Factors influencing moving costs from Tucson to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Tucson 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 Tucson to Columbia can be as low as $1,497 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 12,713.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Tucson, 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 $1,374 to $3,590. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Tucson to Columbia

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

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

Tucson Columbia
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,447
Average home value $327,203 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $61,749 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $2,390 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,043 $4,274
Unemployment rate 7.4% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.7% 8.0%
State income tax 2.5% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 12% higher than in Tucson, 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 Columbia are 32.6% lower than in Tucson.
  • Income in Columbia is 4.8% higher than in Tucson, so you could earn more 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 18.2% lower than in Tucson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 29.3% lower than in Tucson.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 29.73% lower than in Tucson.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 8.05% lower than in Tucson.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 180.00% higher than in Tucson.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,455.23 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tucson.

How life is different in Tucson vs. Columbia

Columbia Tucson
Population 136,632 542,629
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 35 43
Bike friendliness score 35 66
Crime Index 3.0 54.43
Safety Index 48.39 45.57
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 75% less than Tucson.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a similar score to Tucson.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Tucson with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Tucson's 43 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 Tucson, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Tucson with a score of 3.0 compared to Tucson's 54.43. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43%.
  • Columbia and Tucson are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Tucson it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tucson 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: 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina 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 Columbia. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.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 will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Columbia

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cayce
  • Forest Acres
  • Lexington
  • West Columbia
  • St. Andrews

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Irmo
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Chapin
  • Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, itโ€™s time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Columbia include museums and art centers like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Tucson to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Tucson.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tucson to Columbia?

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

The 1,949-mile move from Tucson, AZ, to Columbia, SC, takes five to 16 days. Some Tucson movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.

Helpful moving resources