Factors that influence moving costs from Columbia to Lansingtoggle

The cost of Columbia movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Columbia to Lansing might cost as little as $1,366, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,449.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Columbia, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $615 to $1,654. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Columbia to Lansing

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

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

Columbia Lansing
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,129
Average home value $220,612 $148,542
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $64,729
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $1,595
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $4,199
Unemployment rate 5.2% 7.4%
Sales tax 8.0% 6.0%
State income tax 7.0% 4.25%
  • Rent prices in Lansing are 22% lower than in Columbia, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lansing.
    Home prices in Lansing are 32.7% lower than in Columbia.
  • Income is the same in Lansing and Columbia. The top employers in Lansing include Health Management Associates, Michigan State Police, and Sparrow Health System.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Lansing is 18.5% lower than in Columbia. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Lansing is 1.8% lower than in Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in Lansing is 42.31% higher than in Columbia.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Lansing, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Lansing are 25.00% lower than in Columbia.
  • One perk of moving to Lansing is paying less in state income taxes, which are 39.29% lower than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,446.32 in Lansing to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. Lansing

Lansing Columbia
Population 112,644 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 5
Walkability score 46 35
Bike friendliness score 55 35
Crime Index 48.66 3.0
Safety Index 51.34 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • Lansing's population is about 18% less than Columbia.
  • Lansing's public transportation has a similar score to Columbia.
  • Lansing is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 46 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 55 out of 100, Lansing 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.
  • Lansing's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 48.66 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that Lansing neighborhoods are safer than 48.66% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • Lansing and Columbia are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Lansing is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. Lansing move

  • Weather: Best months to consider moving in Lansing are August, July and June as these months have favorable weather. Summer in Lansing are one of the best in the country as the heat are not that extreme so it's still comfortable. Snowfall, which normally occurs from November to April.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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: The agency regulating local and intrastate household goods movers in Michigan is the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC). State regulation and oversight activities include commercial vehicle registration and safety compliance, review of published tariff rates, licensing, and consumer protection efforts. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Michigan, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Michigan doesnโ€™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 Lansing 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. In Alabama, Massachusetts, and Michigan, choose the economical option of Released Value Protection, provided by movers at no extra cost. However, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternatives 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 Lansing

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Okemos
  • Edgemont Park
  • DeWitt
  • Mason
  • DeWitt Charter Township

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Okemos
  • Haslett
  • DeWitt
  • Waverly
  • DeWitt Charter Township

Things to do in Lansing

After settling into your new Michigan home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Lansing has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Lansing is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Michigan History Center, Impression 5 Science Center, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Woldumar Nature Center, Potter Park Zoo, Hawk Island Park, and River Trail 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 Lansing Lugnuts (Baseball) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Columbia to Lansing?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Columbia to Lansing. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Columbia.

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbia to Lansing?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Columbia to Lansing, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Columbia to Lansing take?

The 773-mile journey from Columbia, SC to Lansing, MI typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Columbia offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Lansing.

Helpful moving resources