($1,012) Cost to Move From Chesapeake, VA to Columbia, SC

Quick answer: A move from Chesapeake to Columbia costs $401 – $5,027 and usually takes one to four days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 387-mile drive yourself.

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.8 out of 5 stars
2. Apple Moving : 4.66 out of 5 stars
3. All My Sons Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. Coleman Worldwide Moving: 4.66 out of 5 stars
5. Atlantic Beach Movers: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chesapeake to Columbia

When planning a move to Columbia from Chesapeake, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,012 and $3,137. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,675 and $5,027 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,853 to $6,626.

Cost of moving containers from Chesapeake to Columbia

When you’re heading from Chesapeake to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $683 and $1,618. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,235 and $2,408. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,573 to $2,954. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Virginia easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chesapeake to Columbia

A moving rental truck from Chesapeake to Columbia is generally 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 $350 to $656. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $401 to $827, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Chesapeake to Columbia costs around $484 to $914.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 20% less expensive in Columbia than in Chesapeake, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 41% cheaper in Columbia than in Chesapeake.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Columbia and Chesapeake are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Columbia and Chesapeake, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
• When considering a family move to Columbia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 17% higher than in Chesapeake.
• Columbia and Chesapeake have roughly the same unemployment rate (within about 5%), so you likely won’t see a major shift in job availability or competition from what you’re used to.
• Sales taxes in Columbia surpass those in Chesapeake by 33%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
• Income taxes are 22% more in South Carolina than in Virginia. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Columbia’s population is about 45% less than Chesapeake.
• Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is higher than Chesapeake’s score of 2.
• Columbia is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chesapeake’s 21 out of 100.
• Both Columbia and Chesapeake have similar bike-friendliness scores (35 vs 35), meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Chesapeake. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Chesapeake with a score of 3.0 compared to Chesapeake’s 25.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
• Columbia is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 48.39 vs Chesapeake’s 70.88.
• Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Chesapeake it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Chesapeake and Columbia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in South Carolina, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

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

With your move to South Carolina complete, you can dive right into experiencing Columbia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.