Factors influencing moving costs from St. Paul to Columbiatoggle

The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from St. Paul to Columbia can be as low as $1,461 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $9,351.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in St. Paul, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $900 to $2,275. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to Columbia

St. Paul Columbia
Average rent cost $1,350 $1,447
Average home value $278,221 $220,612
Average income (per capita) $63,483 $64,683
Cost of living (single person) $3,633 $1,956
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,290 $4,274
Unemployment rate 4.9% 5.2%
Sales tax 9.88% 8.0%
State income tax 9.85% 7.0%
  • Rent prices in Columbia are 7% higher than in St. Paul.
  • Home prices in Columbia are 20.7% lower than in St. Paul.
  • Income in Columbia is 1.9% higher than in St. Paul.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Columbia 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.
  • Sales taxes in Columbia are 19.03% lower than in St. Paul.
  • State income taxes in Columbia are 28.93% lower than in St. Paul.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,615.19 in Columbia to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Paul.

How life is different in St. Paul vs. Columbia

Columbia St. Paul
Population 136,632 303,176
AllTransit Transportation Performance 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's population is about 55% less than St. Paul.
  • Columbia's public transportation has a score of 5 out of 10 versus St. Paul's lower 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 35 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
  • 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 is considered to be less safe than St. Paul with a score of 48.39 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
  • Air quality in Columbia is good, and in St. Paul it's good.

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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a South Carolina moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: South Carolina does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Columbia. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Columbia

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Soda City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Columbia.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Cayce
  • Seven Oaks
  • Forest Acres
  • Irmo
  • Lexington
  • West Columbia
  • St. Andrews
  • Woodfield

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Irmo
  • Forest Acres
  • Lexington
  • Blythewood
  • Seven Oaks
  • Chapin
  • Cayce
  • Oak Grove

Things to do in Columbiatoggle

After settling into your new South Carolina home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Columbia has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Columbia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 cityโ€™s Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Saluda Shoals Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, and Finlay Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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?

The best time to move from St. Paul to Columbia is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Paul.

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Columbia?

Because most people are moving from St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Columbia take?

The 1,199-mile move from St. Paul, MN, to Columbia, SC, takes two to eight days. Some St. Paul movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Columbia.

Helpful moving resources