Moving from Hollywood, FL to Columbia, SC

Relocating 623 mi from Hollywood to Columbia is a 11h 35m 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.

623 mi Β· 11h 35m by car Β· FL β†’ GA β†’ SC

COL -18.0% Home values -47.9% Ξ” -12.5Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
623 mi
Drive time
11h 35m
States
3
Fuel (25 mpg)
25 gal
Route throughFL β†’ GA β†’ SC
Primary highwaysI 95, I 26, I 295
Major cities en routeMiami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Miramar, Miami Gardens

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

HollywoodColumbiaU.S. avg
All items (RPP)114.15593.662100.0
Rents97.23588.306100.0
Goods103.55696.339100.0
Services155.55179.455100.0

Overall cost of living drops 18.0% moving from Hollywood to Columbia β€” meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Hollywood β€” typical home
$439,400
Columbia β€” typical home
$229,068
Hollywood β€” typical rent
$2,277/mo
Columbia β€” typical rent
$1,467/mo

Zillow ZHVI drops from $439,400 in Hollywood to $229,068 in Columbia, a 18.0% decrease on the typical home value.

YoY change: Hollywood -5.8%, Columbia +1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsHollywoodColumbia
Annual avg temperature76Β°F64Β°F
January avg low59Β°F33Β°F
July avg high90Β°F93Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”0.4"
Annual precipitation65.0"46.3"

Expect 12.5Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Columbia sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: HOLLYWOOD, FL US, SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023HollywoodColumbia
Population152,935138,019
Median household income$65,359$55,653
Median age4128.7
Bachelor's degree or higher19.8%25.2%
Avg household size2.532.67

ACS 2023 shows median household income 18.0% lower in Columbia than Hollywood.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Hollywood MSA β€” median wage
$46,510
Columbia MSA β€” median wage
$42,630
Hollywood MSA β€” employment
2,721,490
Columbia MSA β€” employment
381,750

Top occupations in Columbia MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 55,750 $38,500
Sales and Related Occupations 36,270 $32,390
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 34,570 $35,920
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 34,100 $25,840
Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations 26,320 $73,980

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Florida and South Carolina

Florida income tax
no state income tax
South Carolina income tax
6.2% top marginal

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check South Carolina'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 20–30% 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 Columbia average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
  • You are moving to a noticeably colder climate (12.5Β°F lower annual average). Thermal layers, insulated boots, and a heavier winter coat should ride in the car, not the truck.
  • Atlantic hurricane season runs August through October.
  • 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 South Carolina after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

Is Columbia more expensive than Hollywood?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 18.0% lower than Hollywood (93.662 vs 114.155, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Hollywood?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,068 in Columbia vs $439,400 in Hollywood β€” a 47.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

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

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 623 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

How far is Columbia, SC from Hollywood, FL?

The driving distance is 623 mi and the route typically takes 11h 35m via I 95 and I 26. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How does the job market in Columbia compare to Hollywood?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,630 in the Columbia MSA vs $46,510 in the Hollywood MSA, on total employment of 381,750 and 2,721,490 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

How does household income compare in Hollywood vs Columbia?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,653 in Columbia vs $65,359 in Hollywood β€” a 14.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Hollywood.

City profiles: Hollywood, FL Β· Columbia, SC.

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