Factors influencing moving costs from Detroit to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Detroit 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 Detroit to Columbia can be as low as $1,387 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,212.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Detroit, 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 $648 to $1,558. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Detroit to Columbia

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

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

Detroit Columbia
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,447
Average home value $73,156 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $37,761 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $2,500 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,687 $4,274
Unemployment rate 9.06% 5.2%
Sales tax 6.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.25% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Detroit, 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 Detroit.
    Home prices in Columbia are 201.6% higher than in Detroit.
  • Income in Columbia is 71.3% higher than in Detroit, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 21.8% lower than in Detroit. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 36.1% lower than in Detroit.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 42.60% lower than in Detroit.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 33.33% higher than in Detroit.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 64.71% higher than in Detroit.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,347.20 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Detroit.

How life is different in Detroit vs. Columbia

Columbia Detroit
Population 136,632 639,111
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 7
Walkability score 35 51
Bike friendliness score 35 52
Crime Index 3.0 72.92
Safety Index 48.39 27.08
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 79% less than Detroit.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Detroit's higher score of 7.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Detroit with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Detroit's 51 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 Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 3.0 compared to Detroit's 72.92. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 48.39 vs Detroit's 27.08.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Detroit it's good.

Other things to consider for your Detroit 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
  • West Columbia

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Irmo
  • Forest Acres
  • Seven Oaks
  • Chapin
  • Cayce

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 Detroit to Columbia?

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

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

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

The 716-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Columbia, SC, takes one to six days. Some Detroit 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