($1,105+) St. Paul, MN to Ontario, CA Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Ontario, CA, runs anywhere from $1,105 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,818 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,894 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 $2,550, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,818 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,599 - $5,328, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,105 - $2,885.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Ontario, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,210 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 Ontario, CA
Moving options from St. Paul to Ontario 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 $3,210 - $7,346 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 39% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 64% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,894 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,894-mile route from St. Paul to Ontario, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,550 - $5,286 | $1,599 - $2,970 | $1,105 - $1,981 | $1,330 - $2,725 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,210 - $7,346 | $1,969 - $3,998 | $1,149 - $2,481 | $1,622 - $3,134 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,442 - $10,818 | $2,747 - $5,328 | $1,463 - $2,885 | $2,068 - $4,307 |
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 Ontario, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,894-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ontario, California, with costs ranging from $2,550 - $10,818. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $326 - $2,176. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between St. Paul and Ontario. 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 Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,550 - $5,286
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,210 - $7,346
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,442 - $10,818
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 Ontario.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to Ontario, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ontario, 54% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $544 - $5,440 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $218 - $1,306/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $326 - $2,611 |
| 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 | $1,088 - $3,264 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,720 - $10,880 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $815 - $1,548 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,088 - $2,720 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $870 - $3,808 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $326 - $1,632 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $707 - $2,176 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $326 - $16,320+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $326 - $3,808+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Ontario?
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 almost always better priced than local movers in St. Paul, MN. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from St. Paul, MN to Ontario, CA
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ontario, California, cost between $1,599 and $5,328. 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 Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,599 - $2,970
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,969 - $3,998
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,747 - $5,328
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $762 in St. Paul, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $163 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Ontario, CA, destination before booking.
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 $1,599. 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 $1,969 - $3,998.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul to Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, CA
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,894 miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ontario, California, running $1,105 - $2,885. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $656 - $749
- Daily insurance: $33/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 Ontario based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,105 - $1,981
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,149 - $2,481
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,463 - $2,885
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from St. Paul to Ontario starts at $1,105 - $2,885, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($656 - $749), overnight lodging ($163/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 $82 and $381.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $163.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $656 and $749 for the 1,894-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 $762 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 Ontario?
- 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 Ontario, 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 Ontario, 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 $1,622 and $3,134.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Ontario:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,330 - $2,725
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,622 - $3,134
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,068 - $4,307
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $82 - $163 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, typically costs $762.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to Ontario?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from St. Paul to Ontario. 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: St. Paul, MN vs Ontario, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Ontario, side by side with St. Paul on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Paul, MN | Ontario, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 119 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $2,619/mo |
| Median home value | $279,535 | $564,076 |
| Average income | $73,055/yr | $82,806/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 6.9% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 60/100 | 48/100 |
| Safety index | 49.14/100 | 49.75/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Ontario, 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 1,894-mile move.
Our take
For a move from St. Paul, MN, to Ontario, CA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,550 for a studio to $10,818 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,894-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,599 - $5,328. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,105 - $2,885, 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 $3,210 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 Prime Healthcare and Niagara Bottling.
FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Ontario, CA
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul, MN to Ontario, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,105 to $10,818, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,550 and $10,818, 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.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in St. Paul?
Local movers based in St. Paul typically start around $243 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Ontario run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 are the best neighborhoods in Ontario?
For families, Creekside, Parkview, and Ontario Ranch are worth a look in Ontario. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Ontario, Piemonte, and Ontario Ranch tend to be popular picks instead.
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.