($1,201) Moving from Memphis to Columbia

Quick answer: A move from Memphis to Columbia costs $508 to $5,510 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.

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

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.

Our track record

Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports
Recommended by Time Magazine
Recommended by The New York Times
Recommended by Forbes
Recommended by Money.com
Recommended by Consumer Reports

Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 2,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving & auto transport grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

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.

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

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 $1,201 - $3,801 $738 - $1,711 $475 - $843
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,329 - $5,510 $1,252 - $2,436 $508 - $1,012
4+ bedrooms $4,099 - $8,083 $1,759 - $3,411 $615 - $1,337
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 604 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 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 $1,201 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,918.
  • 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 $475 to $1,134. 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 $1,201 to $3,801. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,329 to $5,510, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Memphis to Columbia will cost from $4,099 to $8,083.

How much are moving container companies from Memphis to Columbia?

Moving containers from Memphis to Columbia will cost you $738 to $1,711 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,252 to $2,436. A larger home will cost $1,759 to $3,411.

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 $475 to $843. A larger move will cost $508 to $1,012, and a four-bedroom move from Memphis to Columbia costs from $615 to $1,337. 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
Armstrong relocation Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
3927 Winchester Rd, Memphis, TN, 38118
(901) 367-3000
All My Sons Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
5454 Summer Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38134
(901) 472-8875

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.

Helpful moving resources