($1,482) Movers From Columbia, SC to Ontario, CA

What to know before moving from Columbia to Ontario

Moving from Columbia to Ontario comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Ontario 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 Ontario are 81% 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 Ontario are 202.8% higher than in Columbia.
• Income in Ontario is 11.2% higher than in Columbia, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Ontario include Prime Healthcare, Niagara Bottling, and Gold Star Foods.
• Be sure to budget for higher bills in Ontario, since the cost of living for a single person in Ontario is 26.4% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Ontario, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Ontario is 35.5% higher than in Columbia.
• The unemployment rate in Ontario is 32.69% higher than in Columbia.
• You’ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Ontario, since the city’s sales taxes in Ontario are 9.38% higher than in Columbia.
• State income taxes in Ontario are 90.00% higher than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,792.94 in Ontario to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Ontario

• The population of Ontario is about 28% greater than Columbia, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
• Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Ontario will be about the same as it currently is in Columbia. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
• Living in Ontario means you’ll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Columbia. Ontario is considered more walkable than Columbia, with a score of 48 out of 100 versus 35 out of 100 in Columbia. A city’s walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
• If cycling is your thing, Ontario is considered more bike-friendly than Columbia in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Ontario has a bike-friendliness score of 46 out of 100, while Columbia is rated as 35 out of 100.
• The crime rate in Ontario is higher than in Columbia, so you may want to exercise a little extra caution as you're acclimating to your new location. While the crime index is 50.25 in Ontario, it is 3.0 in Columbia. With this index, the lower the score, the better, since it indicates a city’s crime levels.
• Ontario is generally as safe as Columbia, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
• The air quality in Ontario and Columbia is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Ontario move

• Weather: Ontario with hot summers and mild winters.
• 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While California 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 Ontario 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. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Ontario

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

Helpful moving resources