($1,172) Movers From Illinois to Columbia

Quick answer: The cost to move from Illinois to Columbia, SC averages from $570 to $5,401 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Columbia, SC to Illinois guide.

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Moving from Illinois to Columbia, SC resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from Illinois to Columbia, SC.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best Illinois to Columbia, SC movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Illinois to Columbia, SC.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • Illinois to Columbia, SC car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 818 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Illinois to Columbia, SC moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois 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 Illinois to Columbia.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from Illinois to Columbia, SC?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Columbia for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,172 - $3,800 $723 - $1,791 $528 - $1,080
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,148 - $5,401 $1,423 - $2,749 $570 - $1,271
4+ bedrooms $3,920 - $7,213 $1,745 - $3,588 $714 - $1,586

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 818 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 Illinois to Columbia, SC 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 Illinois, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY 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 does it cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Columbia will cost between $1,172 to $3,800. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Illinois to Columbia will range from $2,148 to $5,401, and a large move from Illinois to Columbia will cost from $3,920 to $7,213.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to Columbia?

Moving containers from Illinois to Columbia will cost you $723 to $1,791 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,423 to $2,749. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,745 to $3,588.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Columbia.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to Columbia?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from Illinois to Columbia, 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 $528 to $1,080. A larger move will cost $570 to $1,271, and a four-bedroom or more move from Illinois to Columbia costs from $714 to $1,586. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from Illinois.

Is moving from Illinois to Columbia, SC a good idea?

Cost of living: Illinois vs Columbia, SC

Illinois Columbia
Average rent cost $1,179 $1,447
Average home value $249,224 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $64,683
Unemployment rate 5% 5%
State income tax 5% 7%
  • Rent is about 23% more expensive in Columbia than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 11% lower in Columbia than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 18% lower in Columbia than in Illinois.
  • Columbia has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 2%.
  • Income taxes are 41% higher in Columbia than in Illinois.

How is life different in Columbia from Illinois?

Columbia Illinois
Population 136,632 12,549,689
Political leaning Democratic 55-45
Summer high 94ºF 86ºF
Winter low 35ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 46" 40"
Annual snow 1" 22"
Crime index 3.0 19.7
  • The population of Columbia is approximately 99% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Columbia voted and Illinois voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Columbia is 94ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Columbia reaches the temperature of 35ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Columbia vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Columbia, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Columbia has a lower crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 19.7 vs 3.0.

Considerations for moving to Columbia, SC

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 South Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Illinois movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
STI Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 675-1223
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best movers in Illinois page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local Columbia mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
126 Atlas Court, Columbia, SC, 29209
(803) 310-7445
JEGA Movers LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.52 overall rating
325 Tomentosa Drive, Columbia, SC, 29209
(803) 888-0917

Visit our best movers in Columbia page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Columbia?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbia.

Museums in Columbia

  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
  • EdVenture Children's Museum
  • South Carolina Military Museum
  • McKissick Museum
  • U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum

Parks in Columbia

  • Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
  • Saluda Shoals Park
  • Sesquicentennial State Park
  • Finlay Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Seven Oaks Park
  • Granby Park
  • Earlewood Park

Sports Teams in Columbia

  • Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
  • South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
  • Benedict Tigers (SIAC)

Universities in Columbia

  • Virginia College Columbia
  • University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
  • Allen University
  • Benedict College
  • Columbia College
  • University of South Carolina Columbia
  • W L Bonner College
  • Columbia International University
  • Medix School Fortis College

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Columbia?

Because of the 818-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Columbia as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia, SC?

With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Columbia from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Columbia during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Columbia?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Columbia.

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Learn more about Columbia, SC