Factors influencing moving costs from Evansville to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Evansville 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 Evansville to Columbia can be as low as $1,326 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,027.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Evansville, 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 $537 to $1,279. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Evansville to Columbia

Moving from Evansville to Columbia comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbia is generally more expensive than Evansville, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Evansville Columbia
Average rent cost $867 $1,447
Average home value $180,050 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $60,051 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $1,582 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,753 $4,274
Unemployment rate 5.5% 5.2%
Sales tax 7.0% 8.0%
State income tax 3.15% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 67% higher than in Evansville, 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 Evansville.
    Home prices in Columbia are 22.5% higher than in Evansville.
  • Income in Columbia is 7.7% higher than in Evansville, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 23.6% higher than in Evansville. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Columbia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 13.9% higher than in Evansville.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 5.45% lower than in Evansville.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 14.29% higher than in Evansville.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 122.22% higher than in Evansville.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,709.23 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Evansville.

How life is different in Evansville vs. Columbia

Columbia Evansville
Population 136,632 117,298
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 35 44
Bike friendliness score 35 43
Crime Index 3.0 5.0
Safety Index 48.39 56.42
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Columbia's population is about 16% greater than Evansville.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Evansville's lower score of 3.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Evansville with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Evansville's 44 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 Evansville, which has a score of 43 out of 100.
  • Columbia and Evansville have a similar crime rate.
  • Columbia is considered to be less safe than Evansville with a score of 48.39 vs Evansville's 56.42.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Evansville it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Evansville 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
  • Irmo
  • St. Andrews
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Seven Oaks
  • Cayce
  • 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 Evansville to Columbia?

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

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

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

The 590-mile move from Evansville, IN, to Columbia, SC, takes one to six days. Some Evansville 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