($1,119+) Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,308 to $10,206, with an average cost of $3,800. Moves can be as low as $1,119 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,971 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 Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Oakland to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,308 - $10,206 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,971 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 1,971-mile route from Oakland to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,308 - $5,120, container $1,508 - $2,890, rental truck $1,152 - $2,200, freight trailer $1,427 - $2,761.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,350 - $7,529, container $1,971 - $4,257, rental truck $1,236 - $2,670, freight trailer $1,544 - $3,174.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,493 - $10,206, container $2,863 - $5,292, rental truck $1,589 - $3,301, freight trailer $2,291 - $4,501.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
For the 1,971-mile move from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $1,308 and $10,206. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $481 - $3,208 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Oakland generally start around $281 plus $147 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,308 - $5,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,350 - $7,529
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,493 - $10,206
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 Oakland to Minneapolis.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing76% of local movers | $802 - $8,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $321 - $1,925/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $481 - $3,850 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers | $1,604 - $4,812 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,010 - $16,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,201 - $2,282 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,604 - $4,010 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,283 - $5,614 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $481 - $2,406 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,043 - $3,208 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $481 - $24,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $481 - $5,614+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Minneapolis?
All three below meet the standards set by the Minnesota Transport Services Association, the group most Minnesota movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Oakland, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,508 and $5,292. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Oakland typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $2,890
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,971 - $4,257
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,863 - $5,292
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Oakland, CA and Minneapolis, MN. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $1,123 in Oakland, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $120 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $241 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,508. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,971 - $4,257.
What are the best moving containers Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,971 miles from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, running $1,152 - $3,301. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,006 - $1,150
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $2,200
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,670
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,589 - $3,301
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,152 - $3,301 does not include fuel ($1,006 - $1,150), lodging ($241/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Oakland to Minneapolis typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $120 and $561.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $241.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $1,006 and $1,150 for the 1,971-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,123 for 2 movers in Oakland, California, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland 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 Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,444 and $3,174.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,427 - $2,761
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,544 - $3,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,291 - $4,501
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Oakland, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $1,123.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $120 and $241 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Oakland to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Oakland, CA vs Minneapolis, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Minneapolis, side by side with Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 107 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 43.94/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Oakland, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Minnesota in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,971-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,971-mile route from Oakland, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, run $1,308 - $10,206 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,508 - $5,292, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,152 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,350, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Oakland, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
How long does a move from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,006 - $1,150), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $241/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Oakland, 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 $1,236 - $2,670. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN?
Costs on this route range from around $1,119 to $10,206, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,308 and $10,206, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.