($1,047) Moving from Baltimore to Columbia

Quick answer: A move from Baltimore to Columbia costs $449 to $4,945 and takes one-six 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 524-mile move yourself.

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  • 10% discount
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Baltimore 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 Baltimore guide.

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The best Baltimore to Columbia moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Columbia.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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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

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

Baltimore movers charge $110 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 $1,047 - $3,047 $690 - $1,710 $425 - $804
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,955 - $4,945 $1,222 - $2,456 $449 - $954
4+ bedrooms $3,414 - $7,454 $1,691 - $3,033 $559 - $1,104
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 524 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.

Factors influencing moving costs from Baltimore to Columbia

The cost of Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Columbia can be as low as $1,047 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,559.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Baltimore, 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 $425 to $1,004. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Baltimore to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Baltimore to Columbia will cost between $1,047 to $3,047. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,955 to $4,945, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Baltimore to Columbia will cost from $3,414 to $7,454.

How much are moving container companies from Baltimore to Columbia?

Moving containers from Baltimore to Columbia will cost you $690 to $1,710 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,222 to $2,456. A larger home will cost $1,691 to $3,033.

How much is a moving truck from Baltimore 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 $425 to $804. A larger move will cost $449 to $954, and a four-bedroom move from Baltimore to Columbia costs from $559 to $1,104. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Baltimore to Columbia

Cost of living: Baltimore vs Columbia

Baltimore Columbia
Average rent cost $1,575 $1,447
Average home value $177,573 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $54,124 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $1,019 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,684 $4,274
Unemployment rate 8.0% 5.2%
Sales Tax 6.0% 8.0%
State Income Tax 5.75% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 8% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 24.2% higher than in Baltimore.
  • Income in Columbia is 19.5% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 92.0% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 16.0% higher than in Baltimore.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 35.00% lower than in Baltimore.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 33.33% higher than in Baltimore.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 21.74% higher than in Baltimore.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,758.59 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baltimore.

How is life different in Baltimore compared to Columbia?

Columbia Baltimore
Population 136,632 585,708
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 35 64
Bike friendliness score 35 53
Crime Index 3.0 47.64
Safety Index 48.39 24.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 77% less than Baltimore.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Baltimore's lower score of 8.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Baltimore with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 64 out of 100.
  • Columbia is less bike-friendly than Baltimore with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Baltimore's 53.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Baltimore with a score of 3.0 compared to Baltimore's 47.64. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baltimore neighborhoods are safer than 47.64%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Baltimore with a safety index of 48.39 vs Baltimore's 24.43.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Baltimore 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 Baltimore movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Bellhop Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
3413 Keene Avenue, Baltimore, MD, 21214
(443) 957-4287
Orly Moving Systems, Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.58 overall rating
300 Reisterstown Rd Ste 204, Baltimore, MD, 21208
(866) 786-0223

Visit our best long distance movers in Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Columbia?

The best time to move from Baltimore to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Baltimore.

When is the cheapest time to move from Baltimore to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Baltimore 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 Baltimore to Columbia take?

The 524-mile move from Baltimore, MD, to Columbia, SC, takes one-six days. Some Baltimore movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.

Helpful moving resources