Factors influencing moving costs from Manchester to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Manchester 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 Manchester to Columbia can be as low as $1,577 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,793.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Manchester, 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 $759 to $1,978. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Manchester to Columbia

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

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

Manchester Columbia
Average rent cost $2,004 $1,447
Average home value $410,329 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $67,132 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $2,449 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,256 $4,274
Unemployment rate 3.8% 5.2%
Sales tax 0.0% 8.0%
State income tax 4.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 28% lower than in Manchester, 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 Columbia.
    Home prices in Columbia are 46.2% lower than in Manchester.
  • Income in Columbia is 3.6% lower than in Manchester, so you could earn less 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 20.1% lower than in Manchester. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 18.7% lower than in Manchester.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 36.84% higher than in Manchester.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 8.00% higher than in Manchester.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 75.00% higher than in Manchester.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,396.08 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Manchester.

How life is different in Manchester vs. Columbia

Columbia Manchester
Population 136,632 115,644
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 35 51
Bike friendliness score 35 42
Crime Index 3.0 56.09
Safety Index 48.39 43.91
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 18% greater than Manchester.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Manchester's lower score of 3.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Manchester with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Manchester'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 Manchester, which has a score of 42 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Manchester with a score of 3.0 compared to Manchester's 56.09. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Manchester neighborhoods are safer than 56.09%.
  • Columbia is considered to be safer than Manchester with a safety index of 48.39 vs Manchester's 43.91.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Manchester it's good.

Other things to consider for your Manchester 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toColumbia Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Columbia

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Soda City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cayce
  • Seven Oaks
  • Lexington
  • West Columbia
  • St. Andrews

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Forest Acres
  • Lexington
  • Seven Oaks
  • Cayce
  • Oak Grove

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 Manchester to Columbia?

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

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

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

The 958-mile move from Manchester, NH, to Columbia, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Manchester 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