($1,302) Movers From Columbia, SC to Manchester, NH

What to know before moving from Columbia to Manchester

Moving from Columbia to Manchester comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Manchester is generally more expensive than Columbia, 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 Manchester are 39% higher than in Columbia, 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 Manchester are 86.0% higher than in Columbia.
• Income in Manchester is 3.8% higher than in Columbia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Manchester include Southern New Hampshire University, Freudenberg North America Limited Partnership, and Velcro Brand.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Manchester, since the cost of living for a single person in Manchester is 25.2% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Manchester, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Manchester is 23.0% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Manchester is 26.92% lower than in Columbia.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Manchester, since the city’s sales taxes in Manchester are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.
• One perk of moving to Manchester is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.86% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,756.13 in Manchester to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Manchester

• Manchester's population is about 15% less than Columbia.
• Manchester's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
• Manchester is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 51 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
• With a score of 42 out of 100, Manchester is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Manchester's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 56.09 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Manchester is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 43.91 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Manchester is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Manchester move

• Weather: August, July and June are the most pleasant months in Manchester, while January and February are the least comfortable months.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: The New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) is the agency tasked with regulating and overseeing movers that offer relocation services within the state. If you’ve already moved and had a dispute with your moving company, they may be able to help resolve the issue, but you’ll need to file a formal complaint first. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in New Hampshire, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While New Hampshire doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Manchester without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for a cost-free, minimal coverage option from movers. They're responsible for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, discuss alternatives with your moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Manchester

With your sights set on "Queen City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Manchester.

Helpful moving resources