Moving from Columbia, SC to Pembroke Pines, FL
Relocating 634 mi from Columbia to Pembroke Pines is a 11h 47m drive through 3 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
634 mi Β· 11h 47m by car Β· FL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 26, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Hollywood, Miami, Hialeah, Miramar, Miami Gardens |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Pembroke Pines | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Pembroke Pines is 21.9% above Columbia β one of the larger spreads between U.S. metros.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
21.9% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Pembroke Pines -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 59Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 62.0" |
Expect 13.7Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, HOLLYWOOD NORTH PERRY AP, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Pembroke Pines |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 170,557 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $81,675 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 43.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 23.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.67 |
Expect median household income to rise 21.9% β $55,653 β $81,675 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pembroke Pines MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Carolina and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Pembroke Pines average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Pembroke Pines averages 62.0 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.7Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Pembroke Pines, FL from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 634 mi and the route typically takes 11h 47m via I 95 and I 26. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs Pembroke Pines?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,675 in Pembroke Pines vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 46.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Pembroke Pines more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pembroke Pines is 21.9% higher than Columbia (114.155 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Pembroke Pines compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $487,422 in Pembroke Pines vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 112.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Pembroke Pines?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 634 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Pembroke Pines compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pembroke Pines MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC Β· Pembroke Pines, FL.