Top-rated movers to make your Knoxville to Columbia move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Knoxville that offers long-distance services to Columbia can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed nine top local movers in Knoxville 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 Knoxville to Columbia.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Gouffon Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
Years in Business: 137
DOT #: 553340
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College H.U.N.K.S. Hauling Junk & Moving Knoxville
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2527384
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
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 Knoxville to Columbia?
In Tennessee, moving services typically cost around $123 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 | $901 – $2,982 | $590 – $1,449 | $302 – $508 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,632 – $4,459 | $1,040 – $1,927 | $299 – $626 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,162 – $5,753 | $1,413 – $2,409 | $400 – $766 |
Cost to hire movers from Knoxville to Columbia
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Columbia from Knoxville, you can expect prices to land between $901 and $2,982. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,632 to $4,459 for the trip from Knoxville to Columbia. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,162 and $5,753.
Cost of moving containers from Knoxville to Columbia
Moving containers from Knoxville to Columbia will cost you $590 to $1,449 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,040 to $1,927. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,413 to $2,409. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Tennessee.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Knoxville to Columbia
Renting a moving truck from Knoxville to Columbia typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $302 and $508 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $299 to $626. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $400 to $766.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Knoxville to Columbia move

What to know before moving from Knoxville to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Knoxville – roughly 10% less for singles and 18% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $2,184 in Knoxville. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $5,200.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Knoxville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,667 | $1,300 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,210 | $2,220 |
| Average home value | $350,035 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $61,050 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,184 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,200 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.7% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- When relocating from Knoxville to Columbia, expect to find rent about 19% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 37% more affordable in Columbia compared to Knoxville.
- Exciting update: you’ll see an average income that’s about 6% higher in Columbia compared to Knoxville, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, as the cost of living for a single person is 10% lower compared to Knoxville.
- A move to Columbia can help cut down on a family’s routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 18% less than what it costs in Knoxville.
- Columbia shows an unemployment rate that exceeds Knoxville by around 11%. This increase suggests a broader candidate selection for employers, possibly making the job market more competitive for applicants.
- Sales taxes are 14% less in Columbia relative to Knoxville. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Tennessee 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.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Knoxville and Columbia:
| Living Expense | Knoxville | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.94 | $148.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $54.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.06 | $3.46 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.64 | $2.65 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $85.00 | $60.00 |
| Gym membership | $34.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Knoxville than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Knoxville than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Knoxville than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Knoxville than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Knoxville than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Knoxville than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Knoxville than in Columbia.
How life is different in Knoxville vs. Columbia
| Knoxville | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 190,740 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 31 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 30 | 35 |
| Crime index | 42.54 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 57.46 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 28% less than Knoxville.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Knoxville’s score of 4.
- Columbia is more walkable than Knoxville with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Knoxville’s 31 out of 100.
- With a score of 35 out of 100, Columbia is more bike-friendly than Knoxville, which has a score of 30 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Knoxville with a score of 3.0 compared to Knoxville’s 42.54. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Knoxville neighborhoods are safer than 42.54%.
- Columbia is considered to be less safe than Knoxville with a score of 48.39 vs Knoxville’s 57.46.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Knoxville it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Knoxville to Columbia 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: 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: South Carolina’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: South Carolina 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 Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Columbia
Planning your move to Soda City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
Things to do in Columbia
After settling into your new South Carolina home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:
- Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Knoxville to Columbia?
When is the cheapest time to move from Knoxville to Columbia?
How long does a move from Knoxville to Columbia take?
Are there special savings available from movers in Knoxville?
Are piano and antique moving services available in Knoxville?
Helpful moving resources
Knoxville moving services
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