St. Paul, MN to Columbia, SC Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from St. Paul to Columbia typically costs $3,200–$7,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,203 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from St. Paul to Columbia
Moving from St. Paul, MN to Columbia, SC typically costs $3,200–$7,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,203-mile move from St. Paul to Columbia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $5,709 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $6,738 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,828 for a 2 bedroom using a moving container.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 24, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 16, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 08, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from St. Paul to Columbia
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,700, but larger homes can run up to $10,300.
- 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 ($900–$2,400) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Columbia, SC to St. Paul, MN guide.
Best St. Paul to Columbia movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
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.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MN→SC movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 50 Minnesota moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
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 Columbia 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, SC 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 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 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 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
