St. Paul to Minneapolis Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis, MN (~12 miles) costs between $34 and $3,439, depending on home size and move type.
Local movers such as Matt's Moving Company, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 268 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $100/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in St. Paul
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like St. Paul to Minneapolis are regulated by Minnesota law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Minnesota intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Minnesota companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Matt's Moving Company (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by Lighthouse Moving (4.48/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most St. Paul to Minneapolis moves complete in - days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 49+ Minnesota movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
Movers typically charge between $34 and $3,439* for a St. Paul to Minneapolis move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price depends on the service type and home size you choose.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $398 - $3,439
- Moving containers: $107 - $1,432
- Rental trucks: $34 - $134
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers reduce costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but you'll need to drive the truck yourself, plus line up or hire moving help.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers cut 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $398 - $1,259 | $107 - $745 | $34 - $86 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $763 - $2,309 | $334 - $977 | $41 - $102 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,144 - $3,439 | $683 - $1,432 | $53 - $134 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 49+ Minnesota moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of St. Paul, MN movers.
How St. Paul to Minneapolis moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $100 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,200.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 6% of St. Paul movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 12% of St. Paul movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from St. Paul to Minneapolis
Moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis is a job for local and regional Minnesota movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Matt's Moving Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 268 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from St. Paul to Minneapolis
Local movers operating within Minnesota know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Matt's Moving Company (4.64/5 stars): 92.2% positive customer ratings.
- Lighthouse Moving (4.48/5 stars): 86.7% positive customer ratings.
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.52/5 stars): 91.6% positive customer ratings.
- The Move Crew (4.52/5 stars): 94.2% positive customer ratings.
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.48/5 stars): 81.3% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 34 movers in St. Paul, drawing on 9,164 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from St. Paul to Minneapolis
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from St. Paul, MN
St. Paul residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Minnesota moving resources
How does Minneapolis compare to St. Paul?
Cost of living: St. Paul vs. Minneapolis
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| St. Paul | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,484 |
| Average home cost | $279,535 | $345,294 |
| Average income (per capita) | $73,055 | $80,269 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,633 | $3,900 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,290 | $4,710 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 4.5% |
| Average sales tax | 9.88% | 9.03% |
Cost-of-living data for St. Paul and Minneapolis comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 49+ Minnesota moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Minneapolis are 10% higher than in St. Paul. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 10% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Minneapolis are 24% higher than St. Paul. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Minneapolis is 10% higher than St. Paul. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Minneapolis is 7% higher than St. Paul. Plan to add roughly 7% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Minneapolis is 10% higher than St. Paul. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Minneapolis runs 8% lower than St. Paul. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Minneapolis are 9% lower than St. Paul. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,210 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in St. Paul.
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Minneapolis
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Minneapolis might look different from St. Paul in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| St. Paul | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,176 | 425,115 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 49.8-48.3 | Democratic 49.8-48.3 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 84ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 32" | 32" |
| Annual snow | 52" | 52" |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 56.06 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Minnesota can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 51% of movers in Minnesota, vs 33% nationally).
- Minneapolis is 40% larger in size than St. Paul. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both St. Paul and Minneapolis voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Minneapolis (84°F) match St. Paul (83°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in St. Paul (7°F) and Minneapolis (7°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in St. Paul (32 inches) and Minneapolis (32 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in St. Paul (52 inches) and Minneapolis (52 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Minneapolis (56.06) is higher than St. Paul (50.86). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Minneapolis
Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in Minneapolis. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.
Museums in Minneapolis
- Minneapolis Institute of Art
- Mill City Museum
- American Swedish Institute
- The Museum of Russian Art
- Foshay Tower
Parks in Minneapolis
- Minnehaha Park
- Mill Ruins Park
- Loring Park
- Gold Medal Park
- Coldwater Spring
Sports teams in Minneapolis
- Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)
- Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)
- Minnesota Twins (MLB)
- Minnesota Vikings (NFL)
Universities in Minneapolis
- University of Minnesota
- Augsburg University
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design
- North Central University
- Minneapolis Community and Technical College
Final verdict: St. Paul to Minneapolis movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Minnesota service. For smaller moves, Matt's Moving Company (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 92.2% positive reviews across 268 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $34 - $3,439, based on our analysis of 49+ Minnesota movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
A full-service move from St. Paul to Minneapolis costs $317 - $1,025 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $763 - $2,309, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,144 - $3,439.
How much are moving container companies from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
Moving containers from St. Paul to Minneapolis cost $101 - $688 for a studio or 1-bedroom home. A 2 - 3 bedroom move runs $334 - $977, and a larger home costs $683 - $1,432.
How much is a moving truck from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
A rental truck from St. Paul to Minneapolis costs $32 - $84 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $41 - $102 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $53 - $134 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
How far in advance should I book St. Paul-to-Minneapolis movers?
Book your St. Paul to Minneapolis movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Minneapolis?
The cheapest time to move to Minneapolis is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
