Factors influencing moving costs from Minneapolis to Columbia
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Columbia
Moving from Minneapolis to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Minneapolis than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Minneapolis compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Minneapolis | Columbia | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,484 | $1,447 |
Average home value | $312,602 | $220,612 |
Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $64,683 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,900 | $1,956 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,710 | $4,274 |
Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.2% |
Sales tax | 9.03% | 8.0% |
State income tax | 9.85% | 7.0% |
- Rent prices in Columbia are 3% lower than in Minneapolis, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 29.4% lower than in Minneapolis. - Income in Columbia is 7.7% lower than in Minneapolis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- The cost of living for a single person in Columbia is 49.8% lower than in Minneapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 9.3% lower than in Minneapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 15.56% higher than in Minneapolis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the cityโs sales taxes in Columbia are 11.41% lower than in Minneapolis.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.93% lower than in Minneapolis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,504.62 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Minneapolis.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Columbia
Columbia | Minneapolis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 425,115 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 71 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 83 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 56.06 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 43.94 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia's population is about 68% less than Minneapolis.
- Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus Minneapolis's higher score of 8.
- Columbia is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 35 out of 100 vs Minneapolis's 71 out of 100.
- Columbia has a bike-friendliness score 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Minneapolis, which has a score of 83 out of 100.
- Columbia's crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 3.0 compared to Minneapolis's 56.06. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- Columbia is considered to be safer than Minneapolis with a safety index of 48.39 vs Minneapolis's 43.94.
- Air quality in Columbia is good, and in Minneapolis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis vs. Columbia move
- Weather: If you're considering to move to Columbia, SC, better to consider during October, April and May to make sure weather will be pleasant.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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 check the status of a South Carolina moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: South Carolina doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Columbia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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
Ready to relocate to "Soda City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Seven Oaks
- Forest Acres
- Irmo
- West Columbia
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Forest Acres
- Lexington
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Once youโre settled into your new home in South Carolina, itโs time to get out and discover what Columbia has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Columbia features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the South Carolina State Museum, Columbia Museum of Art, South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum, EdVenture Children's Museum, and South Carolina Military Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Columbia?
The best time to move from Minneapolis to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Columbia?
Because most people are moving from Minneapolis to Columbia in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Minneapolis to Columbia take?
The 1,209-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Columbia, SC, takes two to eight days. Some Minneapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.