($1,395) Movers From Philadelphia, PA to Columbia, SC

What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Columbia

Moving from Philadelphia to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Philadelphia than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Columbia are 15% lower than in Philadelphia, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Philadelphia.
  Home prices in Columbia are 1.7% higher than in Philadelphia.
• Income in Columbia is 8.6% lower than in Philadelphia, 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 23.0% lower than in Philadelphia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 31.0% lower than in Philadelphia.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 50.94% lower than in Philadelphia.
• Sales taxes are the same in Columbia and Philadelphia.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 128.01% higher than in Philadelphia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,309.33 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Philadelphia.

How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Columbia

• Columbia's population is about 91% less than Philadelphia.
• Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Philadelphia's higher score of 9.
• Columbia is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Philadelphia's 75 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 Philadelphia, which has a score of 67 out of 100.
• Columbia's crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 3.0 compared to Philadelphia's 66.09. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 48.39 vs Philadelphia's 33.91.
• Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Philadelphia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Philadelphia 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 regulations—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\’s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
• Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in South Carolina, though it\’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 you’ve chosen "Soda City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.

Helpful moving resources