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Things to know before moving from Maryland to Columbia, SC
Cost of living: Maryland vs Columbia, SC
| Maryland | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,598 | $1,447 |
| Average home value | $418,438 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $98,461 | $64,683 |
| Unemployment rate | 3% | 5% |
| State income tax | 6% | 7% |
Columbia sources: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
- Rent is about 9% less expensive in Columbia than in Maryland.
- Home prices are about 47% lower in Columbia than in Maryland.
- The average income is about 34% lower in Columbia than in Maryland.
- Columbia has a higher unemployment rate than Maryland by about 73%.
- Income taxes are 22% higher in Columbia than in Maryland.
How life is different in Columbia from Maryland
| Columbia | Maryland | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 136,632 | 6,180,253 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 63-34.4 | |
| Summer high | 94ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 35ºF | 25ºF |
| Annual rain | 46" | 44" |
| Annual snow | 1" | 19" |
| Crime index | 3.0 | 20.34 |
Columbia sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- The population of Columbia is approximately 98% lower than the population of Maryland.
- In the last presidential election, Columbia voted and Maryland voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Columbia is 94ºF and in Maryland, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Columbia reaches the temperature of 35ºF and Maryland gets down to 25ºF.
- You can expect about 46 inches of annual rainfall in Columbia vs 44 inches of rainfall in Maryland.
- In Columbia, it snows about 1 inch annually vs 19 inches of snow in Maryland.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than Maryland with a crime index of 20.34 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 Columbia
Parks in Columbia
Sports Teams in Columbia
Universities in Columbia
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 Maryland to Columbia take?
The time frame for a move from Maryland 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 Maryland, 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 Maryland 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 Maryland to Columbia?
Because of the 508-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Maryland 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 Maryland 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.
