$1,781 Movers From Tacoma to Columbia

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Tacoma, WA to Columbia, SC averages from $2,066 to $10,144 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma guide.

Moving from Tacoma to Columbia resources

Moving 2,842 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

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

Tacoma movers charge $133 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 $1,781 - $7,287 $1,688 - $4,042 $1,726 - $3,382
2 - 3 bedrooms $5,315 - $10,144 $3,023 - $5,952 $2,066 - $4,320
4+ bedrooms $9,605 - $15,555 $4,132 - $8,122 $2,512 - $5,252
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,842 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma, 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 Tacoma to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Tacoma to Columbia will cost between $1,781 to $7,287. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $5,315 to $10,144, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Tacoma to Columbia will cost from $9,605 to $15,555.

How much are moving container companies from Tacoma to Columbia?

Moving containers from Tacoma to Columbia will cost you $1,688 to $4,042 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $3,023 to $5,952. A larger home will cost $4,132 to $8,122.

How much is a moving truck from Tacoma 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 $1,726 to $3,382. A larger move will cost $2,066 to $4,320, and a four-bedroom move from Tacoma to Columbia costs from $2,512 to $5,252. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Tacoma to Columbia moving companies

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

Cost of living: Tacoma vs Columbia

Tacoma Columbia
Average rent cost $1,695 $1,447
Average home value $462,500 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $71,089 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $1,051 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,740 $4,274
Unemployment rate 7.3% 5.2%
Sales Tax 10.3% 8.0%
State Income Tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 15% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 52.3% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Income in Columbia is 9.0% lower than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 86.1% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 14.3% higher than in Tacoma.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 28.77% lower than in Tacoma.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 22.33% lower than in Tacoma.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Tacoma.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,583.25 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tacoma.

How is life different in Tacoma compared to Columbia?

Columbia Tacoma
Population 136,632 218,849
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 35 54
Bike friendliness score 35 48
Crime Index 3.0 1.0
Safety Index 48.39 45.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 38% less than Tacoma.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Tacoma's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Tacoma with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Tacoma's 48.
  • Columbia's crime rate is higher than Tacoma with a score of 3.0 compared to Tacoma's 1.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tacoma neighborhoods are safer than 1.0%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Tacoma with a safety index of 48.39 vs Tacoma's 45.88.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Tacoma 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 Tacoma movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Mountain Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
9413 47th Ave SW Bldg 14 Suite E, Lakewood, WA, 98499
(800) 249-2414
Atlantic Relocation Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
2121 S 80th St, Tacoma, WA, 98409
(509) 258-5050

Visit our best long distance movers in Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Columbia

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

The best time to move from Tacoma 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 Tacoma to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Tacoma 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.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Columbia