Highly rated local moving companies for Minneapolis to San Francisco moves
Organizing a move from Minneapolis to San Francisco can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 34 local movers in Minneapolis known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Minneapolis to San Francisco.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Move Crew: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 380620
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2552505
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to San Francisco?
On average, moving companies in Minnesota charge about $209 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,270 – $5,244 | $1,114 – $2,673 | $1,109 – $2,269 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,434 – $7,935 | $2,024 – $4,288 | $1,188 – $2,648 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,678 – $11,019 | $2,828 – $5,616 | $1,606 – $3,339 |
Cost to hire movers from Minneapolis to San Francisco
When planning a move to San Francisco from Minneapolis, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,270 and $5,244. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,434 and $7,935 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,678 to $11,019.
Cost of moving containers from Minneapolis to San Francisco
When you’re heading from Minneapolis to San Francisco, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,114 and $2,673. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,024 and $4,288. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,828 to $5,616. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Minnesota easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to San Francisco
A moving rental truck from Minneapolis to San Francisco is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,109 to $2,269. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,188 to $2,648, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Minneapolis to San Francisco costs around $1,606 to $3,339.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Minneapolis to San Francisco
The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Minneapolis to San Francisco may only cost $2,545, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $10,734.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Minneapolis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,109–$2,787), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to San Francisco
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Francisco runs about -3% higher for singles and 85% higher for families than Minneapolis.
Singles spend around $3,781 in Minneapolis versus $3,900 in Minneapolis; families pay $8,717 compared with $4,710.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Minneapolis | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $3,259 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $5,475 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $1,241,003 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $136,689 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $3,781 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $8,717 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 8.63% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 119% more expensive in San Francisco than in Minneapolis. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 297% steeper in San Francisco compared to Minneapolis.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 95% greater in San Francisco than in Minneapolis, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between San Francisco and Minneapolis, you likely won’t feel a significant change.
- When considering a family move to San Francisco, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 85% higher than in Minneapolis.
- San Francisco has a higher unemployment rate than Minneapolis by about 20%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both San Francisco and Minneapolis (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 35% more in California than in Minnesota. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Minneapolis versus San Francisco:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $229.35 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $62.91 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $5.91 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $5.06 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $125.00 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $99.96 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Minneapolis than in San Francisco, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- Eggs are less expensive in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- Bread costs less in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. San Francisco
| Minneapolis | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 808,988 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 10 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 99 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 99 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 61.41 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 38.59 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- San Francisco’s population is about 90% greater than Minneapolis.
- San Francisco’s public transportation score of 10 out of 10 is higher than Minneapolis’s score of 8.
- San Francisco is more walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 99 out of 100 vs Minneapolis’s 71 out of 100.
- With a score of 99 out of 100, San Francisco is more bike-friendly than Minneapolis, which has a score of 83 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- San Francisco’s crime rate is higher than Minneapolis with a score of 61.41 compared to Minneapolis’s 56.06. This means that San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- San Francisco is considered to be less safe than Minneapolis with a score of 38.59 vs Minneapolis’s 43.94.
- Air quality in San Francisco is Moderate, and in Minneapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis to San Francisco move
- HOA rules: Costs across Minneapolis and San Francisco are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Francisco. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in San Francisco
With your sights set on The Golden Gate City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Francisco.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Marina District
- Mission Bay
- Mission District
- Noe Valley
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bernal Heights
- Inner Sunset
- Noe Valley
- North Beach
- Presidio Heights
Things to do in San Francisco
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing San Francisco. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: San Francisco is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Walt Disney Family Museum, and San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Golden Gate Park, Presidio of San Francisco, Mission Dolores Park, and Crissy Field — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an San Francisco 49ers (NFL)San Francisco Giants (MLB)Golden State Warriors (NBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to San Francisco?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Minneapolis to San Francisco. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to San Francisco?
Want to save on your move from Minneapolis to San Francisco? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Minneapolis to San Francisco take?
The 1,976-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to San Francisco, , takes five to 16 days. Some Minneapolis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in San Francisco.
What kinds of discounts do Minneapolis movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Minneapolis, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Minneapolis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 28 movers in Minneapolis provide piano moving services. 13 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Minneapolis moving services
Popular Minnesota routes
- Minnesota to California car shippers
- Minnesota to California movers
- Minnesota to Florida movers
- Minnesota to Georgia movers
- Minnesota to Illinois movers
- Minnesota to Michigan movers
- Minnesota to New York movers
- Minnesota to North Carolina movers
- Minnesota to Ohio movers
- Minnesota to Pennsylvania movers
- Minnesota to Texas movers
- See All Moving Routes
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!