Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Chesapeaketoggle

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 Chesapeake can be as low as $1,150 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,919.
  • 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 $402 to $956. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Chesapeake

Columbia Chesapeake
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,800
Average home value $220,612 $375,209
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $63,484
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $1,882
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $3,656
Unemployment rate 5.2% 5.0%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.0%
State income tax 7.0% 5.75%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Chesapeake are 24% higher than in Columbia.
  • Home prices in Chesapeake are 70.1% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in Chesapeake is 1.9% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chesapeake is 3.8% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chesapeake is 14.5% lower than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Chesapeake is 3.85% lower than in Columbia.
  • Sales taxes in Chesapeake are 25.00% lower than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in Chesapeake are 17.86% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,886.50 in Chesapeake to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Chesapeake

Chesapeake Columbia
Population 249,422 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 5
Walkability score 21 35
Bike friendliness score 35 35
Crime Index 25.0 3.0
Safety Index 70.88 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Chesapeake's population is about 83% greater than Columbia.
  • Chesapeake's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
  • Chesapeake is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 21 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • Both Chesapeake and Columbia have the same bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, meaning Chesapeake is about as safe for cyclists as Columbia. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Chesapeake's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 25.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Chesapeake is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 70.88 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Chesapeake is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Chesapeake move

  • Weather: It is advisable tp plan your relocation to Chesapeake on May, October and September are the most pleasant months in Chesapeake, while July and January are the least comfortable months.
  • 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Virginia moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Virginia 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 Chesapeake. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chesapeake

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

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Capital District
  • Central Office
  • East Ghent
  • Radnor/Fort Myer Heights
  • Colonial Village
  • North Ghent
  • North Highland
  • Ghent
  • North Rosslyn
  • City Center

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Greenbrier
  • Great Bridge
  • Hickory

Things to do in Chesapeaketoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Chesapeake is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Great Bridge Battlefield & Waterways Museum, AR Workshop Chesapeake, and Portlock Galleries at SoNo.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Oak Grove Lake Park, Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, Northwest River Park, and Chesapeake Arboretum 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 game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Columbia to Chesapeake 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 Chesapeake?

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

The 387-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Chesapeake, VA, takes one to four 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 Chesapeake.

Helpful moving resources

Columbia moving services

Popular South Carolina routes

Popular moving resources