Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to Bridgeport
What to know before moving from Columbia to Bridgeport
Moving from Columbia to Bridgeport comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Bridgeport is generally more expensive than Columbia, itโs 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:
Columbia | Bridgeport | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,447 | $2,100 |
Average home value | $220,612 | $334,700 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,683 | $50,597 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,956 | $2,191 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,274 | $5,126 |
Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 13.2% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 6.35% |
State income tax | 7.0% | 3.0% |
- Rent prices in Bridgeport are 45% higher than in Columbia, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Bridgeport are 51.7% higher than in Columbia. - Income in Bridgeport is 21.8% lower than in Columbia, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Bridgeport include People's United Bank, Unites Services of America, and Trefz Corporation.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Bridgeport, since the cost of living for a single person in Bridgeport is 12.0% higher than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Bridgeport, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Bridgeport is 19.9% higher than in Columbia.
- The unemployment rate in Bridgeport is 153.85% higher than in Columbia.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Bridgeport, since the cityโs sales taxes in Bridgeport are 20.63% lower than in Columbia.
- One perk of moving to Bridgeport is paying less in state income taxes, which are 57.14% lower than in Columbia.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,360.43 in Bridgeport to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.
How life is different in Columbia vs. Bridgeport
Bridgeport | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Population | 148,654 | 136,632 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 7 | 5 |
Walkability score | 66 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 49 | 35 |
Crime Index | 60.6 | 3.0 |
Safety Index | 39.4 | 48.39 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Bridgeport's population is about 9% greater than Columbia.
- Bridgeport's public transportation has a score of 7 out of 10 versus Columbia's lower score of 5.
- Bridgeport is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 49 out of 100, Bridgeport 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.
- Bridgeport's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 60.6 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Bridgeport neighborhoods are safer than 60.6% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
- Bridgeport is considered to be less safe than Columbia with a score of 39.4 vs Columbia's 48.39.
- Air quality in Bridgeport is good, and in Columbia it's good.
Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Bridgeport move
- Weather: Bridgeport has long, hot summers, and cool to cold winters, with precipitation spread fairly evenly throughout the year.
- HOA rules: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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: The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CDOT) regulates in-state moving companies and taxi, trucking, and bus companies. In addition, customers are also protected from scam movers by regulations set forth by the Connecticut State Department of Consumer Protection. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโs license in Connecticut, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Connecticut doesnโt 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 Bridgeport 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. Opting for Released Value Protection is a budget-friendly choice, as it comes at no extra cost from movers, although it provides minimal coverage. Under this option, the mover's liability is limited to a maximum of 60 cents per pound per article. If your belongings are valuable and you seek coverage beyond this limited protection, it's recommended to discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or explore 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 Bridgeport
With your sights set on "Park City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Bridgeport.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Black Rock
- Downtown
- The Hollow
- East Side
- West Side
Best neighborhoods for families
- North End
- Brooklawn
- Lake Forest
- Trumbull Gardens
- South End
Things to do in Bridgeport
After settling into your new Connecticut home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Bridgeport has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- Arts and culture: Bridgeport is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Discovery Museum and The Barnum Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Seaside Park and McLevy Green 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 Bridgeport Islanders (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Bridgeport?
The best time to move from Columbia to Bridgeport is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Columbia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Bridgeport?
Because most people are moving from Columbia to Bridgeport 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 Columbia to Bridgeport take?
The 770-mile move from Columbia, SC, to Bridgeport, CT, takes two to seven days. Some Columbia movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Bridgeport.