($1,338) Movers From St. Louis, MO to Columbia, SC

What to know before moving from St. Louis to Columbia

Moving from St. Louis to Columbia means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in St. Louis than in Columbia, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how St. Louis compares to Columbia so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Columbia are 16% higher than in St. Louis, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in St. Louis.
  Home prices in Columbia are 28.7% higher than in St. Louis.
• Income in Columbia is 2.1% lower than in St. Louis, 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 24.4% lower than in St. Louis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Columbia is 35.0% lower than in St. Louis.
• The unemployment rate in Columbia is 17.46% lower than in St. Louis.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Columbia, since the city’s sales taxes in Columbia are 17.36% lower than in St. Louis.
• State income taxes in Columbia are 45.83% higher than in St. Louis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,266.51 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Louis.

How life is different in St. Louis vs. Columbia

• Columbia's population is about 53% less than St. Louis.
• Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus St. Louis's higher score of 8.
• Columbia is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 35 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 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 St. Louis, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
• Columbia's crime rate is lower than St. Louis with a score of 3.0 compared to St. Louis's 69.65. This means that Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65%.
• Columbia is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 48.39 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
• Air quality in Columbia is good, and in St. Louis it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your St. Louis 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

Ready to relocate to "Soda City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Columbia.

Helpful moving resources