St. Paul to Minneapolis Movers & Costs (2026)
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Moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis, MN (~12 miles) costs between $42 and $4,449, 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 4.52 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.
July 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?
At 12 miles, this is a local move, billed hourly by most Minnesota companies. You don't need a national carrier to handle it, though they're an option for larger homes or complex logistics. A local or regional mover working this corridor will typically give you faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive hourly pricing.
For full-service moves, we recommend Matt's Moving Company (4.52/5) as the top local pick, followed by Premium Moving Services (4.5/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 12-mile move:
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Potential downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Matt's Moving Company | $858–$2,811 | Movers handle loading, driving & unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $419–$1,154 (around 30% less than full-service) | Pack & load on your own schedule | You handle all loading & unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $48–$121 (around 60% less than full-service) | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load & unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Premium Moving Services | $100/hr | Need a loading crew & already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
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 $42 and $4,449 for a St. Paul to Minneapolis move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 12-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:
- Full-service movers: $489–$4,449
- Moving containers: $126–$1,660
- Rental trucks: $42–$153
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 leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
- Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 12 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
- moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $489–$1,532 | $126–$863 | $42–$106 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $858–$2,811 | $419–$1,154 | $48–$121 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,437–$4,449 | $865–$1,660 | $63–$153 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 49+ Minnesota moving companies, and are updated as of Jul 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.
What extra fees should you expect on a St. Paul to Minneapolis move?
Expect a handful of extra fees on a St. Paul to Minneapolis move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15–$0.21 per pound | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $100/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Fuel surcharge | $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $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 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50–$200 | Rental trucks |
| Added valuation coverage | 1–2% of declared value | All move types |
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
At 12 miles, this route is well within the range of local and regional Minnesota movers. For most home sizes, a local mover bills hourly and can deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead of a national carrier. Matt's Moving Company leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 268 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers for this route
Local movers operating within Minnesota specialize in intrastate logistics, Minnesota regulations, and same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. At 12 miles, they are often priced the same as or cheaper than national operators, and scheduling flexibility is significantly better.
moveBuddha scored 34 St. Paul movers drawing on 9,072 verified customer reviews. Rankings factor in BBB rating, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
rating
- Matt's Moving Company at 4.52 out of 5 stars across 268 verified reviews. 92.2% of customers rate them positively.
- Premium Moving Services at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 177 verified reviews. 83.1% of customers rate them positively.
- College Muscle Movers, LLC at 4.48 out of 5 stars across 461 verified reviews. 81.3% of customers rate them positively.
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. at 4.5 out of 5 stars across 250 verified reviews. 91.6% of customers rate them positively.
- Metcalf Moving & Storage at 4.44 out of 5 stars across 234 verified reviews. 91.9% of customers rate them positively.
National carriers also available for this route
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is moveBuddha's 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.
moveBuddha's top national full-service movers:
- Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
- American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
- North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
- Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.
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
What to know about moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis
Intrastate move: what that means for you
Because St. Paul and Minneapolis are both in Minnesota, this is an intrastate move, regulated by Minnesota law, not federal DOT rules that govern interstate (state-to-state) moves. Minnesota movers handling intrastate jobs must hold a valid Minnesota intrastate operating authority in addition to any USDOT number. When comparing quotes, confirm each mover is licensed for intrastate work in Minnesota, not just for crossing state lines. A carrier with a USDOT number but no Minnesota intrastate authority cannot legally haul your belongings on this route.
Delivery timing on this route
At 12 miles, most St. Paul-to-Minneapolis moves complete in – days from pickup to drop-off. Full-service movers working this corridor frequently offer same-day delivery for smaller homes, and next-day delivery is standard for most 2–3 bedroom jobs. If you need a guaranteed delivery date, get it in writing before signing. Intrastate movers can commit to tighter windows than long-haul interstate carriers who work on spread delivery dates. Packing a 2–3 bedroom home takes 4–8 hours on top of transit time, so factor that into your move-day schedule.
Building and access requirements
High-rise apartments and managed communities in St. Paul and Minneapolis commonly require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your moving company before granting elevator or loading dock access. Request the COI from your mover at least 1 week before moving day and forward it to your building manager. Confirm elevator reservation windows, parking permits for moving trucks, and any building-specific moving hours at both the origin and destination. Showing up without a COI or outside the permitted window can result in same-day delay fees of $150–$400 or rescheduling.
Minnesota summer heat and fragile items
Summer moves in Minnesota expose belongings to temperatures that can exceed 120°F inside a closed truck. Electronics, candles, vinyl records, wine, wood furniture, and musical instruments are all vulnerable. If your move falls between June and August, discuss heat-sensitive items with your mover before loading day. Request an early-morning start. Trucks loaded by 8 a.m. avoid peak afternoon heat during transit. Climate-controlled storage at the destination is worth the added cost for items that can't tolerate extreme heat during an overnight hold.
Pre-move checklist for a St. Paul to Minneapolis move:
- Verify your mover holds Minnesota intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number).
- Request a COI from your mover at least 7 days before moving day for both buildings.
- Confirm elevator and loading dock reservations at origin and destination.
- Ask for a guaranteed delivery date in writing. Intrastate carriers can commit to same or next day.
- For summer moves, schedule an early-morning start and flag heat-sensitive items in advance.
- Compare at least 3 quotes using moveBuddha's cost calculator. Movers who use it save an average of 30% versus their first quote.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis to St. Paul guide.
How does Minneapolis compare to St. Paul?
Cost of living: St. Paul vs. Minneapolis
Cost-of-living factors in St. Paul vs. Minneapolis go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in Minneapolis stacks up against St. Paul.
Check out how the 2 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% |
Cost-of-living data for St. Paul and Minneapolis comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated July 2026 across 49+ Minnesota cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Minneapolis are 10% higher than in St. Paul. Plan for a smaller savings rate or downsizing the unit unless your salary scales with the move.
- Home prices in Minneapolis are 24% higher than St. Paul. The premium is significant enough to delay buying, expand commute radius, or downsize.
- Average income in Minneapolis is 10% higher than St. Paul. The gap typically holds when adjusting for cost-of-living differences in the same role.
- 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.
- Living expenses for a family of 4 in Minneapolis are 10% higher than St. Paul. Most of the gap shows up in housing, childcare, and after-school programming.
- Unemployment in Minneapolis runs 8% lower than St. Paul. Expect shorter time-to-hire and stronger negotiation positioning.
- Sales taxes in Minneapolis are 9% lower than St. Paul. Annual savings compound on routine spending and big-ticket items alike.
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
A side-by-side comparison of life in St. Paul vs. Minneapolis helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between St. Paul and Minneapolis so you can evaluate which city is 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 is 40% larger in size than St. Paul. The size difference typically shows up most in housing prices, traffic, and access to specialized services.
- The last presidential election saw both St. Paul and Minneapolis siding with the Democratic party.
- Summer highs in Minneapolis (84°F) and St. Paul (83°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
- Winter lows in St. Paul (7°F) match Minneapolis (7°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
- Annual rainfall in St. Paul and Minneapolis is nearly identical, at 32 inches and 32 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
- Annual snowfall in St. Paul (52 inches) and Minneapolis (52 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Minneapolis (56.06) runs higher than St. Paul (50.86). Check property crime rates and insurance quotes for specific addresses before committing.
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: best movers from St. Paul to Minneapolis
Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from St. Paul to Minneapolis, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Minnesota service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service. For smaller homes and apartment moves, Matt's Moving Company (4.52 out of 5 stars) is the top local pick, with 92.2% positive reviews across 268 verified customer reviews.
For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $42–$4,449 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 49+ Minnesota movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.
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 ranges from $375 to $1,274 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $858–$2,811. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,437–$4,449 for the same distance.
How much are moving container companies from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
Moving containers from St. Paul to Minneapolis range from $122 to $813 for a studio or 1-bedroom. For 2–3 bedroom homes, costs fall between $419 and $1,154. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect $865–$1,660.
How much is a moving truck from St. Paul to Minneapolis?
A rental moving truck from St. Paul to Minneapolis costs $40–$96 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $48–$121, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $63 and $153.
Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.
How far in advance should I book St. Paul-to-Minneapolis movers?
Ideally, book your move from St. Paul to Minneapolis at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your St. Paul-to-Minneapolis movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations. Because this is an intrastate move within Minnesota, same-day or next-day delivery is often possible once your mover has a confirmed booking slot.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Minneapolis?
For the cheapest move to Minneapolis, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.
Is moving from St. Paul to Minneapolis considered a long-distance move?
A move from St. Paul to Minneapolis is classified as an intrastate move. Both cities are in Minnesota, so Minnesota law governs the job rather than federal DOT rules that apply to interstate (state-to-state) moves. Whether a mover labels it "long-distance" depends on their internal pricing structure. Most full-service movers price intrastate moves over 50 miles based on weight and mileage rather than hourly rates, similar to how interstate pricing works. At 12 miles, expect distance-based pricing from most full-service movers on this route. Confirm your mover holds a valid Minnesota intrastate operating authority (not just a USDOT number) before signing a contract.
How long does a move from St. Paul to Minneapolis take?
Most moves from St. Paul to Minneapolis take – days from pickup to delivery, based on moveBuddha's route data. The driving distance is 12 miles. For intrastate moves at this distance, same-day or next-day delivery is common when the mover has confirmed availability. Add 4–8 hours for professional packing of a 2–3 bedroom home before the truck departs, and factor in any elevator reservation windows or building access restrictions at the destination. Getting your delivery date in writing before signing gives you a binding commitment. Intrastate movers can offer tighter guarantees than long-haul interstate carriers.
