($1,205) Moving from Memphis to Columbia
Quick answer: A move from Memphis to Columbia costs $485 to $5,419 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 604-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Memphis 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 Memphis guide.
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The best Memphis to Columbia moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Memphis 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 Memphis 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 Memphis to Columbia?
Memphis movers charge $125 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 | $1,205 - $3,661 | $703 - $1,648 | $449 - $822 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,157 - $5,419 | $1,219 - $2,322 | $485 - $1,026 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,065 - $7,868 | $1,610 - $3,255 | $630 - $1,288 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Memphis to Columbia
The cost of Memphis 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 Memphis to Columbia can be as low as $1,205 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,529.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Memphis, 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 $449 to $1,060. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Memphis to Columbia?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Memphis to Columbia will cost between $1,205 to $3,661. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,157 to $5,419, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Memphis to Columbia will cost from $4,065 to $7,868.
How much are moving container companies from Memphis to Columbia?
Moving containers from Memphis to Columbia will cost you $703 to $1,648 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,219 to $2,322. A larger home will cost $1,610 to $3,255.
How much is a moving truck from Memphis 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 $449 to $822. A larger move will cost $485 to $1,026, and a four-bedroom move from Memphis to Columbia costs from $630 to $1,288. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Memphis to Columbia
Cost of living: Memphis vs Columbia
| Memphis | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,447 |
| Average home value | $144,552 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $43,981 | $64,683 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,782 | $1,956 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $4,206 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 5.2% |
| Sales Tax | 9.75% | 8.0% |
| State Income Tax | 0.0% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Memphis.
- Home prices in Columbia are 52.6% higher than in Memphis.
- Income in Columbia is 47.1% higher than in Memphis.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 9.8% higher than in Memphis.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 1.6% higher than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 35.00% lower than in Memphis.
- Sales taxes in Columbia are 17.95% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Memphis.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,292.93 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.
How is life different in Memphis compared to Columbia?
| Columbia | Memphis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 633,104 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 35 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 35 | 41 |
| Crime Index | 3.0 | 76.27 |
| Safety Index | 48.39 | 23.73 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 78% less than Memphis.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Memphis's higher score of 4.
- Columbia and Memphis are similarily walkable.
- Columbia is less bike-friendly than Memphis with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Memphis's 41.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Memphis with a score of 3.0 compared to Memphis's 76.27. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 76.27%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 48.39 vs Memphis's 23.73.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Memphis 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 Memphis movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38134 (901) 472-8875 |
| Armstrong relocation | Get A Quote |
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3927 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN, 38118 (901) 367-3000 |
| Two Men and a Truck | Get A Quote |
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3560 Sky Harbor Cove, Memphis, TN, 38118 (901) 231-1149 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Memphis 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 Memphis to Columbia?
The best time to move from Memphis to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Memphis 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 Memphis to Columbia take?
The 604-mile move from Memphis, TN, to Columbia, SC, takes one-six days. Some Memphis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.
