($527+) Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Cincinnati, OH, runs anywhere from $532 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,862 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 706 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,729, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,862 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,062 - $3,505, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $532 - $1,481.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Cincinnati, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,436 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis to Cincinnati: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,436 - $6,393. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 706 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 706-mile route from Minneapolis to Cincinnati, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,729 - $4,688 with full-service movers, $1,062 - $1,908 with a container, $532 - $1,060 with a rental truck, or $956 - $1,805 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,436 - $6,393 full-service, $1,322 - $2,644 by container, $551 - $1,139 by rental truck, or $1,147 - $2,158 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,191 - $8,862 full-service, $1,919 - $3,505 by container, $726 - $1,481 by rental truck, or $1,446 - $2,917 by freight.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 706-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Cincinnati, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,729 - $8,862. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $298 - $1,988. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Cincinnati. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,729 - $4,688
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,436 - $6,393
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,191 - $8,862
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 Minneapolis to Cincinnati.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to Ohio. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Cincinnati, 79% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $497 - $4,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $199 - $1,193/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,386 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $994 - $2,982 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,485 - $9,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $745 - $1,414 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $994 - $2,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $795 - $3,479 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $298 - $1,491 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $646 - $1,988 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,479+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Cincinnati?
Ohio Association of Movers membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Ohio, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Minneapolis, MN. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Cincinnati, Ohio, cost between $1,062 and $3,505. 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 Minneapolis typically costs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,062 - $1,908
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,322 - $2,644
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,919 - $3,505
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Cincinnati, OH. 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 $696 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $75 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $149 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 Minnesota to Ohio 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 $1,062. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,322 - $2,644, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Cincinnati?
- 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH
Truck rentals from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Cincinnati, Ohio, range from $532 - $1,481 for the 706-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $223 - $255
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Minneapolis to Cincinnati based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $532 - $1,060
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $551 - $1,139
- 4+ bedrooms: $726 - $1,481
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Minneapolis to Cincinnati starts at $532 - $1,481, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($223 - $255) , overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $696.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $223 - $255 for the 706-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $323, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $149 per night for hotel stops on the 706-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $298 - $447.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Cincinnati?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Cincinnati, Ohio. 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 $895 and $2,158.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Cincinnati:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $956 - $1,805
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,147 - $2,158
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,446 - $2,917
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $696.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $149 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Cincinnati?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Minneapolis to Cincinnati, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Cincinnati, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Cincinnati, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Cincinnati, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $1,450/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $213,219 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $51,707/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 49.53/100 |
| 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 Cincinnati, OH to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Minnesota alone has 49 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 706-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 706-mile route from Minneapolis, MN, to Cincinnati, OH, run $1,729 - $8,862 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,062 - $3,505, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $532 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,436, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Cincinnati tend to point to ample economic opportunity and low cost of living, though unpredictable weather and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Kroger and First Student.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Cincinnati, OH
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH?
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 Cincinnati a safe place to live?
Cincinnati has a safety index of 49.53 out of 100 and a crime index of 48.47, compared to 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Cincinnati, OH?
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 $551 - $1,139. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Cincinnati?
For families, Hyde Park, Mount Adams, and Mount Lookout are worth a look in Cincinnati. If you're moving solo or without kids, Central Business District, Clifton, and Columbia-Tusculum tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
