($636+) Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC Movers
Moving from Dallas, TX, to Columbia, SC, runs anywhere from $636 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,537 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 994 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,126, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,537 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,211 - $3,838, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $636 - $1,834.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Dallas, TX, to Columbia, SC. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,524 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC
There are 3 main ways to move from Dallas to Columbia: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,524 - $6,018. Containers cost roughly 39% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 71% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 994 miles, expect 2 to 7 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 994-mile route from Dallas to Columbia, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,126 - $5,033, container $1,211 - $2,036, rental truck $636 - $1,219, freight trailer $1,017 - $1,986.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,524 - $6,018, container $1,544 - $2,801, rental truck $730 - $1,406, freight trailer $1,199 - $2,429.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,073 - $7,537, container $2,060 - $3,838, rental truck $898 - $1,834, freight trailer $1,616 - $3,038.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC
For the 994-mile move from Dallas, Texas, to Columbia, South Carolina, full-service movers cost between $2,126 and $7,537. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $284 - $1,896 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Dallas generally start around $179 plus $60 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Dallas to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,126 - $5,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,524 - $6,018
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,073 - $7,537
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Dallas to Columbia.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Dallas movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Columbia, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing74% of local movers | $474 - $4,740 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $190 - $1,138/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,275 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $948 - $2,844 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,370 - $9,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $710 - $1,349 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: AM Moving Company LLC | $948 - $2,370 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: AB Moving | $758 - $3,318 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $284 - $1,422 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $616 - $1,896 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,220+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,318+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Dallas to Columbia?
All three below meet the standards set by the South Carolina Trucking Association, the group most South Carolina movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Dallas, TX. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC
Moving containers from Dallas, Texas, to Columbia, South Carolina, cost between $1,211 and $3,838. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Dallas runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Dallas to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $2,036
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $2,801
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,060 - $3,838
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $71 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $142 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $664 in Dallas, TX, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Columbia, SC, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas to South Carolina move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,211. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,544 - $2,801.
What are the best moving containers Dallas to Columbia?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Dallas to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Dallas:
- AB Moving (4.5/5), 26 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 6 years in business
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC
Renting a moving truck for the 994-mile move from Dallas, Texas, to Columbia, South Carolina, costs between $636 and $1,834, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $300 - $343
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Dallas daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Dallas to Columbia based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $636 - $1,219
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $730 - $1,406
- 4+ bedrooms: $898 - $1,834
Pro tip: The base rate of $636 - $1,834 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Dallas to Columbia. Fuel ($300 - $343), lodging at around $142/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Dallas, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $664.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $300 - $343 for the 994-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $57 and $308, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $142 per night for hotel stops on the 994-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $284 - $427.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Dallas to Columbia?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC
For larger DIY moves from Dallas, Texas, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Columbia, South Carolina.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,199 and $2,429.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Dallas to Columbia:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,017 - $1,986
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,199 - $2,429
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,616 - $3,038
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Dallas, Texas, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $664.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $71 - $142 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Dallas to Columbia?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Dallas to Columbia, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Dallas, TX vs Columbia, SC
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Dallas and Columbia to plan around. Cost of living index: 100 vs. 87. Average rent: $1,774/mo vs. $1,447/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 46 vs. 35. Safety index: 48.6 vs. 48.39.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Columbia, SC to Dallas, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to South Carolina, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 803 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 994-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 994-mile route from Dallas, TX, to Columbia, SC, run $2,126 - $7,537 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,211 - $3,838, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $636 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,524, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Pure Fishing and LexiCode.
FAQs: Moving from Dallas, TX, to Columbia, SC
How much does it cost to move from Dallas, TX to Columbia, SC?
Costs on this route range from around $636 to $7,537, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,126 and $7,537, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Dallas?
Local movers based in Dallas typically start around $179 as a base rate, plus $60/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Columbia run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in South Carolina?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in Columbia?
For families, Irmo, Forest Acres, and Lexington are worth a look in Columbia. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cayce, Seven Oaks, and Forest Acres tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Dallas movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Dallas handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.