($1,209+) St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Los Angeles, CA, runs anywhere from $1,162 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,871 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,932 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 $2,649, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,871 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,555 - $5,565, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,162 - $3,164.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Los Angeles, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,484 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 St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA
Moving options from St. Paul to Los Angeles 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 $3,484 - $7,940 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 1,932 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,932-mile route from St. Paul to Los Angeles, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,649 for a studio up to $11,871 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,555 - $5,565 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,162 - $3,164, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,503 - $4,640, billed by the space you actually use.
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 St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,932-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Los Angeles, California, with costs ranging from $2,649 - $11,871. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $378 - $2,520. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between St. Paul and Los Angeles. Local movers in St. Paul typically start around $243 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,649 - $5,456
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,484 - $7,940
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,022 - $11,871
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 St. Paul to Los Angeles.
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: 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 St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Los Angeles, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $630 - $6,300 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $252 - $1,512/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $378 - $3,024 |
| 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 | $1,260 - $3,780 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,150 - $12,600 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $944 - $1,793 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,260 - $3,150 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,008 - $4,410 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $378 - $1,890 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $819 - $2,520 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $378 - $18,900+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $378 - $4,410+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Los Angeles?
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 St. Paul, 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 St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Los Angeles, California, cost between $1,555 and $5,565. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in St. Paul costs roughly $70/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,555 - $3,197
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,033 - $4,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,899 - $5,565
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In St. Paul, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $882, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $95 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $189 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both St. Paul, MN, and Los Angeles, CA, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,555. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,033 - $4,174, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul to Los Angeles?
- 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,932 miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Los Angeles, California, running $1,162 - $3,164. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $775 - $885
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Los Angeles based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,162 - $2,149
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,295 - $2,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,538 - $3,164
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from St. Paul to Los Angeles starts at $1,162 - $3,164, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($775 - $885) , overnight lodging ($189/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $189 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $82 and $410 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $775 - $885 in fuel for the 1,932-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $882 in St. Paul, Minnesota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Los Angeles?
- 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 St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA
For larger DIY moves from St. Paul, 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 Los Angeles, 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 most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,745 and $3,653.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Los Angeles:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,503 - $2,850
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,745 - $3,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,318 - $4,640
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $882.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $95 and $189 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to Los Angeles?
- 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.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: St. Paul, MN vs Los Angeles, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Los Angeles, side by side with St. Paul on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Paul, MN | Los Angeles, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $2,960/mo |
| Median home value | $279,535 | $878,142 |
| Average income | $73,055/yr | $80,366/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 10.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 60/100 | 69/100 |
| Safety index | 49.14/100 | 46.19/100 |
| 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 Los Angeles, CA to St. Paul, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 49 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 1,932-mile move.
Our take
For a move from St. Paul, MN, to Los Angeles, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,649 for a studio to $11,871 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 1,932-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,555 - $5,565. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,162 - $3,164, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,484 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include County of Los Angeles and Los Angeles Unified School District.
FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Los Angeles, CA
How walkable is Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has a walkability score of 69 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 59, compared to 60 and 64 in St. Paul. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Los Angeles a safe place to live?
Los Angeles has a safety index of 46.19 out of 100 and a crime index of 53.81, compared to 49.14 and 50.86 in St. Paul. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, 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.
What is the best time of year to move from St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, 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 long does a move from St. Paul, MN to Los Angeles, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of St. Paul movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in St. Paul handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
