Moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis, MN
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Quick answer: Moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis costs between $40 to $3,947 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 12-mile route within Minnesota take to days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from St. Paul to Minneapolis
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in St. Paul to driving and unloading in Minneapolis, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 12 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $876 - $2,785 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $376 - $1,087 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $46 - $126 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | College Muscle Movers, LLC | $100/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
It costs between $40 to $3,947 to move from St. Paul to Minneapolis. The prices below break down your 12-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $490 - $3,947
- Moving containers: $129 - $1,612
- Rental trucks: $40 - $158
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $490 - $1,502 | $129 - $814 | $40 - $97 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $876 - $2,785 | $376 - $1,087 | $46 - $126 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,409 - $3,947 | $816 - $1,612 | $60 - $158 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $306 - $2,550+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $70/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $204 - $816 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $51 - $204 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from St. Paul to Minneapolis
At 12 miles, your St. Paul to Minneapolis move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from St. Paul to Minneapolis. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Minnesota, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 12 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Premium Moving Services is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from St. Paul to Minneapolis. They've been in business since 2017 (9 years of experience) and 83.1% of their 177 verified reviews are positive.
More Minnesota moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis to St. Paul guide.
Considerations when moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis
Cost of living: St. Paul vs. Minneapolis
The cost of living in St. Paul vs. Minneapolis goes beyond rent prices. You also need to think about housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends to see how living in Minneapolis stacks up against St. Paul.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| 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% |
- Rent prices in Minneapolis are 10% higher than in St. Paul. That means you might end up spending more of your income on housing, leaving less room in your budget for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Minneapolis are 24% higher than in St. Paul. If you’re planning to buy a home, be prepared for a bigger down payment and higher monthly mortgage payments.
- You could boost your income and enjoy more financial stability in Minneapolis, where the average salary is 10% higher than in St. Paul, especially if your income aligns with local averages.
- The cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 7% higher than in St. Paul, you'll likely need to adjust your budget to accommodate increased expenses.
- Moving your family to Minneapolis? Get ready for living expenses to be about 10% higher than in St. Paul. Expect to pay more for essentials like housing, childcare, and healthcare. Overall, Minneapolis is a pricier place for families.
- The unemployment rate in Minneapolis is 8% lower than in St. Paul, which means you’ll find a stronger job market, more opportunities, and greater economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll benefit from 9% lower sales taxes in Minneapolis compared to St. Paul, leaving more room in your budget for family needs or personal spending.
If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in St. Paul, expect to budget around $3,210 to maintain the same lifestyle in Minneapolis.
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Minneapolis
As you plan your move, comparing life in St. Paul vs. Minneapolis is essential to making an informed decision that aligns with your lifestyle, values, and needs. Factors like population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety can significantly impact your experience in a new place. Below is a side-by-side breakdown of key differences between St. Paul and Minneapolis to help you evaluate which city may be a better fit.
| 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 |
Minneapolis sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Minneapolis is about 40% larger than St. Paul. Moving to a bigger city means more people, opportunities, and cultural experiences, plus higher costs and a faster pace. Whether that's exciting or overwhelming depends on what you want from your new home.
- The last presidential election saw both St. Paul and Minneapolis siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Minneapolis and St. Paul are nearly identical, with averages around 84°F. Moving won’t bring much climate adjustment.
- During the coldest months, both St. Paul and Minneapolis experience similar chilly lows, with temperatures near 7°F and 7°F.
- You won’t have to adjust to new weather conditions when you move from St. Paul to Minneapolis. Both spots see about the same amount of rain each year: 32 inches in St. Paul and 32 inches in Minneapolis.
- Both St. Paul and Minneapolis receive similar amounts of snow each year, with St. Paul averaging 52 inches and Minneapolis seeing 52 inches.
- Crime rates are higher in Minneapolis, with an index of 56.06, compared to St. Paul at 50.86.
Things to do in Minneapolis
Looking for adventure, cultural experiences, or live sports? Minneapolis has something for everyone.
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
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
Moving your furniture from St. Paul to Minneapolis with a professional moving company usually ranges from $368 to $1,213. If you're packing up a two- or three-bedroom home, prices typically land between $876 and $2,785. Planning to move four bedrooms or more? Expect to pay anywhere from $1,409 to $3,947 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
If you’re moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis and considering moving containers, here’s a quick breakdown of what you might spend: For a studio or one-bedroom, costs typically range from $116 to $790. Two- and three-bedroom homes usually fall between $376 and $1,087. If you’re moving from a four- or five-bedroom home, expect prices to range from $816 to $1,612.
How much is a moving truck from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
Want to save some cash? Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest bet. Just remember, you’ll be in charge of both the driving and the heavy lifting. To give you an accurate estimate, we’ve included average fuel costs in our pricing so you’re not caught off guard.
Renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move will typically set you back between $37 and $101. If you're moving a larger apartment, you can expect costs to range from $46 to $126. For four-bedroom homes or bigger making the trip from St. Paul to Minneapolis, rental prices generally fall between $60 and $158.
How far in advance should I book St. Paul-to-Minneapolis movers?
Ideally, you should book your move from St. Paul to Minneapolis at least two months in advance. If you’re moving during the busy summer months, it’s best to book your movers at least three months ahead. The sooner you reserve your St. Paul-to-Minneapolis movers, the better the chance you’ll get affordable rates and secure the exact moving date you need. Some movers even offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Minneapolis?
If you want to save money on your move to Minneapolis, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May to September), when most people relocate and prices soar. By steering clear of the busy summer months, you’ll take advantage of lower demand and lower rates.
