Moving from Montgomery, AL to Columbia, SC
The 374 mi from Montgomery to Columbia translate to about 7h 9m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
374 mi Β· 7h 9m by car Β· AL β GA β SC
Distance & route
| Route through | AL β GA β SC |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 20, I 85, I 285 |
| Major cities en route | Columbus, South Fulton, Atlanta, Sandy Springs |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Montgomery | Columbia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 89.682 | 93.662 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 84.907 | 88.306 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.397 | 96.339 | 100.0 |
| Services | 64.347 | 79.455 | 100.0 |
Columbia and Montgomery are close on the overall BEA RPP (89.682 vs 93.662); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Columbia typical home at $229,068 is 4.4% above Montgomery at $151,228 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Montgomery +1.1%, Columbia +1.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Montgomery | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 68Β°F | 64Β°F |
| January avg low | 40Β°F | 33Β°F |
| July avg high | 94Β°F | 93Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.4" |
| Annual precipitation | 51.8" | 46.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 67.9Β°F vs 63.6Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 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 1991β2020 (stations: MONTGOMERY 6SW, AL US, SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Montgomery | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 198,440 | 138,019 |
| Median household income | $55,687 | $55,653 |
| Median age | 36.2 | 28.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.4% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.46 | 2.67 |
Household income lines up β $55,687 vs $55,653 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Columbia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median 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 Alabama and South Carolina
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 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 Columbia average 93Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Montgomery?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Columbia is 4.4% higher than Montgomery (93.662 vs 89.682, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Columbia, SC from Montgomery, AL?
The driving distance is 374 mi and the route typically takes 7h 9m via I 20 and I 85. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Columbia compared to Montgomery?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $229,068 in Columbia vs $151,228 in Montgomery β a 51.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Montgomery to Columbia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 374 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Montgomery vs Columbia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,653 in Columbia vs $55,687 in Montgomery β a 0.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Columbia compare to Montgomery?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $42,630 in the Columbia MSA vs $40,220 in the Montgomery MSA, on total employment of 381,750 and 160,840 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 Montgomery.
City profiles: Montgomery, AL Β· Columbia, SC.