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($1,246) Cost to Move From St. Paul, MN to Oakland, CA

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Estimated cost & time: The cost for moving 2,005 miles from St. Paul to Oakland is generally between $1,300 and $7,744. The trip duration should be approximately six–17 days. Final cost is influenced by distance, date, the size of your home, and whether you opt for DIY or professional movers.
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Best movers from St. Paul to Oakland

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from St. Paul to Oakland

When it comes to handling your interstate move from St. Paul to Oakland, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.

In St. Paul, you have a choice of 26 interstate moving companies. Let us introduce you to our top recommendations that will help you reach Oakland smoothly and with confidence.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from St. Paul to Oakland

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 2,005-mile move from St. Paul to Oakland using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified quotes from movers across the country and refreshes the dataset each month to track seasonal shifts and market changes. Your actual cost can differ based on shipment size, extra services, access or parking issues, fuel prices, and timing. We suggest gathering estimates from several companies to get the most accurate pricing.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,454 – $5,235
  • Moving Container $1,592 – $3,113
  • Rental Truck $1,155 – $2,271
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,386 – $7,744
  • Moving Container $1,977 – $3,985
  • Rental Truck $1,300 – $2,757
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $6,475 – $11,097
  • Moving Container $2,793 – $5,547
  • Rental Truck $1,609 – $3,086
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
BLVD Moving
Maple Grove, MN Pleasanton, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Oct 18, 2025
Roadway Moving
Hastings, MN Milpitas, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Oct 13, 2025
United Van Lines
Lakeland Shores, MN Alameda, CA
4 Bedrooms
Sep 29, 2025
North American Van Lines
Willernie, MN Fairfield, CA
Studio apartment
Sep 24, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Burnsville, MN Petaluma, CA
3 Bedrooms
Sep 24, 2025
Mayzlin Relocation
Eagan, MN San Bruno, CA
Studio apartment
Sep 23, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Rosemount, MN Brisbane, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 19, 2025
PODS
Deephaven, MN San Carlos, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Sep 05, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Prior Lake, MN Millbrae, CA
4 Bedrooms
Sep 01, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Cannon Falls, MN Moraga, CA
Studio apartment
Jul 30, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Oakland, CA to St. Paul, MN guide.

Top local movers for St. Paul to Oakland moves

Searching for a dependable local mover in St. Paul that also provides long-distance services to Oakland can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 34 local movers in St. Paul who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.

These are the best local moving companies for getting from St. Paul to Oakland.

  1. Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
  3. Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
  4. AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.2% of all reviews were positive
6.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Matt’s Moving Company earns rave reviews for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and great communication. Customer feedback highlights efficient, friendly teams who make relocation stress-free and consistently deliver on promises. Out of 268 reviews, 92% are positive, a rate few competitors meet. Most praise comes from fast, careful moves and courteous service. Some clients also note excellent organizational skills and timely arrival, making them a top choice among local movers. Negative input, making up less than 7%, focuses on property damage, late crews, and unexpected costs—issues seen in the moving industry but typically resolved at Matt’s Moving. Neutral feedback, just over 1%, references broken items and high pricing for smaller moves, though most still mention professionalism. Compared to similar companies, Matt’s Moving stands out for reliability, positive energy, and an ability to exceed expectations—balanced by the need for occasional improvement in scheduling accuracy and claims handling.
Get a Quote (651) 210-8271

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
6.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—Piepho Moving & Storage collects high marks from customers, with 91.6% of 250 reviews praising their service. Clients consistently note professional and courteous staff, clear communication, efficiency, careful handling, and quick moving processes. Many describe stress-free moves, punctual teams, and possessions arriving in perfect condition. Compared with many moving companies, Piepho receives more compliments for staff professionalism and responsiveness. Some negative input highlights item damage, issues with communication, and lateness on deliveries as main complaints. While problems do occur, especially during rare cross-country moves or complex shipments, these are much less common than positive feedback. Overall, most customers find Piepho reliable, skilled, and worth recommending for seamless moves.
Get a Quote (651) 372-3494

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.9% of all reviews were positive
6.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Metcalf Moving & Storage consistently earns praise for having professional, careful, and efficient crews who communicate well and handle belongings with respect. Out of 234 feedback submissions, over 91% are positive, citing friendly staff, prompt service, and thoughtful packing. Affordable, transparent pricing and timely moves also set them apart from competitors who often lack Metcalf’s reliability and care. On the other hand, a small number of customers report issues such as damaged or missing items and frustration over inaccurate estimates. These negative experiences highlight the importance of monitoring for careful inventory tracking and clear cost communication. Compared to many moving firms, Metcalf stands out for strong communication, reliable timetables, and respectful, skilled teams, though customers should clarify estimates and special needs upfront to avoid rare but significant problems.
Get a Quote (651) 484-0211

Company Info

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 1127088

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
61.3% of all reviews were positive
38.2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving customers in the Twin Cities consistently rave about AAA Movers’ efficient, professional crews and careful handling of property—231 out of 377 feedback submissions (61%) praised these qualities. Clients commend fast-moving teams, polite and communicative staff, and reliable service. Many found booking straightforward and appreciated cost transparency when moves stayed on budget. Some even noted that their final bills came in under estimates due to speedy work—a step above many moving companies. Yet, 38% of input pointed to concerning problems. The most frequent issues involve damage to items, often with insufficient reimbursement, and costs exceeding initial quotes by substantial amounts. Poor complaint handling and slow response times are reported when problems need resolution. A noticeable number of customers experienced communication gaps after reporting losses or property damage. AAA Movers delivers reliable, courteous service at the truck, but dispute resolution leaves many dissatisfied. While positive experiences outpace negatives, those considering AAA should scrutinize contract details and expected costs to avoid surprises.
Get a Quote (612) 588-6683

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
86.7% of all reviews were positive
11.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave that Lighthouse Moving stands out for dependable help, careful treatment of belongings, and fair prices, setting the bar above typical movers in the area. Feedback reveals that the team is efficient, hardworking, consistently polite, and communicates clearly from booking to delivery. Most praise the movers for their attention to detail, careful handling, and affordable service, making stressful relocations easier. A significant majority, 87% of input, is positive, based on 225 reviews analyzed. Still, some clients encountered problems with items being damaged, unexpected delays, or higher bills than quoted. Negative feedback points to occasional mishandling and communication lapses, especially regarding costs and scheduling. For anyone seeking an efficient, careful move at a reasonable rate with courteous staff, Lighthouse Moving receives strong recommendations. Yet, those concerned about potential damages or strict timing should discuss those needs upfront to avoid issues.
Get a Quote (651) 387-2955

Company Info

State license #: 1452848

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1452848

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Oakland?

Movers in Minnesota generally charge an average of $209 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,246 – $5,195 $1,168 – $2,890 $1,098 – $2,117
2 – 3 bedrooms $3,386 – $7,744 $1,977 – $3,985 $1,300 – $2,757
4+ bedrooms $6,475 – $11,097 $2,793 – $5,547 $1,609 – $3,086
*These price ranges are rough estimates for a 2,005-mile move from St. Paul to Oakland, based on pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha gathers thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide and refreshes the dataset monthly to reflect seasonal shifts and market trends. Your final cost can change with factors like move size, add-on services, parking or access constraints, fuel rates, and timing. We recommend comparing quotes from multiple movers to get the most accurate pricing.

Cost to hire movers from St. Paul to Oakland

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from St. Paul to Oakland typically costs between $1,246 and $5,195. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,386 and $7,744 when moving from St. Paul to Oakland. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from St. Paul to Oakland, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,475 up to $11,097.

Cost of moving containers from St. Paul to Oakland

If you’re relocating from St. Paul to Oakland, you’ll typically spend between $1,168 and $2,890 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,977 up to $3,985. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,793 and $5,547. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Minnesota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Oakland

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a St. Paul to Oakland move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,098 and $2,117. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,300 to $2,757. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,609 and $3,086.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

Major factors affecting moving costs from St. Paul to Oakland

The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from St. Paul to Oakland might be as low as $2,729, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,723.
  • When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in St. Paul.
  • DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,098 to $2,964 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to Oakland

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Oakland runs about -13% higher for singles and 100% higher for families than St. Paul.

Singles spend around $3,146 in St. Paul versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $8,584 compared with $4,290.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

St. Paul Oakland
Average 1 BR rent $1,969
Average 3 BR rent $4,450
Average home value $278,221 $736,156
Average income (per capita) $63,483 $94,389
Cost of living (single) $3,633 $3,146
Cost of living (family of four) $4,290 $8,584
Unemployment rate 4.9% 4.5%
Sales tax 9.88% 10.25%
State income tax 9.85% 13.3%
  • Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 63% higher in Oakland than in St. Paul, which may impact your monthly finances.
  • A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 165% higher in Oakland than in St. Paul.
  • Exciting news here, the average income is about 49% higher in Oakland than in St. Paul, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
  • Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Oakland. The cost of living for a single person is 13% less compared to St. Paul.
  • As you plan your move to Oakland, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 100% more than it is in St. Paul.
  • With an unemployment rate approximately 8% lower than St. Paul, Oakland boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
  • Sales taxes are effectively the same in Oakland and St. Paul (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
  • Income taxes are 35% higher in California than in Minnesota. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.

Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between St. Paul and Oakland, from monthly bills to routine purchases:

Living Expense St. Paul Oakland
Basic utilities $277.25
Cell phone plan $53.00
Dozen eggs $6.71
Loaf of bread $5.09
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $30.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $140.00
Gym membership $54.28

How life is different in St. Paul vs. Oakland

St. Paul Oakland
Population 303,176 440,646
Transportation score 8 8
Walkability score 60 75
Bike friendliness score 64 65
Crime index 50.86 68.62
Safety index 49.14 31.38
Air quality Good Good
  • Oakland’s population is about 45% greater than St. Paul.
  • Oakland’s public transportation score is within about 5% of St. Paul, making them very similar.
  • Oakland is more walkable than St. Paul with a score of 75 out of 100 vs St. Paul’s 60 out of 100.
  • Both Oakland and St. Paul have similar bike-friendliness scores (64 vs 65), meaning Oakland is about as safe for cyclists as St. Paul. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
  • Oakland’s crime rate is higher than St. Paul with a score of 68.62 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
  • Oakland is considered to be less safe than St. Paul with a score of 31.38 vs St. Paul’s 49.14.
  • Air quality in Oakland is Good, and in St. Paul it’s Good.

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

  • HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in California, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Oakland without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Where to live in Oakland

Ready to relocate to The Town? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Oakland.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Downtown
  • Grand Lake
  • Piedmont Avenue
  • Rockridge
  • Temescal

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Fairview Park
  • Rockridge
  • Bushrod
  • Upper Rockridge
  • Lakeshore

Things to do in Oakland

Now that you’ve made the move to California, it’s the perfect time to explore Oakland. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Oakland include museums and art centers like the Oakland Museum of California, Chabot Space & Science Center, USS Potomac, and Oakland Aviation Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Redwood Regional Park, Joaquin Miller Park, East Bay Regional Park District, and Lakeside Park and Garden Center, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Oakland Athletics (MLB)Oakland Roots DC (USLC) game.

FAQ

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

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Paul to Oakland. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Paul.

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

With many people choosing to move from St. Paul to Oakland in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.

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

Covering 2,005 miles, the move from St. Paul, MN to Oakland, typically takes six to 17 days. Some St. Paul movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Oakland can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in St. Paul offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 3 movers in St. Paul offer AAA member savings. 1 movers extend senior citizen discounts.

Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.

How many movers in St. Paul can handle specialty items for my move to Oakland?

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In St. Paul, 28 movers can handle pianos. 13 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MN, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.

If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.

Helpful moving resources

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