($1,163+) Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,374 to $11,277, with an average cost of $4,250. Moves can be as low as $1,163 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,962 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Modesto to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,374 - $11,277 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,250, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,962 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,962-mile route from Modesto to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,374 - $5,373 | $1,632 - $3,002 | $1,246 - $2,356 | $1,469 - $2,927 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,517 - $7,445 | $2,175 - $4,469 | $1,259 - $2,803 | $1,671 - $3,645 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,556 - $11,277 | $2,977 - $6,025 | $1,539 - $3,167 | $2,359 - $4,677 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,962-mile move from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with prices running from $1,374 - $11,277. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $337 - $2,248 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Modesto and Minneapolis are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Modesto movers tend to run around $314 as a base rate plus $128/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,374 - $5,373
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,517 - $7,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,556 - $11,277
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Modesto to Minneapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Minnesota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market — 79% of Modesto movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Minneapolis, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $562 - $5,620 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready79% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $225 - $1,349/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $337 - $2,698 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage21% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs14% of local movers | $1,124 - $3,372 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,810 - $11,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $842 - $1,599 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $1,124 - $2,810 |
| Piano | Any piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $899 - $3,934 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $337 - $1,686 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: MidCal Moving and Storage Company | $731 - $2,248 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $337 - $16,860+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $337 - $3,934+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Minneapolis?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Minnesota Transport Services Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Modesto, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,632 and $6,025. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Modesto runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,632 - $3,002
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,175 - $4,469
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,977 - $6,025
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $787 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $84 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $169 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Minneapolis, MN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California to Minnesota move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,632. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,175 - $4,469, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Modesto to Minneapolis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Modesto to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Modesto:
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- MidCal Moving and Storage Company (4.6/5), 170 years in business
- Pack it up Movers (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,962 miles from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, running $1,246 - $3,167. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $702 - $802
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Modesto to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,246 - $2,356
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,803
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,539 - $3,167
Pro tip: A rental truck from Modesto to Minneapolis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,246 - $3,167. But once you factor in fuel ($702 - $802) , overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $169 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Modesto, California, usually costs about $787 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,962-mile drive falls between $702 and $802, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $56 and $337 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto to Minneapolis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
For larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,671 and $3,645.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,469 - $2,927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,671 - $3,645
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,359 - $4,677
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $84 - $169 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Modesto, California, for about five hours typically runs $787.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Speed Intermodal (4.7/5 stars): Speed Intermodal is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Minneapolis quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Modesto, CA vs Minneapolis, MN
Modesto and Minneapolis land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 116 in Modesto and 107 in Minneapolis, and rent tracks closely too ($1,800/mo vs. $1,484/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (48 vs 71) and safety scores (34.24 vs 43.94) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Minnesota over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,962-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,374 - $11,277 on the 1,962-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,632 - $6,025 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,246 - $3,167 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,517 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Minneapolis a safe place to live?
Minneapolis has a safety index of 43.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 56.06, compared to 34.24 and 65.76 in Modesto. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,259 - $2,803. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 71% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
