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.

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Each year, 400,000+ people trust our moving recommendations. Here are a few reasons why:

  • Founded in 2015
  • 3,500+ moving companies analyzed
  • $50,000 in moving grants delivered
  • Up-to-date pricing info & industry data
  • Fact-checked for accuracy

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
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
checkmarkBest overall value
checkmarkPortion to charity
checkmarkVeteran owned
American Van Lines
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
checkmarkCertified crews
checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
checkmarkFamily-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
checkmarkSpecialty packing services
checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
checkmark80+ years' experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
checkmarkFamily owned
checkmarkEast coast focus
checkmarkAffordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans
checkmark1,800 trucks
checkmarkStorage available
checkmarkCustomized moving plans

What moving services are available in St. Paul?toggle

Service availability isn’t the same everywhere. This table highlights how often movers in St. Paul offer each option, alongside figures for MN and nationwide, so you can quickly see what’s simple to book and what may require extra planning.

Service St. Paul (Count) St. Paul (%) Minnesota (Count) Minnesota (%) National (Count) National (%)
Packing & Materials
Packing 34 100% 39 100% 2831 98%
Unpacking 34 100% 39 100% 2796 97%
Fragile-only packing 1 3% 1 3% 715 25%
Packing materials 17 50% 21 54% 1682 58%
Storage
Storage 31 91% 35 90% 2499 87%
Climate-controlled storage 17 50% 20 51% 973 34%
Specialty Handling
Custom crating 23 68% 26 67% 1885 65%
Art 13 38% 16 41% 1397 48%
Antiques 13 38% 16 41% 1398 48%
Piano 28 82% 34 87% 2173 75%
Hot tub 4 12% 5 13% 668 23%
Pool table 7 21% 9 23% 941 33%

How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to SC movetoggle

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 30 Minnesota movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

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.

  1. Matt's Moving Company : 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
  3. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. College Muscle Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
  5. Nystrom Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/mattsmovingstp/, https://x.com/mattsmoving
92% of all reviews were positive
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.
Show more
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/metcalfmoving, https://twitter.com/metcalfmoving
92% of all reviews were positive
7% 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.
Show more
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/Piepho.Allied1/, https://x.com/piephomoving
92% of all reviews were positive
7% 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.
Show more
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/CollegeMuscleMovers/,
81% of all reviews were positive
18% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave about College Muscle Movers for their efficient service, attention to care, and professional, friendly crews. Out of 461 reviews, over 81% provided positive feedback, often noting careful handling and clear, proactive communication. Many found the team quick, polite, and able to move belongings without damage—standout qualities that set them above competitors charging more.
Still, a notable portion voiced concerns, mainly about damaged items, charges that exceeded initial estimates, and dissatisfaction with complaint resolution. Missteps such as property damage or underestimated quotes led to tough experiences that some felt were unresolved. Compared to many movers, College Muscle Movers stands out for consistent quality and speed, but buyers should pay close attention to contract terms and ask questions upfront about insurance and billing to avoid surprises.
Show more
Get a Quote (651) 917-4108

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
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057045086419,
78% of all reviews were positive
19% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Top-notch service stands out in the feedback for Nystrom Moving & Storage, Inc., with 78% of customers describing prompt, efficient movers who maintain professional and friendly attitudes. Clients often praise the staff for careful handling of items, fast moving times, and affordable pricing. Many noted how approachable and respectful the crews were during stressful moves, often exceeding expectations compared to other companies.
On the downside, about 19% of input focus on difficulty reaching the company, communication lapses, and occasional reports of damaged or missing items. A few found surprise charges and unsatisfactory issue resolution. Most customers experience reliable, value-driven service with minimal issues, distinguishing Nystrom from many competitors in the region. The company’s strengths in efficiency, professionalism, and courtesy are consistently recognized, while clear communication could further enhance customer satisfaction.
Show more
Get a Quote (651) 224-3722

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
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,199 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

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 Columbiatoggle

The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from St. Paul to Columbia might cost just $1,597 for a one-bedroom, but up to $9,625 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in St. Paul, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $936 and $2,224, though you'll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

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:

St. Paul Columbia
Average 1 BR rent $0 $1,300
Average 3 BR rent $0 $2,220
Average home value $278,221 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $63,483 $64,683
Unemployment rate 4.9% 5.2%
Sales tax 9.88% 8.0%
State income tax 9.85% 7.0%
  • You may want to budget more for rent in Columbia, since prices are typically 7% higher than in St. Paul.
  • 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.

Helpful moving resources