($1,427) Movers From Louisville, KY to Columbia, SC

What to know before moving from Louisville to Columbia

Moving from Louisville to Columbia comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Columbia is generally more expensive than Louisville, it’s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Louisville, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
  Home prices in Columbia are 9.1% lower than in Louisville.
• Income in Columbia is 7.3% lower than in Louisville, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 5.0% higher than in Louisville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 5.7% lower than in Louisville.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 4.00% higher than in Louisville.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbia are 33.33% higher than in Louisville.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 75.00% higher than in Louisville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,151.45 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Louisville.

How life is different in Louisville vs. Columbia

• Columbia's population is about 83% less than Louisville.
• Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Louisville's higher score of 6.
• Columbia is less walkable than Louisville with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Louisville's 91 out of 100.
• Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Louisville, which has a score of 79 out of 100.
• Columbia's crime rate is lower than Louisville with a score of 3.0 compared to Louisville's 56.68. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Louisville neighborhoods are safer than 56.68%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Louisville with a safety index of 48.39 vs Louisville's 43.32.
• Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Louisville it's good.

Other things to consider for your Louisville vs. Columbia move

• 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
• Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
• 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
• Moving permits: South Carolina doesn\’t require moving permits, but it\’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
• Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You’ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Columbia

Ready to relocate to "Soda City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.

Helpful moving resources