Things to know before moving from Georgia to Columbia, SC

Cost of living: Georgia vs Columbia, SC

Georgia Columbia
Average rent cost $1,221 $1,447
Average home value $326,617 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $71,355 $64,683
Unemployment rate 4% 5%
State income tax 5% 7%
  • Rent is about 19% more expensive in Columbia than in Georgia.
  • Home prices are about 32% lower in Columbia than in Georgia.
  • The average income is about 9% lower in Columbia than in Georgia.
  • Columbia has a higher unemployment rate than Georgia by about 44%.
  • Income taxes are 28% higher in Columbia than in Georgia.

How life is different in Columbia from Georgia

Columbia Georgia
Population 136,632 11,029,227
Political leaning Democrat 51-49
Summer high 94ºF 90ºF
Winter low 35ºF 33ºF
Annual rain 46" 50"
Annual snow 1" 1"
Crime index 3.0 20.58
  • The population of Columbia is approximately 99% lower than the population of Georgia.
  • In the last presidential election, Columbia voted and Georgia voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Columbia is 94ºF and in Georgia, it’s 90ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Columbia reaches the temperature of 35ºF and Georgia gets down to 33ºF.
  • You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Columbia vs 50 inches of rainfall in Georgia.
  • In Columbia, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 1 inch of snow in Georgia.
  • Columbia has a lower crime rate than Georgia with a crime index of 20.58 vs 3.0.

Things to do in Columbia

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Columbia.

Museums in Columbiatoggle

  • South Carolina State Museum
  • Columbia Museum of Art
  • South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum
  • EdVenture Children's Museum
  • South Carolina Military Museum
  • McKissick Museum
  • U.S. Army Basic Combat Training Museum

Parks in Columbiatoggle

  • Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park
  • Saluda Shoals Park
  • Sesquicentennial State Park
  • Finlay Park
  • Memorial Park
  • Seven Oaks Park
  • Granby Park
  • Earlewood Park

Sports Teams in Columbiatoggle

  • Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)
  • South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)
  • Benedict Tigers (SIAC)

Universities in Columbiatoggle

  • Virginia College Columbia
  • University of Phoenix Columbia Campus
  • Allen University
  • Benedict College
  • Columbia College
  • University of South Carolina Columbia
  • W L Bonner College
  • Columbia International University
  • Medix School Fortis College

Other considerations when moving to Columbia, SC

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 South Carolina. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Georgia to Columbia take?

The time frame for a move from Georgia to Columbia, SC, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Georgia, the longer the drive time to Columbia will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Columbia from Georgia can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Georgia to Columbia?

Because of the 194-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Georgia to Columbia as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Columbia, SC?

With the summer highs of 94ºF and the winter lows of 35ºF, most people move to Columbia from Georgia during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Columbia during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources