Moving from Columbia, SC to Pompano Beach, FL
A move from Columbia, SC to Pompano Beach, FL covers 610 mi and around 11h 19m of driving through 3 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
610 mi Β· 11h 19m by car Β· SC β GA β FL
Distance & route
| Route through | SC β GA β FL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 95, I 26, I 295 |
| Major cities en route | Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, Palm Bay, Port St Lucie |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Columbia | Pompano Beach | 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 |
Major COL jump: 21.9% higher overall in Pompano Beach vs Columbia on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Pompano Beach: 21.9% above Columbia on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Columbia +1.3%, Pompano Beach -5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Columbia | Pompano Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 64Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 33Β°F | 60Β°F |
| July avg high | 93Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 0.4" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 46.3" | 55.6" |
Pompano Beach runs 13.6Β°F warmer on the annual average (63.6Β°F vs 77.2Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SANDHILL RSCH - ELGIN, SC US, POMPANO BEACH AIRPARK, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Columbia | Pompano Beach |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,019 | 112,212 |
| Median household income | $55,653 | $63,832 |
| Median age | 28.7 | 41.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 20% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.37 |
Median household income in Pompano Beach is 21.9% above Columbia ($55,653 β $63,832, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Pompano Beach 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 Pompano Beach average 91Β°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: Pompano Beach averages 55.6 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.6Β°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 does household income compare in Columbia vs Pompano Beach?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,832 in Pompano Beach vs $55,653 in Columbia β a 14.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Columbia to Pompano Beach?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 610 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Pompano Beach, FL from Columbia, SC?
The driving distance is 610 mi and the route typically takes 11h 19m via I 95 and I 26. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Pompano Beach compared to Columbia?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $351,517 in Pompano Beach vs $229,068 in Columbia β a 53.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Pompano Beach more expensive than Columbia?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Pompano Beach 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 does the job market in Pompano Beach compare to Columbia?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Pompano Beach 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· Pompano Beach, FL.