$984 Movers From Chattanooga to Columbia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chattanooga, TN to Columbia, SC averages from $380 to $5,254 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 Chattanooga 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 Columbia, SC.

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

Moving from Chattanooga to Columbia resources

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

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

Chattanooga movers charge $99 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 $984 - $3,098 $620 - $1,482 $326 - $651
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,889 - $5,254 $1,101 - $2,251 $380 - $712
4+ bedrooms $2,682 - $6,750 $1,486 - $2,832 $444 - $888
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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 Chattanooga to Columbia 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 Chattanooga, 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 Chattanooga to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chattanooga to Columbia will cost between $984 to $3,098. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,889 to $5,254, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chattanooga to Columbia will cost from $2,682 to $6,750.

How much are moving container companies from Chattanooga to Columbia?

Moving containers from Chattanooga to Columbia will cost you $620 to $1,482 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,101 to $2,251. A larger home will cost $1,486 to $2,832.

How much is a moving truck from Chattanooga to Columbia?

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 $326 to $651. A larger move will cost $380 to $712, and a four-bedroom move from Chattanooga to Columbia costs from $444 to $888. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chattanooga to Columbia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chattanooga to Columbia 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 Chattanooga to Columbia.

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 Chattanooga to Columbia

Cost of living: Chattanooga vs Columbia

Chattanooga Columbia
Average rent cost $1,500 $1,447
Average home value $58,615 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $58,615 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $1,032 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,614 $4,274
Unemployment rate 5.6% 5.2%
Sales Tax 9.25% 8.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 4% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 276.4% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • Income in Columbia is 10.4% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 89.5% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 18.3% higher than in Chattanooga.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 7.14% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 13.51% lower than in Chattanooga.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Chattanooga.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,686.05 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chattanooga.

How is life different in Chattanooga compared to Columbia?

Columbia Chattanooga
Population 136,632 181,370
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 35 29
Bike friendliness score 35 35
Crime Index 3.0 1.0
Safety Index 48.39 46.81
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 25% less than Chattanooga.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chattanooga's higher score of 3.
  • Columbia is more walkable than Chattanooga with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chattanooga's 29 out of 100.
  • Columbia and Chattanooga are similarily bike-friendly.
  • Columbia's crime rate is higher than Chattanooga with a score of 3.0 compared to Chattanooga's 1.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chattanooga neighborhoods are safer than 1.0%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Chattanooga with a safety index of 48.39 vs Chattanooga's 46.81.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Chattanooga it's good.

Considerations for moving to Columbia

  • Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant..
  • 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina 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 Columbia. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chattanooga movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
5959 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, TN, 37421
(423) 201-4154
Fox Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
3487 8th Avenue, Chattanooga, TN, 37407
(423) 401-2254

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

Where to live in Columbia

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

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

What to do in Columbia

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

  • Riverbanks Zoo
  • Riverbanks Botanical Garden
  • South Carolina State House
  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Columbia Canal & Riverfront Park
  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • University of South Carolina Visitor Center
  • Waverly Historic District
  • EdVenture Children's Museum

Get your sports on!

Columbia is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
  • South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
  • Benedict Tigers (SIAC)

FAQs about moving from Chattanooga to Columbia

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

The best time to move from Chattanooga to Columbia is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF in Columbia.

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

Because most people are moving from Chattanooga to Columbia 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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Learn more about Columbia