Factors influencing moving costs from Cape Coral to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral to Columbia can be as low as $1,182 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,881.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Cape Coral, 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 $563 to $1,398. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Cape Coral to Columbia

Moving from Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Cape Coral Columbia
Average rent cost $2,120 $1,447
Average home value $363,960 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $65,282 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $4,233 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,030 $4,274
Unemployment rate 4.6% 5.2%
Sales tax 6.5% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 32% lower than in Cape Coral, which means youโ€™ll have more 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 39.4% lower than in Cape Coral.
  • Income is the same in Columbia and Cape Coral. 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 53.8% lower than in Cape Coral. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 29.1% lower than in Cape Coral.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 13.04% higher than in Cape Coral.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 23.08% higher than in Cape Coral.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Cape Coral.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,386.25 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cape Coral.

How life is different in Cape Coral vs. Columbia

Columbia Cape Coral
Population 136,632 216,922
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 2
Walkability score 35 17
Bike friendliness score 35 37
Crime Index 3.0 19.41
Safety Index 48.39 80.59
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 37% less than Cape Coral.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Cape Coral's lower score of 2.
  • Columbia is more walkable than Cape Coral with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Cape Coral's 17 out of 100.
  • Both Columbia and Cape Coral have the same bike-friendliness score of 37 out of 100, meaning Columbia is about as safe for cyclists as Cape Coral. 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.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Cape Coral with a score of 3.0 compared to Cape Coral's 19.41. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Cape Coral neighborhoods are safer than 19.41%.
  • Columbia is considered to be less safe than Cape Coral with a score of 48.39 vs Cape Coral's 80.59.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Cape Coral it's good.

Other things to consider for your Cape Coral 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
  • Seven Oaks
  • Forest Acres
  • Irmo
  • Lexington

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Irmo
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Chapin
  • Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

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

  • Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts 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€” 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 Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Cape Coral to Columbia?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Cape Coral to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Cape Coral 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 Cape Coral to Columbia take?

The 610-mile move from Cape Coral, FL, to Columbia, SC, takes one to six days. Some Cape Coral 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