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

How we chose the best CA→MN movers

moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

What to know before moving from Oakland to St. Paul

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - St. Paul runs about 15% higher for singles and -50% higher for families than Oakland.

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

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

	Oakland	St. Paul
Average 1 BR rent	$1,969
Average 3 BR rent	$4,450
Average home value	$736,156	$278,221
Average income (per capita)	$94,389	$63,483
Cost of living (single)	$3,146	$3,633
Cost of living (family of four)	$8,584	$4,290
Unemployment rate	4.5%	4.9%
Sales tax	10.25%	9.88%
State income tax	13.3%	9.85%

source: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation

Good news! When moving to St. Paul from Oakland, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 39% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
With home prices being nearly 62% cheaper in St. Paul, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 33% lower in St. Paul than in Oakland.
Anticipate increased living expenses in St. Paul, as the cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 15% greater than in Oakland. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
Relocating to St. Paul could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 50% lower than in Oakland.
The unemployment rate in St. Paul exceeds that of Oakland by about 9%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
Sales taxes are effectively the same in St. Paul and Oakland (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
Income taxes are 26% lower in Minnesota than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.

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

Living Expense	Oakland	St. Paul
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 Oakland vs. St. Paul

	Oakland	St. Paul
Population	440,646	303,176
Transportation score	8	8
Walkability score	75	60
Bike friendliness score	65	64
Crime index	68.62	50.86
Safety index	31.38	49.14
Air quality	Good	Good

source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow

St. Paul's population is about 31% less than Oakland.
St. Paul's public transportation score is within about 5% of Oakland, making them very similar.
St. Paul is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
Both St. Paul and Oakland have similar bike-friendliness scores (65 vs 64), meaning St. Paul is about as safe for cyclists as Oakland. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
St. Paul's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 50.86 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
St. Paul is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 49.14 vs Oakland's 31.38.
Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in Oakland it's Good.

Other things to consider for your Oakland to St. Paul 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: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
State regulator: You can check the status of a Minnesota moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Minnesota, 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 St. Paul 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. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in St. Paul

Ready to relocate to Pigs Eye? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in St. Paul.

Best neighborhoods for singles

Downtown
St. Anthony Park
Summit Hill
Summit-University
Union Park

Best neighborhoods for families

Macalester-Groveland
Summit Hill
Highland
Union Park
St. Anthony Park

Things to do in St. Paul

Now that you've made the move to Minnesota, it's the perfect time to explore St. Paul. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in St. Paul include museums and art centers like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park, 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 Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.

source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

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

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

With many people choosing to move from Oakland to St. Paul 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 Oakland to St. Paul take?

Covering 1,980 miles, the move from Oakland, CA to St. Paul, MN typically takes five to 16 days. Some Oakland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in St. Paul can help bridge the gap.

Do movers in Oakland offer any discounts?

Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in Oakland offer AAA member savings.

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

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

Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Oakland, 78 movers can handle pianos. 67 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.

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