St. Paul, MN to Riverside, CA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)

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Quick answer: Moving from St. Paul to Riverside typically costs $3,900–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,895 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.

moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Veteran owned
  • Portion to charity
moveBuddha logo iconrating star star star star star 4.9 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience

Cost to move from St. Paul to Riverside

Moving from St. Paul, MN to Riverside, CA typically costs $3,900–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.

The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,895-mile move from St. Paul to Riverside, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.

Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,700 - $6,400
  • Moving Container $1,700 - $3,500
  • Rental Truck $1,300 - $2,400
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,900 - $8,700
  • Moving Container $2,300 - $4,900
  • Rental Truck $1,400 - $2,800
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $7,000 - $12,800
  • Moving Container $3,100 - $6,300
  • Rental Truck $1,600 - $3,300

Recent moving quotes for similar moves

  • North American Van Lines recently quoted $8,930 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
  • Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $3,802 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
  • Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $7,661 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
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.
North American Van Lines
Hopkins, MN Fontana, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 08, 2026
Colonial Van Lines
Columbia Heights, MN Walnut, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Feb 01, 2026
Mayzlin Relocation
Lakeville, MN Laguna Beach, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 11, 2026
AB Moving
Dayton, MN Yorba Linda, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Jan 03, 2026
Roadway Moving
Blaine, MN West Whittier-Los Nietos, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 28, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Birchwood Village, MN Cypress, CA
Icon of a house 4 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 22, 2025
BLVD Moving
Lakeland Shores, MN Irwindale, CA
Icon of a house 5+ Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 14, 2025
Joyce Van Lines
Robbinsdale, MN South San Jose Hills, CA
Icon of a house 1 Bedroom (small)
Icon of a calendar Dec 13, 2025
United Van Lines
Champlin, MN Monrovia, CA
Icon of a house 2 Bedrooms
Icon of a calendar Dec 10, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Wayzata, MN East Hemet, CA
Icon of a house Studio apartment
Icon of a calendar Dec 07, 2025

Factors that impact moving costs from St. Paul to Riverside

Your total cost will depend on:

  • The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,700, but larger homes can run up to $12,800.
  • Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in St. Paul.
  • Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,300–$3,300) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.

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

Best St. Paul to Riverside movers by type

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Professional
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Local
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Labor Only

Best professional movers from St. Paul to Riverside

For a stress-free interstate move from St. Paul to Riverside, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.

  1. Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  2. American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
  4. Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
  5. North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
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

How we chose the best MN→CA movers

Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 50 Minnesota moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.

  • Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
  • Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
  • Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
  • Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
  • Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to Riverside

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Riverside runs about -29% higher for singles and 31% higher for families than St. Paul.

Singles spend around $2,573 in Riverside versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $5,604 compared with $4,290.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

St. Paul Riverside
Average 1 BR rent $2,163
Average 3 BR rent $3,270
Average home value $278,221 $642,297
Average income (per capita) $63,483 $76,755
Cost of living (single) $3,633 $2,573
Cost of living (family of four) $4,290 $5,604
Unemployment rate 4.9% 7.1%
Sales tax 9.88% 8.75%
State income tax 9.85% 13.3%
  • As you consider relocating to Riverside, note that rent can be roughly 70% more expensive than it is in St. Paul; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 131% higher in Riverside than in St. Paul.
  • Great news! You'll find the average income is about 21% higher in Riverside compared to St. Paul, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
  • Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Riverside, where the cost of living for a single person is 29% less than in St. Paul.
  • If your journey leads to Riverside, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in Riverside is 31% more than it is in St. Paul.
  • The unemployment rate in Riverside is 45% higher compared to St. Paul, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
  • Sales taxes are 11% lower in Riverside than in St. Paul. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Riverside can reduce your overall living expenses.
  • Income taxes are 35% higher in California compared to Minnesota. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing St. Paul with Riverside:

Living Expense St. Paul Riverside
Basic utilities $226.85
Cell phone plan $46.50
Dozen eggs $5.45
Loaf of bread $4.02
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $19.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $85.00
Gym membership $35.00

How life is different in St. Paul vs. Riverside

St. Paul Riverside
Population 303,176 317,261
Transportation score 8 5
Walkability score 60 43
Bike friendliness score 64 49
Crime index 50.86 40.24
Safety index 49.14 59.76
Air quality Good Moderate
  • Riverside's population is within about 5% of St. Paul, so they’re very similar in size.
  • Riverside's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul's score of 8.
  • Riverside is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 43 out of 100 vs St. Paul's 60 out of 100.
  • Riverside has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64.
  • Riverside's crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 40.24 compared to St. Paul's 50.86. This means that Riverside neighborhoods are safer than 40.24% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
  • Riverside is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 59.76 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
  • Air quality in Riverside is Moderate, and in St. Paul it's Good.

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

  • HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While California doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Riverside smoothly. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Riverside

Now that you've chosen City of Arts and Innovation as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Riverside to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Canyon Crest
  • Victoria
  • Downtown
  • Magnolia Center
  • La Sierra South

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Orangecrest
  • Mission Grove
  • Canyon Crest
  • Alessandro Heights
  • Victoria

Things to do in Riverside

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Riverside is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Riverside offers cultural landmarks like the March Field Air Museum, Mission Inn Museum, Riverside Art Museum, and Jurupa Mountains Discovery Center.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city's Mount Rubidoux Park, Fairmount Park, Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, and Ryan Bonaminio Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an California Baptist Lancers (College sports)UC Riverside Highlanders (College sports)Riverside City College Tigers (College sports): Baseball, Cheerleading, Football, Basketball, Cross Country, Golf, Swimming, Tennis, Track & Field, Water Polo, Softball, Beach Volleyball, Volleyball game.

FAQ

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

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from St. Paul to Riverside are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in St. Paul are lower.

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

Because spring and fall moves from St. Paul to Riverside are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

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

A move of 1,895 miles from St. Paul, MN to Riverside, CA generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in St. Paul sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Riverside is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in St. Paul?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In St. Paul, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in St. Paul offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 28 movers in St. Paul have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MN, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.