The best local movers for Minneapolis to San Diego moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Minneapolis that also handles long-distance moves to San Diego. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 34 local movers in Minneapolis who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Minneapolis to San Diego.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Move Crew: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 380620
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2552505
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to San Diego?
The average hourly rate for movers in Minnesota is $209. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,375 – $4,891 | $1,171 – $2,701 | $1,177 – $2,182 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,365 – $7,255 | $2,085 – $4,371 | $1,236 – $2,726 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,743 – $10,682 | $2,662 – $5,560 | $1,529 – $3,243 |
Cost to hire movers from Minneapolis to San Diego
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minneapolis to San Diego will cost between $1,375 and $4,891. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Minneapolis to Minneapolis will range from $3,365 to $7,255, and a large move from Minneapolis to San Diego will cost from $6,743 to $10,682.
Cost of moving containers from Minneapolis to San Diego
If you’re moving from Minneapolis to San Diego, expect to pay between $1,171 and $2,701 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,085 up to $4,371. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,662 and $5,560. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to San Diego
Renting a moving truck from Minneapolis to San Diego is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,177 and $2,182. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,236 and $2,726. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,529 up to $3,243 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Minneapolis to San Diego
The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,649, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $11,053.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Minneapolis, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,177–$2,845) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to San Diego
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about -14% higher for singles and 64% higher for families than Minneapolis.
Singles spend around $3,346 in Minneapolis versus $3,900 in Minneapolis; families pay $7,719 compared with $4,710.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Minneapolis | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $2,704 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $4,914 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $1,003,444 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $72,963 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $3,346 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $7,719 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.6% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 7.75% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 13.3% |
- Rent is estimated to be 94% higher in San Diego compared to Minneapolis; it’s essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 221% greater in San Diego than in Minneapolis.
- Fortunately, the average income in San Diego and Minneapolis 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 San Diego. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 14% lower than in Minneapolis.
- When relocating to San Diego, it’s important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 64% greater than in Minneapolis.
- In San Diego, the unemployment rate is approximately 47% higher than in Minneapolis, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes drop 14% in San Diego compared to Minneapolis, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 35% higher in California than in Minnesota, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Minneapolis and San Diego:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $277.55 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $66.79 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $5.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $21.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $65.68 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Minneapolis than in San Diego, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Minneapolis than in San Diego.
- Eggs are less expensive in Minneapolis than in San Diego.
- Bread costs less in Minneapolis than in San Diego.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Minneapolis than in San Diego.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in San Diego.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Minneapolis than in San Diego.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. San Diego
| Minneapolis | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 1,386,932 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 53 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 43 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 39.83 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 60.17 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Diego’s population is about 226% greater than Minneapolis.
- San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Minneapolis’s score of 8.
- San Diego is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 53 out of 100 vs Minneapolis’s 71 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Minneapolis, which has a score of 83.
- San Diego’s crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 39.83 compared to Minneapolis’s 56.06. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than Minneapolis with a safety index of 60.17 vs Minneapolis’s 43.94.
- Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in Minneapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis to San Diego 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California 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 San Diego. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in San Diego
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to America’s Finest City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
Once you’re settled into your new home in California, it’s time to get out and discover what San Diego has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout San Diego, such as the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to San Diego?
The best time to move from Minneapolis to San Diego is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to San Diego?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Minneapolis to San Diego, 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 Minneapolis to San Diego take?
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, covers 1,989 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Minneapolis movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in San Diego.
Which movers in Minneapolis give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 3 movers here honor AAA discounts. 1 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 Minneapolis?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 28 movers in Minneapolis advertise piano moving expertise. 13 movers in Minneapolis provide antique moving services. State totals show 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
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