Moving from Columbia, SC to West Jordan, UT
A 2088 mi cross-country move between Columbia and West Jordan is 37h 40m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 10 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2088 mi Β· 37h 40m by car Β· SC β NC β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β WY β UT
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β NC β TN β KY β IL β MO β IA β NE β WY β UT |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 70, I 24 |
| Major cities en route | Knoxville, Murfreesboro, Clarksville, St Louis, Columbia |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | West Jordan | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.662 | 100.868 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 88.306 | 79 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.339 | 96.446 | 100.0 |
| Services | 79.455 | 123.311 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 7.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 7.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $229,068 to $561,836 moving to West Jordan.
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, West Jordan +1.7%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 55Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | β |
Annual temperature drops 9.1Β°F moving to West Jordan per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, DRAPER-POINT OF MTN, UT US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | West Jordan |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 116,277 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $103,960 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 33.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 3.2 |
West Jordan households earn about 7.7% more than Columbia at the median β $55,653 β $103,960 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in West Jordan MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 126,170 | $43,640 |
| Management Occupations | 69,550 | $106,250 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 66,590 | $43,680 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 64,620 | $69,990 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 62,830 | $40,320 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between South Carolina and Utah
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Utah'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.
Winter driving along this route
- I-40 through Pigeon Gap and I-26 over Saluda Grade can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in West Jordan average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Utah after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in West Jordan compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $561,836 in West Jordan vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 145.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to West Jordan?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2088 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 West Jordan compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,440 in the West Jordan MSA vs $42,630 in the Columbia MSA, on total employment of 803,800 and 381,750 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is West Jordan, UT from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 2088 mi and the route typically takes 37h 40m via I 80 and I 70. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Columbia vs West Jordan?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,960 in West Jordan vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 86.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is West Jordan more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in West Jordan is 7.7% higher than Columbia (100.868 vs 93.662, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Columbia.
City profiles: Columbia, SC Β· West Jordan, UT.