Quick answer: A move from Tacoma to Columbia costs $1,830 – $9,734 and usually takes seven to 21 days. Key factors include your move size, date, and whether you hire pros or do the 2,841-mile drive yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Columbia to Tacoma.
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Best professional movers from Tacoma to Columbia
Making the long-distnace move from Tacoma to Columbia is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
With 47 interstate moving companies in Tacoma, we’ve put together a list of the top full-service movers to help you make the move to Columbia with ease.
What moving services are available in Tacoma?
How we chose the best movers WA→SC movers
Highly rated local moving companies for Tacoma to Columbia moves
Organizing a move from Tacoma to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Tacoma known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Tacoma to Columbia.
- Mountain Moving & Storage: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC: 4.96 out of 5 stars
- All Ready Moving & Storage: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Atlantic Relocation Systems: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Move for Less LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 885643
Years in Business: 62
DOT #: 885643
Alternate Names: Mountain Trucking Co Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 1941425
Years in Business: 15
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 21
DOT #: 2083124
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 2385545
Years in Business: 100
DOT #: 2730619
Alternate Names: Effort Enterprises of Tacoma Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 067981
Years in Business: 8
DOT #: 3073774
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Tacoma to Columbia?
On average, moving companies in Washington charge about $143 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,529 – $6,984 | $1,434 – $3,762 | $1,673 – $3,245 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $4,753 – $9,734 | $2,624 – $5,265 | $1,830 – $3,864 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,675 – $14,196 | $3,475 – $7,941 | $2,292 – $4,511 |
Cost to hire movers from Tacoma to Columbia
When planning a move to Columbia from Tacoma, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,529 and $6,984. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $4,753 and $9,734 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $8,675 to $14,196.
Cost of moving containers from Tacoma to Columbia
When you’re heading from Tacoma to Columbia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,434 and $3,762. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,624 and $5,265. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $3,475 to $7,941. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Washington easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Columbia
A moving rental truck from Tacoma 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 $1,673 to $3,245. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,830 to $3,864, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Tacoma to Columbia costs around $2,292 to $4,511.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Tacoma to Columbia

What to know before moving from Tacoma to Columbia
Many movers find Columbia easier on the wallet than Tacoma – roughly 53% less for singles and 41% less for families.
Monthly basics average $1,956 for one person in Columbia versus $4,133 in Tacoma. For a family of four, it’s $4,274 compared with $7,260.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
Tacoma | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,935 | $1,300 |
Average 3 BR rent | $3,389 | $2,220 |
Average home value | $477,289 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $73,341 | $64,683 |
Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 10.3% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent is about 12% less expensive in Columbia than in Tacoma, 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 54% cheaper in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 12% less in Columbia than in Tacoma.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Columbia. The cost of living for a single person there is 53% below that of Tacoma.
- A move to Columbia can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 41% lower compared to Tacoma.
- Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Tacoma by about 29%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 22% cheaper in Columbia compared to Tacoma. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- South Carolina has a state income tax, while Washington 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Tacoma versus Columbia:
Living Expense | Tacoma | Columbia |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $229.80 | $148.09 |
Cell phone plan | $71.50 | $54.77 |
Dozen eggs | $4.84 | $3.46 |
Loaf of bread | $4.21 | $2.65 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.50 | $16.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.50 | $60.00 |
Gym membership | $51.67 | $40.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Tacoma than in Columbia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Tacoma than in Columbia.
- Eggs cost more in Tacoma than in Columbia.
- Bread is more expensive in Tacoma than in Columbia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Tacoma than in Columbia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Tacoma than in Columbia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Tacoma than in Columbia.
How life is different in Tacoma vs. Columbia
Tacoma | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 223,968 | 136,632 |
Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
Walkability score | 54 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 48 | 35 |
Crime index | 55.55 | 3.0 |
Safety index | 44.45 | 48.39 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 39% less than Tacoma.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Tacoma’s score of 6.
- Columbia is less walkable than Tacoma with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Tacoma’s 54 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Tacoma, which has a score of 48.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than Tacoma with a score of 3.0 compared to Tacoma’s 55.55. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 55.55%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 48.39 vs Tacoma’s 44.45.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in Tacoma it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Tacoma to Columbia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Tacoma 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.
Where to live in Columbia
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
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.
FAQ
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