Factors influencing moving costs from Albany to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Albany 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 Albany to Columbia can be as low as $1,250 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,928.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Albany, 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 $726 to $1,758. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Albany to Columbia

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

Albany Columbia
Average rent cost $1,450 $1,447
Average home value $281,584 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $66,546 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $1,801 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,205 $4,274
Unemployment rate 7.1% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.0% 8.0%
State income tax 10.9% 7.0%
  • Rent prices are the same in Columbia and Albany.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
    Home prices in Columbia are 21.7% lower than in Albany.
  • Income in Columbia is 2.8% lower than in Albany, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 8.6% higher than in Albany. 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 Albany.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 26.76% lower than in Albany.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Columbia and Albany.
  • One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 35.78% lower than in Albany.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,258.19 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Albany.

How life is different in Albany vs. Columbia

Columbia Albany
Population 136,632 99,224
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 35 65
Bike friendliness score 35 55
Crime Index 3.0 10.0
Safety Index 48.39 49.65
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 38% greater than Albany.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Albany's higher score of 8.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Albany with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Albany's 65 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 Albany, which has a score of 55 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Albany with a score of 3.0 compared to Albany's 10.0. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Albany neighborhoods are safer than 10.0%.
  • Columbia and Albany are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Albany it's good.

Other things to consider for your Albany 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
  • Irmo
  • West Columbia
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blythewood
  • Seven Oaks
  • Chapin
  • 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 Albany to Columbia?

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

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

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

The 843-mile move from Albany, NY, to Columbia, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Albany 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