($1,152+) St. Paul, MN to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $1,213 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,485 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,011 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,655, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,485 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,621 - $6,001, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,213 - $3,579.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,738 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving options from St. Paul to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,738 - $8,049 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 2,011 miles, this route usually takes 6 to 17 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,011-mile route from St. Paul to San Francisco, 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 $2,655 - $5,955 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,621 - $3,268), rental truck ($1,213 - $2,408), or freight trailer ($1,564 - $2,942). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,738 - $8,049 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $12,485.
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 San Francisco, CA
For the 2,011-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, full-service movers cost between $2,655 and $12,485. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $478 - $3,184 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in St. Paul generally start around $243 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,655 - $5,955
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,738 - $8,049
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,657 - $12,485
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 San Francisco.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to San Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Francisco, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $796 - $7,960 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $318 - $1,910/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $478 - $3,821 |
| 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 | $1,592 - $4,776 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,980 - $15,920 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,192 - $2,265 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,592 - $3,980 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,274 - $5,572 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $478 - $2,388 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,035 - $3,184 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $478 - $23,880+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $478 - $5,572+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to San Francisco?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in St. Paul, MN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from St. Paul, MN to San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,621 and $6,001. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in St. Paul runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,621 - $3,268
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,161 - $4,625
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,961 - $6,001
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 $1,114, 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 $119 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $239 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both St. Paul, MN, and San Francisco, 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 $1,621. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,161 - $4,625, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
A rental truck for this 2,011-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, costs between $1,213 and $3,579. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,019 - $1,164
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- 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 San Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,213 - $2,408
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,287 - $2,728
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,590 - $3,579
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,213 - $3,579 when pricing out a rental truck from St. Paul to San Francisco. Fuel alone runs ($1,019 - $1,164) , and overnight lodging ($239/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,019 - $1,164 for the 2,011-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,114.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,011-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $239 per night, adding $478 - $716 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $80 and $478.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul to San Francisco?
- 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 San Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $1,644 and $3,665.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,564 - $2,942
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,644 - $3,665
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,345 - $4,896
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 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 $119 and $239.
- 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 $1,114.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to San Francisco?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
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 San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with St. Paul on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Paul, MN | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $279,535 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $73,055/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 60/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 49.14/100 | 38.59/100 |
| 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 San Francisco, CA to St. Paul, MN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 49 movers based in Minnesota, handy for sizing up options on this 2,011-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 2,011-mile route from St. Paul, MN, to San Francisco, CA, run $2,655 - $12,485 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,621 - $6,001, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,213 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,738, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to San Francisco, CA
Is San Francisco a safe place to live?
San Francisco has a safety index of 38.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.41, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,019 - $1,164), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $239/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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.
