Factors influencing moving costs from Milwaukee to Columbia
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Columbia
Moving from Milwaukee to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Milwaukee than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Milwaukee compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Milwaukee | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $200,685 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,022 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,963 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 4.9% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in Milwaukee, 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 Milwaukee.
Home prices in Columbia are 9.9% higher than in Milwaukee. - Income in Columbia is 30.1% higher than in Milwaukee, 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.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 3.3% lower than in Milwaukee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 13.9% lower than in Milwaukee.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 29.73% lower than in Milwaukee.
- Youโll spend more on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbia are 63.27% higher than in Milwaukee.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 8.50% lower than in Milwaukee.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,902.08 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Columbia
Columbia | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 577,222 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 62 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 58 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 66.76 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 33.24 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 76% less than Milwaukee.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Milwaukee's higher score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 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 Milwaukee, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 3.0 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 48.39 vs Milwaukee's 33.24.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Milwaukee it's good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee 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: 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: 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 companyโs license in South Carolina, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While South Carolina 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 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
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Once youโre settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs 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 cityโs 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 Milwaukee to Columbia?
The best time to move from Milwaukee to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee to Columbia take?
The 897-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Columbia, SC, takes two to seven days. Some Milwaukee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.