($1,489) Movers From Columbia, SC to Mesa, AZ

What to know before moving from Columbia to Mesa

Moving from Columbia to Mesa comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Mesa is generally more expensive than Columbia, it’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:

• Rent prices in Mesa are 23% higher than in Columbia, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
  Home prices in Mesa are 96.2% higher than in Columbia.
• Income is the same in Mesa and Columbia. The top employers in Mesa include Banner Health System, Mesa Public Schools, and The Boeing Company.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Mesa, since the cost of living for a single person in Mesa is 23.5% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Mesa, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Mesa is 30.2% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Mesa is 17.31% higher than in Columbia.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Mesa, since the city’s sales taxes in Mesa are 3.75% higher than in Columbia.
• One perk of moving to Mesa is paying less in state income taxes, which are 64.29% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,705.52 in Mesa to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Mesa

• Mesa's population is about 269% greater than Columbia.
• Mesa's public transportation has a score of 4 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
• Mesa and Columbia are similarily walkable.
• With a score of 60 out of 100, Mesa is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Mesa's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 44.67 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Mesa neighborhoods are safer than 44.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
• Mesa is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 55.33 vs Columbia's 48.39.
• Air quality in Mesa is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Mesa move

• Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an “unregulated” state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Arizona, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Arizona doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Mesa without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectiveness—offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Mesa

With your sights set on "", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Mesa.

Helpful moving resources