Top-rated local movers that handle St. Paul to Columbia moves
When planning a move from St. Paul to Columbia, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 34 local movers in St. Paul who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from St. Paul to Columbia.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1127088
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1452848
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1452848
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Columbia?
Movers in Minnesota charge $209 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,216 – $5,189 | $924 – $2,241 | $714 – $1,406 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,798 – $6,559 | $1,544 – $3,195 | $789 – $1,773 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,470 – $8,345 | $2,220 – $4,147 | $1,052 – $2,162 |
Cost to hire movers from St. Paul to Columbia
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from St. Paul to Columbia, you can expect to spend between $1,216 and $5,189. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,798 to $6,559 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from St. Paul to Columbia typically runs between $4,470 and $8,345.
Cost of moving containers from St. Paul to Columbia
When moving from St. Paul to Columbia, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $924 and $2,241. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,544 to $3,195. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,220 up to $4,147. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Columbia
Renting a moving truck in St. Paul is usually your cheapest option to get to Columbia. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $714 and $1,406. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $789 and $1,773. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,052 and $2,162.
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Factors that impact moving costs from St. Paul to Columbia
The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,579, but larger homes can run up to $7,549.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in St. Paul.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($714–$1,807) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Columbia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Columbia runs about -46% higher for singles and 0% higher for families than St. Paul.
Singles spend around $1,956 in St. Paul versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $4,274 compared with $4,290.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| St. Paul | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,300 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,220 | |
| Average home value | $278,221 | $220,612 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $64,683 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,633 | $1,956 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,290 | $4,274 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.2% |
| Sales tax | 9.88% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 7.0% |
- As you consider relocating to Columbia, note that rent can be roughly 7% more expensive than it is in St. Paul; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 21% lower in Columbia than in St. Paul.
- The average income in Columbia and St. Paul is quite similar, within about 5%, so your finances should remain fairly stable.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Columbia, where the cost of living for a single person is 46% less than in St. Paul.
- You’ll find the cost of living for a family to be nearly equivalent in Columbia and St. Paul, with only a minor variance of about 5%, so you’ll likely see minimal difference in daily expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 6% higher compared to St. Paul, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
- Sales taxes are 19% lower in Columbia than in St. Paul. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Columbia can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 29% lower in South Carolina compared to Minnesota. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing St. Paul with Columbia:
| Living Expense | St. Paul | Columbia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $148.09 | |
| Cell phone plan | $54.77 | |
| Dozen eggs | $3.46 | |
| Loaf of bread | $2.65 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $60.00 | |
| Gym membership | $40.00 |
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Columbia
| St. Paul | Columbia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,176 | 136,632 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 60 | 35 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 35 |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 3.0 |
| Safety index | 49.14 | 48.39 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia’s population is about 55% less than St. Paul.
- Columbia’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul’s score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 35 out of 100 vs St. Paul’s 60 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score of 35 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64.
- Columbia’s crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 3.0 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
- Columbia and St. Paul have a similar safety level, with scores of 48.39 and 49.14.
- Air quality in Columbia is Good, and in St. Paul it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul to Columbia move
- HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: To promote safety, economic development, and ethical business practices, the South Carolina Office of Regulatory Staff (ORS) oversees movers in the state. They are responsible for inspecting, examining, and auditing public utility providers like movers. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While South Carolina doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Columbia smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When moving in South Carolina, explore movers’ insurance options. Many offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, discuss Full Value Protection with the moving company or consider third-party insurance providers. Prioritize understanding coverage limits and potential extra costs. Read reviews to make an informed decision on the best insurance for your South Carolina move.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Columbia
Now that you’ve chosen Soda City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Columbia to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- Lexington
- West Columbia
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Irmo
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Blythewood
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
After getting comfortable in your new South Carolina home, it’s time to see what Columbia is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Columbia offers cultural landmarks like the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, and EdVenture Children’s Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League)South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC)Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Columbia?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from St. Paul to Columbia are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in St. Paul are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Columbia?
Because spring and fall moves from St. Paul to Columbia are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from St. Paul to Columbia take?
A move of 1,203 miles from St. Paul, MN to Columbia, generally takes two to eight days. Movers in St. Paul sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Columbia is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in St. Paul?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In St. Paul, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in St. Paul offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 28 movers in St. Paul have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MN, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
Helpful moving resources
St. Paul moving services
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