioux Falls, SD to Columbia, SC generally takes three to eight days. Movers in Sioux Falls sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which movers in Sioux Falls offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 4 movers in Sioux Falls have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 3 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across SD, there are 9 piano movers and 3 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
