St. Paul, MN to Jacksonville, FL Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

How we chose the best MN→FL movers

At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 50 Minnesota moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to Jacksonville

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Jacksonville runs about -26% higher for singles and 54% higher for families than St. Paul.

Singles spend around $2,696 in Jacksonville versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $6,605 compared with $4,290.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	St. Paul	Jacksonville
Average 1 BR rent		$1,596
Average 3 BR rent		$2,680
Average home value	$278,221	$287,628
Average income (per capita)	$63,483	$64,138
Cost of living (single)	$3,633	$2,696
Cost of living (family of four)	$4,290	$6,605
Unemployment rate	4.9%	4.9%
Sales tax	9.88%	7.5%
State income tax	9.85%	0.0%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Rent is estimated to be 13% higher in Jacksonville compared to St. Paul; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
Given that home prices are within a 5% margin between Jacksonville and St. Paul, sticking to your current mortgage strategy is sensible unless you’re planning for a bigger home.
Fortunately, the average income in Jacksonville and St. Paul is quite close, within a 5% range, so financial stability is likely.
Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Jacksonville. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 26% lower than in St. Paul.
When relocating to Jacksonville, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Jacksonville is 54% greater than in St. Paul.
The unemployment rates of Jacksonville and St. Paul are very similar, with less than a 5% difference, thus maintaining a consistent employment landscape.
Sales taxes drop 24% in Jacksonville compared to St. Paul, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
Florida has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.

Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between St. Paul and Jacksonville:

Living Expense	St. Paul	Jacksonville
Basic utilities		$188.34
Cell phone plan		$42.92
Dozen eggs		$4.52
Loaf of bread		$3.82
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal)		$20.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant)		$86.50
Gym membership		$38.68

How life is different in St. Paul vs. Jacksonville

	St. Paul	Jacksonville
Population	303,176	971,319
Transportation score	8	4
Walkability score	60	26
Bike friendliness score	64	41
Crime index	50.86	56.38
Safety index	49.14	43.62
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

Jacksonville’s population is about 220% greater than St. Paul.
Jacksonville’s public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul’s score of 8.
Jacksonville is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 26 out of 100 vs St. Paul’s 60 out of 100.
Jacksonville has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64.
Jacksonville’s crime rate is higher than St. Paul with a score of 56.38 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that Jacksonville neighborhoods are safer than 56.38% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
Jacksonville is considered to be less safe than St. Paul with a score of 43.62 vs St. Paul’s 49.14.
Air quality in Jacksonville is Good, and in St. Paul it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your St. Paul to Jacksonville move

HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
State licensing: Individuals and companies engaging in for-profit local and intrastate moving within the Sunshine State must register each year with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services – Division of Consumer Services. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
State regulator: You can verify a Florida moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: Florida doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Jacksonville. Start the process here.
Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Released Value Protection stands out as a cost-effective choice, provided by movers at no extra expense, although it comes with limited coverage. In this option, the mover’s liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. To ensure comprehensive coverage matching the full value of your items, consult with your chosen moving company about alternative options or explore third-party insurance providers. Secure the best protection for your belongings during the move with these tailored coverage choices.
Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.

Where to live in Jacksonville

Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Jax, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Jacksonville.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Riverside
Brooklyn
Baymeadows
Secret Cove
South Riverside
Windy Hill

Best neighborhoods for families

Beacon Hills & Harbour
Deercreek
Oceanway
Orange Park
Ortega Forest
Sandalwood

Things to do in Jacksonville

Once you’re settled into your new home in Florida, it’s time to get out and discover what Jacksonville has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:

Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Jacksonville, such as the The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens, Museum of Science and History, Timucuan Ecological & Historical Preserve, and Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville.
Outdoor recreation: The city’s Little Talbot Island State Park, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park, Fort Caroline National Memorial, and Huguenot Memorial Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Jacksonville Jaguars (NFL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Jacksonville?

The best time to move from St. Paul to Jacksonville is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in St. Paul.

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Jacksonville?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Paul to Jacksonville, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from St. Paul to Jacksonville take?

Moving from St. Paul, MN to Jacksonville, FL covers 1,462 miles and usually takes three to eight days. Need to move faster? Some St. Paul movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Jacksonville.

Which movers in St. Paul give price breaks?

Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 3 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 2 movers have deals for seniors.

Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.

Who can move pianos or antiques in St. Paul?

Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 28 movers in St. Paul advertise piano moving expertise. 13 movers in St. Paul provide antique moving services. State totals show 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,300 and 1,465.

Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.