Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Charlottetoggle

The cost of Columbia 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 Columbia to Charlotte can be as low as $595 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $3,965.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, 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 $114 to $198. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Charlotte

Columbia Charlotte
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,790
Average home value $220,612 $391,658
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $64,814
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $1,246
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $4,535
Unemployment rate 5.2% 3.3%
Sales tax 8.0% 7.25%
State income tax 7.0% 4.5%
  • Rent prices in Charlotte are 24% higher than in Columbia.
  • Home prices in Charlotte are 77.5% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income is the same in Charlotte and Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Charlotte is 36.3% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a family in Charlotte is 6.1% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Charlotte is 36.54% lower than in Columbia.
  • Sales taxes in Charlotte are 9.38% lower than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in Charlotte are 35.71% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,911.04 in Charlotte to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Charlotte

Charlotte Columbia
Population 874,579 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 26 35
Bike friendliness score 31 35
Crime Index 46.52 3.0
Safety Index 53.48 48.39
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Charlotte's population is about 540% greater than Columbia.
  • Charlotte's public transportation has a similar score to Columbia.
  • Charlotte is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 26 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • Charlotte has a bike-friendliness score 31 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100.
  • Charlotte's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 46.52 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Charlotte neighborhoods are safer than 46.52% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Charlotte is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 53.48 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Charlotte is moderate, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Charlotte move

  • Weather: Charlotte has a moderate climate. Your move is unlikely to be affected by the weather although, the rare snow day in the wintertime could make the road conditions difficult to drive on.
  • 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: For-profit household goods carriers in the state fall under the jurisdiction of the North Carolina Utilities Commission, Transportation Division. All legitimate movers should have a โ€œC Numberโ€ issued by the commission, signifying that theyโ€™ve met minimum insurance requirements and adhere to the provisions outlined in the stateโ€™s Maximum Rate Tariff (MRT). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a North Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: North 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 Charlotte. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose Released Value Protection for no-cost, minimal coverage from movers, with responsibility limited to 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Charlotte

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Queen City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Charlotte.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Belmont
  • Dilworth
  • Elizabeth
  • First Ward
  • Freedom Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Ballantyne East
  • Providence Crossing
  • Ballantyne West
  • Providence Plantation
  • Davidson
  • Marvin
  • Hembstead
  • Tega Cay
  • Sharon Woods
  • Provincetown

Things to do in Charlottetoggle

After settling into your new North Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Charlotte has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Charlotte is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art, Billy Graham Library, Carolinas Aviation Museum, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fire Education Center and Museum, and Charlotte Nature Museum in Freedom Park.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Arequipa Park, Baxter Street Park, Fourth Ward Park, and Frazier Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Carolina Panthers, Charlotte Hornets, Charlotte FC, or Charlotte Checkers game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Charlotte?

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

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

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

The 93-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Charlotte, NC, takes one to two days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Charlotte.

Helpful moving resources