Factors influencing moving costs from Lafayette to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Lafayette 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 Lafayette to Columbia can be as low as $1,383 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,244.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lafayette, 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 $668 to $1,564. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lafayette to Columbia

Moving from Lafayette to Columbia comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbia is generally more expensive than Lafayette, 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:

Lafayette Columbia
Average rent cost $2,825 $1,447
Average home value $214,264 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $59,490 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $1,785 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,208 $4,274
Unemployment rate 5.8% 5.2%
Sales tax 9.45% 8.0%
State income tax 4.25% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 49% lower than in Lafayette, 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 Lafayette.
    Home prices in Columbia are 3.0% higher than in Lafayette.
  • Income in Columbia is 8.7% higher than in Lafayette, 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 9.6% higher than in Lafayette. 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 1.6% higher than in Lafayette.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 10.34% lower than in Lafayette.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 15.34% lower than in Lafayette.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 64.71% higher than in Lafayette.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,287.39 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lafayette.

How life is different in Lafayette vs. Columbia

Columbia Lafayette
Population 136,632 121,374
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 35 42
Bike friendliness score 35 47
Crime Index 3.0 45.75
Safety Index 48.39 54.25
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 13% greater than Lafayette.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lafayette's lower score of 3.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Lafayette with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Lafayette's 42 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 Lafayette, which has a score of 47 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Lafayette with a score of 3.0 compared to Lafayette's 45.75. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lafayette neighborhoods are safer than 45.75%.
  • Columbia is considered to be less safe than Lafayette with a score of 48.39 vs Lafayette's 54.25.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Lafayette it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lafayette 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Columbia

Ready to relocate to "Soda City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cayce
  • Seven Oaks
  • Forest Acres
  • Irmo
  • Lexington

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Forest Acres
  • Lexington
  • Seven Oaks
  • Chapin
  • Cayce

Things to do in Columbia

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

The 789-mile move from Lafayette, LA, to Columbia, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Lafayette 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