($1,051+) St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, CA Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Sacramento, CA, runs anywhere from $1,051 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,599 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,895 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 $2,525, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,599 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,569 - $5,219, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,051 - $3,067.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Sacramento, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,481 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 Sacramento, CA
There are 3 main ways to move from St. Paul to Sacramento: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,481 - $7,569. Moving containers run about 41% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 67% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 5 to 16 days for this 1,895-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,895-mile route from St. Paul to Sacramento, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $2,525 - $5,556 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,569 - $2,941), rental truck ($1,051 - $2,168), or freight trailer ($1,399 - $2,673). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,481 - $7,569 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,599.
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 St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,895-mile relocation from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Sacramento, California, cost between $2,525 and $10,599. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $336 - $2,240, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in St. Paul typically charge a base rate around $243 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,525 - $5,556
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,481 - $7,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,192 - $10,599
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 Sacramento.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of St. Paul 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 | $560 - $5,600 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $224 - $1,344/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $336 - $2,688 |
| 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 | $1,120 - $3,360 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,800 - $11,200 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $839 - $1,594 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,120 - $2,800 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $896 - $3,920 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $336 - $1,680 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $728 - $2,240 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $336 - $16,800+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $336 - $3,920+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Sacramento?
Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers 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 Sacramento, CA
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Sacramento, California, cost between $1,569 and $5,219. 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 St. Paul typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,569 - $2,941
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,048 - $4,160
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,639 - $5,219
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Paul, MN and Sacramento, 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 $784 in St. Paul, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $84 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $168 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 $1,569. 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 $2,048 - $4,160.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul 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 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:
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Good Stuff Moving (4.8/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, CA
Truck rentals from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Sacramento, California, range from $1,051 - $3,067 for the 1,895-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $675 - $772
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- 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 Sacramento based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,051 - $2,168
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,137 - $2,530
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,448 - $3,067
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from St. Paul to Sacramento starts at $1,051 - $3,067, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($675 - $772), overnight lodging ($168/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
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 $84 and $392.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $168.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $675 and $772 for the 1,895-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 $784 for 2 movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul 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 St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, 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 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 $3,393.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Sacramento:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,399 - $2,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,637 - $3,393
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,068 - $4,481
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 $84 and $168.
- 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 St. Paul, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $784.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul 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: St. Paul, 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 St. Paul on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Paul, MN | Sacramento, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 127 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $1,899/mo |
| Median home value | $279,535 | $483,739 |
| Average income | $73,055/yr | $83,753/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 7.7% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 60/100 | 49/100 |
| Safety index | 49.14/100 | 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 St. Paul, MN guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 151 movers in our Minnesota network to compare for this 1,895-mile move.
Our take
A move from St. Paul, MN, to Sacramento, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,525 - $10,599 on the 1,895-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,569 - $5,219, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,051 - $3,067. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,481 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Sutter Health and SynGen.
FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Sacramento, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, 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 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 long does a move from St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($675 - $772), daily insurance ($34/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $168/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from St. Paul, 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 $1,137 - $2,530. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of St. Paul movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in St. Paul handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.