($1,150+) Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Santa Ana, CA, runs anywhere from $1,221 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,341 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,925 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 $2,519, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,341 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,719 - $5,624, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,221 - $3,197.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Santa Ana, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,738 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 Santa Ana, CA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Santa Ana 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 $3,738 - $7,702 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,925 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,925-mile route from Minneapolis to Santa Ana, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,519 - $5,628 | $1,719 - $3,259 | $1,221 - $2,149 | $1,547 - $2,794 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,738 - $7,702 | $2,202 - $4,435 | $1,219 - $2,584 | $1,677 - $3,445 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,752 - $12,341 | $3,044 - $5,624 | $1,538 - $3,197 | $2,411 - $4,499 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,925-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Santa Ana, California, with costs ranging from $2,519 - $12,341. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $391 - $2,604. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Santa Ana. 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 Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,519 - $5,628
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,738 - $7,702
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,752 - $12,341
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 Santa Ana.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Santa Ana, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $651 - $6,510 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $260 - $1,562/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $391 - $3,125 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,302 - $3,906 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,255 - $13,020 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $975 - $1,853 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,302 - $3,255 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,042 - $4,557 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $391 - $1,953 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $846 - $2,604 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $391 - $19,530+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $391 - $4,557+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Santa Ana?
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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Minneapolis, MN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Santa Ana, California, cost between $1,719 and $5,624. 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 Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,719 - $3,259
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,202 - $4,435
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,044 - $5,624
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Santa Ana, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $911 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $98 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $195 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,719. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,202 - $4,435, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Santa Ana?
- 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:
- AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,925-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Santa Ana, California, costs between $1,221 and $3,197, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $797 - $911
- Daily insurance: $39/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $26
- 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 Santa Ana based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,221 - $2,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,584
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,538 - $3,197
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,221 - $3,197 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to Santa Ana. Fuel alone runs ($797 - $911) , and overnight lodging ($195/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $195 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Minneapolis, Minnesota, usually costs about $911 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,925-mile drive falls between $797 and $911, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $65 and $391 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Santa Ana?
- 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 Santa Ana, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Santa Ana, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,677 and $3,445.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Santa Ana:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,547 - $2,794
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,677 - $3,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,411 - $4,499
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $98 and $195.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $911.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Santa Ana?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Minneapolis to Santa Ana. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Santa Ana, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Santa Ana, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $2,650/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $657,015 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $88,354/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 67/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 45.83/100 |
| 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 Santa Ana, CA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 49 movers based in Minnesota, handy for sizing up options on this 1,925-mile route.
Our take
The 1,925-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Santa Ana, CA, costs between $2,519 and $12,341 with full-service movers, $1,719 - $5,624 with a moving container, and $1,221 - $3,197 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,738 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Allied Universal and First American Financial.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Santa Ana, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,519 to $12,341, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,519 and $12,341, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Santa Ana?
Santa Ana has a walkability score of 67 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 62, compared to 71 and 83 in Minneapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($797 - $911), daily insurance ($39/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $26) on top. Overnight stops can add another $195/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
