$1,367 Movers From Houston to Columbia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Houston, TX to Columbia, SC averages from $863 to $7,306 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 Houston 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 Houston guide.

Moving from Houston to Columbia resources

Moving 1,002 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Houston movers charge $75 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 $1,367 - $5,676 $1,007 - $2,361 $775 - $1,399
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,839 - $7,306 $1,703 - $3,492 $863 - $1,784
4+ bedrooms $4,797 - $8,837 $2,461 - $4,503 $1,083 - $2,023
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,002 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 Houston 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 Houston, 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 Houston to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Houston to Columbia will cost between $1,367 to $5,676. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,839 to $7,306, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Houston to Columbia will cost from $4,797 to $8,837.

How much are moving container companies from Houston to Columbia?

Moving containers from Houston to Columbia will cost you $1,007 to $2,361 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,703 to $3,492. A larger home will cost $2,461 to $4,503.

How much is a moving truck from Houston 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 $775 to $1,399. A larger move will cost $863 to $1,784, and a four-bedroom move from Houston to Columbia costs from $1,083 to $2,023. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Houston to Columbia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston to Columbia

Cost of living: Houston vs Columbia

Houston Columbia
Average rent cost $1,684 $1,447
Average home value $261,764 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $67,621 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $1,488 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $5,313 $4,274
Unemployment rate 4.1% 5.2%
Sales Tax 8.25% 8.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 14% lower than in Houston.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 15.7% lower than in Houston.
  • Income in Columbia is 4.3% lower than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 31.5% higher than in Houston.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 19.6% lower than in Houston.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 26.83% higher than in Houston.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 3.03% lower than in Houston.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Houston.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,943.55 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How is life different in Houston compared to Columbia?

Columbia Houston
Population 136,632 2,301,572
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 35 47
Bike friendliness score 35 49
Crime Index 3.0 63.21
Safety Index 48.39 36.79
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 94% less than Houston.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Houston.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Houston with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
  • Columbia is less bike-friendly than Houston with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Houston's 49.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 3.0 compared to Houston's 63.21. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.21%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 48.39 vs Houston's 36.79.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Houston 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 Houston movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
A Better Tripp Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.8 overall rating
5400 Mitchelldale Suite B1, Houston , TX, 77092
(713) 266-8348
Einstein Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
3011 Crossview Drive, Houston , TX, 77063
(346) 248-4206

Visit our best long distance movers in Houston 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 Houston to Columbia

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

The best time to move from Houston 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 Houston to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Houston 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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