($1,053) Moving from Rochester to Columbia

Quick answer: A move from Rochester to Columbia costs $598 to $5,097 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 816-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Rochester 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 Rochester guide.

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The best Rochester to Columbia moving companies

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

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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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 Rochester to Columbia?

Rochester movers charge $216 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 $1,053 - $3,849 $790 - $1,974 $566 - $1,055
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,026 - $5,097 $1,449 - $2,657 $598 - $1,332
4+ bedrooms $3,485 - $7,162 $1,869 - $3,798 $773 - $1,506
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 816 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 Rochester to Columbia

The cost of Rochester 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 Rochester to Columbia can be as low as $1,053 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,905.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Rochester, 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 $566 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 Rochester to Columbia?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Rochester to Columbia will cost between $1,053 to $3,849. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,026 to $5,097, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Rochester to Columbia will cost from $3,485 to $7,162.

How much are moving container companies from Rochester to Columbia?

Moving containers from Rochester to Columbia will cost you $790 to $1,974 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,449 to $2,657. A larger home will cost $1,869 to $3,798.

How much is a moving truck from Rochester 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 $566 to $1,055. A larger move will cost $598 to $1,332, and a four-bedroom move from Rochester to Columbia costs from $773 to $1,506. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Rochester to Columbia

Cost of living: Rochester vs Columbia

Rochester Columbia
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,447
Average home value $200,576 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $64,214 $64,683
Cost of Living (single person) $2,274 $1,956
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,921 $4,274
Unemployment rate 9.8% 5.2%
Sales Tax 8.0% 8.0%
State Income Tax 10.9% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Rochester.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 10.0% higher than in Rochester.
  • Income is the same in Columbia and Rochester.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 14.0% lower than in Rochester.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 13.1% lower than in Rochester.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 46.94% lower than in Rochester.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Columbia and Rochester.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 35.78% lower than in Rochester.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $2,580.47 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Rochester.

How is life different in Rochester compared to Columbia?

Columbia Rochester
Population 136,632 211,328
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 6
Walkability score 35 61
Bike friendliness score 35 60
Crime Index 3.0 37.54
Safety Index 48.39 36.66
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 35% less than Rochester.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Rochester's lower score of 6.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Rochester with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Rochester's 61 out of 100.
  • Columbia is less bike-friendly than Rochester with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Rochester's 60.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Rochester with a score of 3.0 compared to Rochester's 37.54. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Rochester neighborhoods are safer than 37.54%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Rochester with a safety index of 48.39 vs Rochester's 36.66.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Rochester 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 Rochester movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Interior Moving Services Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.86 overall rating
157 La Grange Ave, Rochester, NY, 14613
(585) 288-8000
Corrigan Moving Systems Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
150 Jarley Rd, Rochester, NY, 14623
(585) 647-9030

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

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

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

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

The 816-mile move from Rochester, NY, to Columbia, SC, takes two-seven days. Some Rochester 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