Factors influencing moving costs from Lubbock to Columbiatoggle

The cost of Lubbock movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Lubbock to Columbia can be as low as $1,510 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 9,860.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Lubbock, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $980 to $2,560. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Lubbock to Columbia

Moving from Lubbock to Columbia comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Columbia is generally more expensive than Lubbock, itโ€™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:

Lubbock Columbia
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,447
Average home value $199,759 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $58,626 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $1,715 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,996 $4,274
Unemployment rate 5.9% 5.2%
Sales tax 8.25% 8.0%
State income tax 0.0% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Lubbock, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Lubbock.
    Home prices in Columbia are 10.4% higher than in Lubbock.
  • Income in Columbia is 10.3% higher than in Lubbock, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Columbia, since the cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 14.1% higher than in Lubbock. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Columbia, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 7.0% higher than in Lubbock.
  • The unemployment rate in Columbia is 11.86% lower than in Lubbock.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Columbia are 3.03% lower than in Lubbock.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 7.00% higher than in Lubbock.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,421.57 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lubbock.

How life is different in Lubbock vs. Columbia

Columbia Lubbock
Population 136,632 263,930
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 3
Walkability score 35 39
Bike friendliness score 35 43
Crime Index 3.0 50.39
Safety Index 48.39 48.61
Air Quality Good Good
  • Columbia's population is about 48% less than Lubbock.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Lubbock's lower score of 3.
  • Columbia is less walkable than Lubbock with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Lubbock's 39 out of 100.
  • Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Lubbock, which has a score of 43 out of 100.
  • Columbia's crime rate is lower than Lubbock with a score of 3.0 compared to Lubbock's 50.39. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lubbock neighborhoods are safer than 50.39%.
  • Columbia and Lubbock are considered to be equally safe.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Lubbock it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lubbock vs. Columbia move

  • Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
  • 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: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While South Carolina 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 Columbia 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. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers' insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Columbia

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Cayce
  • Seven Oaks
  • Forest Acres
  • St. Andrews
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Forest Acres
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Chapin
  • Cayce

Things to do in Columbia

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Lubbock to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Lubbock.

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

Because most people are moving from Lubbock to Columbia 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 Lubbock to Columbia take?

The 1,340-mile move from Lubbock, TX, to Columbia, SC, takes three to eight days. Some Lubbock movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.

Helpful moving resources