($1,382) Movers From Charleston, SC to Columbus, OH

What to know before moving from Charleston to Columbus

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

Check out how Charleston compares to Columbus so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Columbus are 42% lower than in Charleston, 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 Columbus.
  Home prices in Columbus are 57.3% lower than in Charleston.
• Income in Columbus is 4.5% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbus include Ohio State University, The State of Ohio, and JPMorgan Chase.
• The cost of living for a single person in Columbus is 47.5% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Columbus is 8.1% lower than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Columbus is 42.50% higher than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbus, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbus are 16.67% lower than in Charleston.
• One perk of moving to Columbus is paying less in state income taxes, which are 50.00% lower than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,575.85 in Columbus to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Columbus

• Columbus's population is about 503% greater than Charleston.
• Columbus's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
• Columbus and Charleston are similarily walkable.
• Both Columbus and Charleston have the same bike-friendliness score of 50 out of 100, meaning Columbus is about as safe for cyclists as Charleston. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
• Columbus's crime rate is higher than Charleston with a score of 49.65 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Columbus is considered to be less safe than Charleston with a score of 50.35 vs Charleston's 55.03.
• Air quality in Columbus is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston vs. Columbus move

• Weather: Columbus doesn't get the snowfall that more northern Ohio gets but it does have some of the severe weather that's common in the midwest such as strong lightning storms and hail. In general, you can expect all 4 seasons in Columbus so take that into account when choosing the time of the year that you move.
• 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: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission
• Moving permits: While Ohio 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 Columbus 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 cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider.
• Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Columbus

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

Helpful moving resources