Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Virginia Beachtoggle

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 Virginia Beach can be as low as $1,181 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,848.
  • 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 $457 to $993. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Virginia Beach

Columbia Virginia Beach
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,950
Average home value $220,612 $402,391
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $81,810
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $4,533
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $5,910
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.8%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.0%
State income tax 7.0% 5.75%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Virginia Beach are 35% higher than in Columbia.
  • Home prices in Virginia Beach are 82.4% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in Virginia Beach is 26.5% higher than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Virginia Beach is 131.7% higher than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a family in Virginia Beach is 38.3% higher than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Virginia Beach is 7.69% lower than in Columbia.
  • Sales taxes in Virginia Beach are 25.00% lower than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in Virginia Beach are 17.86% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $6,952.45 in Virginia Beach to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach Columbia
Population 457,672 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 3 5
Walkability score 33 35
Bike friendliness score 42 35
Crime Index 42.0 3.0
Safety Index 58.0 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Virginia Beach's population is about 235% greater than Columbia.
  • Virginia Beach's public transportation has a score of 3 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
  • Virginia Beach is less walkable than Columbia with a score of 33 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 42 out of 100, Virginia Beach 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.
  • Virginia Beach's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 42.0 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Virginia Beach neighborhoods are safer than 42.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Virginia Beach is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 58.0 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in Virginia Beach is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Virginia Beach move

  • Weather: Virginia Beach has winters that are cool with light snowfall. Summers are hot and humid. The wettest season is summer, specifically July to early September, with August being the single wettest month.
  • 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 Virginia Beach. 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 Virginia Beach

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Neptune City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Virginia Beach.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Hilltop
  • Alanton
  • Great Neck
  • Kempsville
  • Bayside

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Great Neck
  • Red Mill
  • Kempsville
  • Ocean Lakes
  • Alanton

Things to do in Virginia Beachtoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: Virginia Beach is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Military Aviation Museum, Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, Virginia Museum of Contemporary Art, Ferry Plantation House, and Virginia Beach Surf & Rescue Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Neptune's Park, Mount Trashmore Park, Bayville Farms Park, and Great Neck 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 Virginia Beach United FC (USL League Two) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Virginia Beach?

The best time to move from Columbia to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach?

Because most people are moving from Columbia to Virginia Beach 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 Virginia Beach take?

The 402-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Virginia Beach, 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 Virginia Beach.

Helpful moving resources

Columbia moving services

Popular South Carolina routes

Popular moving resources