($1,112) Moving from Chicago to Columbia
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Columbia costs $648 to $5,380 and takes two-seven days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 803-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Columbia moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago 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 Chicago to Columbia.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Columbia?
Chicago movers charge $100 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 | $1,112 - $4,233 | $813 - $1,859 | $594 - $1,120 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,413 - $5,380 | $1,449 - $2,797 | $648 - $1,306 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,913 - $8,189 | $1,926 - $3,505 | $796 - $1,615 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Columbia
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Columbia can be as low as $1,112 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,297.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $594 to $1,395. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Columbia?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Columbia will cost between $1,112 to $4,233. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,413 to $5,380, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Columbia will cost from $3,913 to $8,189.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Columbia?
Moving containers from Chicago to Columbia will cost you $813 to $1,859 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,449 to $2,797. A larger home will cost $1,926 to $3,505.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago 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 $594 to $1,120. A larger move will cost $648 to $1,306, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Columbia costs from $796 to $1,615. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Columbia
Cost of living: Chicago vs Columbia
| Chicago | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $1,447 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $64,683 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,956 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 8.0% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 9% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Columbia are 27.9% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Columbia is 1.4% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 95.4% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 19.3% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 42.22% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 21.95% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 41.41% higher than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,862.14 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Columbia?
| Columbia | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 3.0 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 48.39 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 95% less than Chicago.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Columbia is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Columbia is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 3.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 48.39 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Chicago 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 Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| The Professionals Moving Specialists | Get A Quote |
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3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618 (888) 225-7351 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago 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)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Columbia?
The best time to move from Chicago to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Columbia take?
The 803-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Columbia, SC, takes two-seven days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
