Factors influencing moving costs from Columbia to St. Paultoggle

The cost of Columbia 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 Columbia to St. Paul can be as low as $1,419 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $8,217.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbia, 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 $927 to $2,365. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbia to St. Paul

Columbia St. Paul
Average rent cost $1,447 $1,350
Average home value $220,612 $278,221
Average income (per capita) $64,683 $63,483
Cost of living (single person) $1,956 $3,633
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,274 $4,290
Unemployment rate 5.2% 4.9%
Sales tax 8.0% 9.88%
State income tax 7.0% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in St. Paul are 7% lower than in Columbia.
  • Home prices in St. Paul are 26.1% higher than in Columbia.
  • Income in St. Paul is 1.9% lower than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 85.7% higher than in Columbia.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in St. Paul and Columbia.
  • The unemployment rate in St. Paul is 5.77% lower than in Columbia.
  • Sales taxes in St. Paul are 23.50% higher than in Columbia.
  • State income taxes in St. Paul are 40.71% higher than in Columbia.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $5,572.09 in St. Paul to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbia.

How life is different in Columbia vs. St. Paul

St. Paul Columbia
Population 303,176 136,632
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 60 35
Bike friendliness score 64 35
Crime Index 50.86 3.0
Safety Index 49.14 48.39
Air Quality Good Good
  • St. Paul's population is about 122% greater than Columbia.
  • St. Paul's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbia's higher score of 5.
  • St. Paul is more walkable than Columbia with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Columbia's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 64 out of 100, St. Paul is more bike-friendly than Columbia, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • St. Paul's crime rate is higher than Columbia with a score of 50.86 compared to Columbia's 3.0. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbia neighborhoods are safer than 3.0%.
  • St. Paul is considered to be safer than Columbia with a safety index of 49.14 vs Columbia's 48.39.
  • Air quality in St. Paul is good, and in Columbia it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbia vs. St. Paul move

  • Weather: St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog
  • 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 operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota 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 St. Paul. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in St. Paul

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Pigs Eye", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in St. Paul.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Downtown
  • St. Anthony Park
  • Summit Hill
  • Summit-University
  • Union Park

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Macalester-Groveland
  • Summit Hill
  • Highland
  • Union Park
  • St. Anthony Park

Things to do in St. Paultoggle

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

  • Arts and culture: St. Paul is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, James J. Hill House, and Minnesota Children's Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional 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 Minnesota Wild (NHL), St. Paul Saints (MiLB), St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL), or Minnesota United FC (MLS) game.

FAQ

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

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

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

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

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

Helpful moving resources