Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Garlandtoggle

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 Garland can be as low as $1,345 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 7,576.
  • 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 $781 to $1,902. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Garland

Moving from Columbia to Garland comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Garland is generally more expensive than Columbia, itโ€™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:

Columbia Garland
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,624
Average home value $220,612 $294,156
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $68,107
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $2,827
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $7,793
Unemployment rate 5.2% 6.5%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.25%
State income tax 7.0% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Garland are 12% higher than in Columbia, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
    Home prices in Garland are 33.3% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in Garland is 5.3% higher than in Columbia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Garland include Garland Independent School District, City of Garland, and Kraft Foods.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Garland, since the cost of living for a single person in Garland is 44.5% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Garland, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Garland is 82.3% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Garland is 25.00% higher than in Columbia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Garland, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Garland are 3.13% higher than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to Garland is paying less in state income taxes, which are 100.00% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,335.89 in Garland to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Garland

Garland Columbia
Population 239,928 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 4 5
Walkability score 40 35
Bike friendliness score 41 35
Crime Index 37.13 3.0
Safety Index 62.87 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Garland's population is about 76% greater than Columbia.
  • Garland's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
  • Garland is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 40 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 41 out of 100, Garland 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.
  • Garland's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 37.13 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Garland neighborhoods are safer than 37.13% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Garland is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 62.87 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Garland is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Garland move

  • Weather: Although temperatures throughout the year are suitable for moving, rainfall is more frequent in May and October meaning your move could be slightly delayed. Spring is the time of year that tornados in Irving are most likely.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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: In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Texas doesnโ€™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 Garland 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. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Garland

With your sights set on "Cowboy Hat Capital of Texas", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Garland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Wood Glen
  • Valley Creek North
  • Buckingham North
  • The Enclave
  • Picket Place

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Wood Glen
  • Valley Creek North
  • Meadowcreek Village
  • Arbor Creek
  • Las Mariposas

Things to do in Garland

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

  • Arts and culture: Garland is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Garland Landmark Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rowlett Creek Preserve, Spring Creek Park, and Lake Ray Hubbard 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 Garland Independent School District (IISD) high schools game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Columbia to Garland 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 Garland?

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

The 993-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Garland, TX, takes two to seven 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 Garland.

Helpful moving resources