Quick answer: Expect to pay $1,062–$8,335 for a move from St. Paul to Columbia, with most moves taking two to eight days. Your cost depends on load size, timing, and whether you move yourself or hire help for the 1,199 miles.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Columbia to St. Paul guide.
Our track record
Best movers by type
When you’ve got 26 interstate movers to choose from like you do in St. Paul, the search for the right one can quickly become overwhelming. And that’s after you decide whether to hand the job over to a full-service team or keep more control — and save a little money — with a DIY approach.
We’ve already done the hard work for you. Each St. Paul mover was reviewed for services offered, pricing, and overall value, with customer experiences drawn from online reviews. From there, we narrowed the field to the best long-distance movers in St. Paul, so you can move forward with confidence.
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Best professional movers from St. Paul to Columbia
Making the trip from St. Paul to Columbia is easier when you hire a full-service moving company to handle every stage of the relocation. From packing and loading to delivery and unpacking, they manage the process so you can focus on the bigger picture.
We’ve put together a list of the best full-service movers for this route to help you make the move with ease.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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What moving services are available in St. Paul?
How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to SC move
Find trusted moving companies for your St. Paul to Columbia journey
Organizing a move from St. Paul to Columbia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in St. Paul known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from St. Paul to Columbia.
- Matt's Moving Company : 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- College Muscle Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Nystrom Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 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
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
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
State license #: 1443087
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1443087
Alternate Names: College Muscle, College Muscle Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1124693
Years in Business: 77
DOT #: 1124693
Alternate Names: Nystrom's Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Columbia?
St. Paul movers charge $100 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 | $1,597 - $6,057 | $1,149 - $2,617 | $936 - $1,729 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,442 - $8,335 | $2,076 - $3,841 | $1,062 - $2,185 |
4+ bedrooms | $5,939 - $10,682 | $2,729 - $5,138 | $1,335 - $2,456 |
Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to South Carolina
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minnesota to South Carolina will cost between $1,597 and $6,057. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MN to SC will range from $3,442 to $8,335, and a large move from Minnesota to South Carolina will cost from $5,939 to $10,682.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to South Carolina
When you're heading from Minnesota to South Carolina, and you're only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,149 and $2,617. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,076 and $3,841. If you're packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,729 to $5,138. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Minnesota easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to South Carolina
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $936 and $1,729. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,062 to $2,185. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,335 and $2,456.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors influencing moving costs from St. Paul to Columbia
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Columbia
Budget-wise, Columbia tends to come out ahead — about 46% lower for singles and 0% lower for families than St. Paul.
One person’s costs run $1,956 in Columbia vs. $3,633 in St. Paul; for a family of four, think $4,274 vs. $4,290.
Scan the comparison below to see where you’ll save most:
- You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 7% higher than in St. Paul.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Columbia.
Home prices in Columbia are 20.7% lower than in St. Paul. - You're likely to make a higher income living in Columbia, where incomes are, on average, 1.9% higher than in St. Paul. Major employers in Columbia include Pure Fishing, LexiCode, and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Columbia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 46.2% lower than in St. Paul.
- The cost of living for a family is the same in Columbia and St. Paul.
- The unemployment rate in Columbia is 6.12% higher than in St. Paul.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city's sales taxes in Columbia are 19.03% lower than in St. Paul.
- One perk of moving to Columbia is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.93% lower than in St. Paul.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between St. Paul and Columbia:
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 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $ | $60 |
Gym membership | $ | $40 |
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Columbia
Columbia | St. Paul | |
---|---|---|
Population | 136,632 | 303,176 |
Transportation Score | 5 | 8 |
Walkability score | 35 | 60 |
Bike friendliness score | 35 | 64 |
Crime Index | 3.0 | 50.86 |
Safety Index | 48.39 | 49.14 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Columbia might offer you a slower pace of life, since the population is about 55% less than St. Paul.
- Getting around Columbia without a car might be more difficult than in St. Paul. Columbia has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas St. Paul is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Columbia neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as St. Paul. Based on its score of 35 out of 100, Columbia isn't as walkable as St. Paul, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- You probably won't see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Columbia, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than St. Paul. While St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, Columbia earned a 35. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
- Columbia has a lower crime rate than St. Paul based on scores of 3.0 and St. Paul's 50.86, respectively. The crime index shows how safe a city is perceived to be. So, a lower score generally means less crime.
- Columbia is generally as safe as St. Paul, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Columbia and St. Paul is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul 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't require moving permits, but it's 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. You'll 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
With your sights set on Soda City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cayce
- Seven Oaks
- Lexington
- St. Andrews
- Woodfield
Best neighborhoods for families
- Lexington
- Seven Oaks
- Chapin
- Cayce
- Oak Grove
Things to do in Columbia
Now that you've made the move to South Carolina it's the perfect time to explore Columbia From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Columbia, such as 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 city's Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park — along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Columbia Fireflies (Baseball-Carolina League), South Carolina Gamecocks (SEC), or Benedict Tigers (SIAC) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Columbia?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Paul to Columbia. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Paul.
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?
The 1,199-mile journey from St. Paul, MN to Columbia, SC, typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in St. Paul offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Columbia.
Which movers in St. Paul give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 3 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
How many movers in St. Paul can handle specialty items for my move to Columbia?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In St. Paul, 28 movers can handle pianos. 13 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MN, there are 34 piano movers and 16 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2173 and 1398 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.