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($1,216) Cost to Move From St. Paul, MN to Columbia, SC

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Estimated cost & time: If you’re moving 1,203 miles from St. Paul to Columbia, expect to pay between $789 and $6,559. The journey should take about two–eight days. Costs can vary due to distance, the date of the move, home size, and your choice between DIY and professional assistance.
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Best movers from St. Paul to Columbia

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from St. Paul to Columbia

For a stress-free interstate move from St. Paul to Columbia, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

With 26 interstate moving companies in St. Paul, we’re here to highlight the best options for a seamless transition to Columbia.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from St. Paul to Columbia

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,203-mile move from St. Paul to Columbia using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of validated rates from movers across the U.S., with monthly updates to reflect seasonality and market conditions. Your end price may shift due to load size, service add-ons, access or parking limitations, fuel costs, and your move date. We recommend obtaining several quotes to get a reliable estimate.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,321 – $4,919
  • Moving Container $1,235 – $2,407
  • Rental Truck $737 – $1,477
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,798 – $6,559
  • Moving Container $1,544 – $3,195
  • Rental Truck $789 – $1,773
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $4,470 – $8,345
  • Moving Container $2,220 – $4,147
  • Rental Truck $1,052 – $2,162
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
United Van Lines
Randolph, MN Wagener, SC
2 Bedrooms
Oct 20, 2025
BLVD Moving
Albertville, MN Ridge Spring, SC
Studio apartment
Oct 15, 2025
Roadway Moving
St. Bonifacius, MN Livingston, SC
Studio apartment
Oct 13, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Lake Elmo, MN Gaston, SC
Studio apartment
Sep 29, 2025
American Van Lines
Lexington, MN Irmo, SC
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 28, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
East Bethel, MN Forest Acres, SC
4 Bedrooms
Sep 13, 2025
PODS
Medina, MN Perry, SC
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 11, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Tonka Bay, MN Arcadia Lakes, SC
2 Bedrooms
Aug 25, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Falcon Heights, MN Camden, SC
Studio apartment
Aug 17, 2025
Safeway Moving
Corcoran, MN Columbia, SC
Studio apartment
Aug 16, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbia, SC to St. Paul, MN guide.

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.

  1. Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
  3. Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
  4. AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.2% of all reviews were positive
6.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Matt’s Moving Company earns rave reviews for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and great communication. Customer feedback highlights efficient, friendly teams who make relocation stress-free and consistently deliver on promises. Out of 268 reviews, 92% are positive, a rate few competitors meet. Most praise comes from fast, careful moves and courteous service. Some clients also note excellent organizational skills and timely arrival, making them a top choice among local movers. Negative input, making up less than 7%, focuses on property damage, late crews, and unexpected costs—issues seen in the moving industry but typically resolved at Matt’s Moving. Neutral feedback, just over 1%, references broken items and high pricing for smaller moves, though most still mention professionalism. Compared to similar companies, Matt’s Moving stands out for reliability, positive energy, and an ability to exceed expectations—balanced by the need for occasional improvement in scheduling accuracy and claims handling.
Get a Quote (651) 210-8271

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
6.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—Piepho Moving & Storage collects high marks from customers, with 91.6% of 250 reviews praising their service. Clients consistently note professional and courteous staff, clear communication, efficiency, careful handling, and quick moving processes. Many describe stress-free moves, punctual teams, and possessions arriving in perfect condition. Compared with many moving companies, Piepho receives more compliments for staff professionalism and responsiveness. Some negative input highlights item damage, issues with communication, and lateness on deliveries as main complaints. While problems do occur, especially during rare cross-country moves or complex shipments, these are much less common than positive feedback. Overall, most customers find Piepho reliable, skilled, and worth recommending for seamless moves.
Get a Quote (651) 372-3494

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.9% of all reviews were positive
6.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Metcalf Moving & Storage consistently earns praise for having professional, careful, and efficient crews who communicate well and handle belongings with respect. Out of 234 feedback submissions, over 91% are positive, citing friendly staff, prompt service, and thoughtful packing. Affordable, transparent pricing and timely moves also set them apart from competitors who often lack Metcalf’s reliability and care. On the other hand, a small number of customers report issues such as damaged or missing items and frustration over inaccurate estimates. These negative experiences highlight the importance of monitoring for careful inventory tracking and clear cost communication. Compared to many moving firms, Metcalf stands out for strong communication, reliable timetables, and respectful, skilled teams, though customers should clarify estimates and special needs upfront to avoid rare but significant problems.
Get a Quote (651) 484-0211

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
61.3% of all reviews were positive
38.2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving customers in the Twin Cities consistently rave about AAA Movers’ efficient, professional crews and careful handling of property—231 out of 377 feedback submissions (61%) praised these qualities. Clients commend fast-moving teams, polite and communicative staff, and reliable service. Many found booking straightforward and appreciated cost transparency when moves stayed on budget. Some even noted that their final bills came in under estimates due to speedy work—a step above many moving companies. Yet, 38% of input pointed to concerning problems. The most frequent issues involve damage to items, often with insufficient reimbursement, and costs exceeding initial quotes by substantial amounts. Poor complaint handling and slow response times are reported when problems need resolution. A noticeable number of customers experienced communication gaps after reporting losses or property damage. AAA Movers delivers reliable, courteous service at the truck, but dispute resolution leaves many dissatisfied. While positive experiences outpace negatives, those considering AAA should scrutinize contract details and expected costs to avoid surprises.
Get a Quote (612) 588-6683

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
86.7% of all reviews were positive
11.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave that Lighthouse Moving stands out for dependable help, careful treatment of belongings, and fair prices, setting the bar above typical movers in the area. Feedback reveals that the team is efficient, hardworking, consistently polite, and communicates clearly from booking to delivery. Most praise the movers for their attention to detail, careful handling, and affordable service, making stressful relocations easier. A significant majority, 87% of input, is positive, based on 225 reviews analyzed. Still, some clients encountered problems with items being damaged, unexpected delays, or higher bills than quoted. Negative feedback points to occasional mishandling and communication lapses, especially regarding costs and scheduling. For anyone seeking an efficient, careful move at a reasonable rate with courteous staff, Lighthouse Moving receives strong recommendations. Yet, those concerned about potential damages or strict timing should discuss those needs upfront to avoid issues.
Get a Quote (651) 387-2955

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
*The figures shown represent approximate costs for a 1,203-mile relocation from St. Paul to Columbia, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from moving companies across the country and updates the data each month to capture seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Final pricing may vary based on shipment size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel costs, and schedule. For accuracy, collect quotes from several movers.

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.

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