($1,474) Movers From Houston, TX to Columbia, SC

What to know before moving from Houston to Columbia

Moving from Houston to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Houston than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Houston compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Columbia are 7% lower than in Houston, which means you’ll have more 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 Columbia are 16.4% lower than in Houston.
• Income in Columbia is 7.4% lower than in Houston, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
• The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 29.4% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 40.3% lower than in Houston.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 26.83% higher than in Houston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbia are 3.03% lower than in Houston.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,118.41 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Columbia

• Columbia's population is about 94% less than Houston.
• Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Houston.
• Columbia is less walkable than Houston with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
• Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100.
• Columbia's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 3.0 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 48.39 vs Houston's 36.5.
• Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Houston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Houston vs. Columbia move

• Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
• 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While South Carolina 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 Columbia 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. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Columbia

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

Helpful moving resources