Factors influencing moving costs from Oklahoma City to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City to Columbia can be as low as $1,523 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 8,521.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Oklahoma City, 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 $834 to $1,975. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Oklahoma City to Columbia

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

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

Oklahoma City Columbia
Average rent cost $1,249 $1,447
Average home value $195,949 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $64,251 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $2,150 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,520 $4,274
Unemployment rate 4.4% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.63% 8.0%
State income tax 4.75% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Oklahoma City, 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 Oklahoma City.
    Home prices in Columbia are 12.6% higher than in Oklahoma City.
  • Income is the same in Columbia and Oklahoma City. 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 9.0% lower than in Oklahoma City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 34.4% lower than in Oklahoma City.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 18.18% higher than in Oklahoma City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 7.30% lower than in Oklahoma City.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 47.37% higher than in Oklahoma City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,729.30 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oklahoma City.

How life is different in Oklahoma City vs. Columbia

Columbia Oklahoma City
Population 136,632 681,054
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 35 73
Bike friendliness score 35 74
Crime Index 3.0 49.37
Safety Index 48.39 50.63
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 80% less than Oklahoma City.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Oklahoma City's lower score of 3.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Oklahoma City with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Oklahoma City's 73 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 Oklahoma City, which has a score of 74 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Oklahoma City with a score of 3.0 compared to Oklahoma City's 49.37. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oklahoma City neighborhoods are safer than 49.37%.
  • Columbia and Oklahoma City are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Oklahoma City it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oklahoma City 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
  • Irmo
  • West Columbia
  • St. Andrews
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Forest Acres
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Cayce
  • Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbia

Now that you've made the move to South Carolina, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Columbia. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Oklahoma City to Columbia?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Oklahoma City to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from Oklahoma City 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 Oklahoma City to Columbia take?

The 1,062-mile move from Oklahoma City, OK, to Columbia, SC, takes two to eight days. Some Oklahoma City 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