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.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 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: 105
DOT #: 1127088
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- 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 #: 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 |
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
St. Paul moving services
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