($1,137+) Minneapolis, MN to Sacramento, CA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Sacramento, CA, runs anywhere from $1,137 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,255 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,889 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,550, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,255 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,523 - $5,708, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,137 - $3,067.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Sacramento, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,514 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 Sacramento, CA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Sacramento fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,514 - $7,198 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 68% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,889 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,889-mile route from Minneapolis to Sacramento, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,550 - $5,502 | $1,523 - $2,941 | $1,137 - $2,002 | $1,371 - $2,725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,514 - $7,198 | $1,929 - $4,200 | $1,125 - $2,605 | $1,637 - $3,360 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,004 - $11,255 | $2,801 - $5,708 | $1,551 - $3,067 | $2,262 - $4,133 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Sacramento, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,889-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Sacramento, California, with costs ranging from $2,550 - $11,255. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $345 - $2,300. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Sacramento. 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 Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,550 - $5,502
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,514 - $7,198
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,004 - $11,255
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 Sacramento.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Sacramento, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Sacramento, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $575 - $5,750 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $230 - $1,380/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $345 - $2,760 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,150 - $3,450 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,875 - $11,500 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $861 - $1,636 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,150 - $2,875 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $920 - $4,025 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $345 - $1,725 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $748 - $2,300 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $345 - $17,250+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $345 - $4,025+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Sacramento?
Look for California Moving & Storage Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in California beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against 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 Sacramento, CA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Sacramento, California, cost between $1,523 and $5,708. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Minneapolis typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,523 - $2,941
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,929 - $4,200
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,801 - $5,708
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $805 in Minneapolis, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $86 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $173 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Sacramento, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to California 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 $1,523. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,929 - $4,200.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Sacramento?
- 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:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Sacramento, CA
A rental truck for this 1,889-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Sacramento, California, costs between $1,137 and $3,067. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $691 - $790
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- 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 Sacramento based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,137 - $2,002
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,125 - $2,605
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,551 - $3,067
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,137 - $3,067 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to Sacramento. Fuel alone runs $691 - $790, and overnight lodging ($173/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $86 and $403.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $173.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $691 and $790 for the 1,889-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $805 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Sacramento?
- 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 Sacramento, CA
For larger DIY moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Sacramento, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,637 and $3,360.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,371 - $2,725
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,637 - $3,360
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,262 - $4,133
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $86 - $173 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, typically costs $805.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Sacramento?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Sacramento fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Sacramento, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Sacramento, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 127 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $1,899/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $483,739 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $83,753/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 50.79/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 Sacramento, CA 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 California, 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 151 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,889-mile move like this one.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,889-mile route from Minneapolis, MN, to Sacramento, CA, run $2,550 - $11,255 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,523 - $5,708, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,137 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,514, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sutter Health and SynGen.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Sacramento, CA
What is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN to Sacramento, CA?
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 $1,125 - $2,605. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Sacramento a safe place to live?
Sacramento has a safety index of 50.79 out of 100 and a crime index of 49.21, 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 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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Sacramento, CA?
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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in California?
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.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.