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($1,296) Cost to Move From St. Paul, MN to San Diego, CA

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Estimated cost & time: If you’re moving 1,991 miles from St. Paul to San Diego, expect to pay between $1,285 and $7,633. The journey should take about five–16 days. Costs can vary due to distance, the date of the move, home size, and your choice between DIY and professional assistance.
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Best movers from St. Paul to San Diego

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from St. Paul to San Diego

For a stress-free interstate move from St. Paul to San Diego, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

With 26 interstate moving companies in St. Paul, we’re here to highlight the best options for a seamless transition to San Diego.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from St. Paul to San Diego

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 1,991-mile move from St. Paul to San Diego using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of validated rates from movers across the U.S., with monthly updates to reflect seasonality and market conditions. Your end price may shift due to load size, service add-ons, access or parking limitations, fuel costs, and your move date. We recommend obtaining several quotes to get a reliable estimate.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $2,493 – $5,223
  • Moving Container $1,565 – $2,852
  • Rental Truck $1,177 – $2,226
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,330 – $7,633
  • Moving Container $2,065 – $4,288
  • Rental Truck $1,285 – $2,466
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $6,224 – $11,806
  • Moving Container $2,634 – $5,616
  • Rental Truck $1,560 – $3,339
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
Allied Van Lines
Hugo, MN Escondido, CA
4 Bedrooms
Oct 08, 2025
American Van Lines
Little Canada, MN Santee, CA
3 Bedrooms
Oct 04, 2025
North American Van Lines
Blaine, MN Poway, CA
2 Bedrooms
Oct 02, 2025
Colonial Van Lines
Brooklyn Park, MN Lemon Grove, CA
1 Bedroom (large)
Sep 21, 2025
Budget Truck Rental
Wayzata, MN Del Mar, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Sep 04, 2025
United Van Lines
Hilltop, MN San Diego, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 23, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Taylors Falls, MN San Diego Country Estates, CA
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 20, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Orono, MN El Cajon, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 12, 2025
PODS
Inver Grove Heights, MN Oceanside, CA
2 Bedrooms
Aug 11, 2025
BLVD Moving
Greenwood, MN National City, CA
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 05, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from San Diego, CA to St. Paul, MN guide.

Top-rated local movers that handle St. Paul to San Diego moves

When planning a move from St. Paul to San Diego, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 34 local movers in St. Paul who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from St. Paul to San Diego.

  1. Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
  2. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
  3. Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.44 out of 5 stars
  4. AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
  5. Lighthouse Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
92.2% of all reviews were positive
6.7% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Matt’s Moving Company earns rave reviews for speed, professionalism, careful handling, and great communication. Customer feedback highlights efficient, friendly teams who make relocation stress-free and consistently deliver on promises. Out of 268 reviews, 92% are positive, a rate few competitors meet. Most praise comes from fast, careful moves and courteous service. Some clients also note excellent organizational skills and timely arrival, making them a top choice among local movers. Negative input, making up less than 7%, focuses on property damage, late crews, and unexpected costs—issues seen in the moving industry but typically resolved at Matt’s Moving. Neutral feedback, just over 1%, references broken items and high pricing for smaller moves, though most still mention professionalism. Compared to similar companies, Matt’s Moving stands out for reliability, positive energy, and an ability to exceed expectations—balanced by the need for occasional improvement in scheduling accuracy and claims handling.
Get a Quote (651) 210-8271

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.6% of all reviews were positive
6.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—Piepho Moving & Storage collects high marks from customers, with 91.6% of 250 reviews praising their service. Clients consistently note professional and courteous staff, clear communication, efficiency, careful handling, and quick moving processes. Many describe stress-free moves, punctual teams, and possessions arriving in perfect condition. Compared with many moving companies, Piepho receives more compliments for staff professionalism and responsiveness. Some negative input highlights item damage, issues with communication, and lateness on deliveries as main complaints. While problems do occur, especially during rare cross-country moves or complex shipments, these are much less common than positive feedback. Overall, most customers find Piepho reliable, skilled, and worth recommending for seamless moves.
Get a Quote (651) 372-3494

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
91.9% of all reviews were positive
6.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Metcalf Moving & Storage consistently earns praise for having professional, careful, and efficient crews who communicate well and handle belongings with respect. Out of 234 feedback submissions, over 91% are positive, citing friendly staff, prompt service, and thoughtful packing. Affordable, transparent pricing and timely moves also set them apart from competitors who often lack Metcalf’s reliability and care. On the other hand, a small number of customers report issues such as damaged or missing items and frustration over inaccurate estimates. These negative experiences highlight the importance of monitoring for careful inventory tracking and clear cost communication. Compared to many moving firms, Metcalf stands out for strong communication, reliable timetables, and respectful, skilled teams, though customers should clarify estimates and special needs upfront to avoid rare but significant problems.
Get a Quote (651) 484-0211

Company Info

Years in Business: 105

DOT #: 1127088

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
61.3% of all reviews were positive
38.2% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving customers in the Twin Cities consistently rave about AAA Movers’ efficient, professional crews and careful handling of property—231 out of 377 feedback submissions (61%) praised these qualities. Clients commend fast-moving teams, polite and communicative staff, and reliable service. Many found booking straightforward and appreciated cost transparency when moves stayed on budget. Some even noted that their final bills came in under estimates due to speedy work—a step above many moving companies. Yet, 38% of input pointed to concerning problems. The most frequent issues involve damage to items, often with insufficient reimbursement, and costs exceeding initial quotes by substantial amounts. Poor complaint handling and slow response times are reported when problems need resolution. A noticeable number of customers experienced communication gaps after reporting losses or property damage. AAA Movers delivers reliable, courteous service at the truck, but dispute resolution leaves many dissatisfied. While positive experiences outpace negatives, those considering AAA should scrutinize contract details and expected costs to avoid surprises.
Get a Quote (612) 588-6683

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
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
86.7% of all reviews were positive
11.1% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Customers rave that Lighthouse Moving stands out for dependable help, careful treatment of belongings, and fair prices, setting the bar above typical movers in the area. Feedback reveals that the team is efficient, hardworking, consistently polite, and communicates clearly from booking to delivery. Most praise the movers for their attention to detail, careful handling, and affordable service, making stressful relocations easier. A significant majority, 87% of input, is positive, based on 225 reviews analyzed. Still, some clients encountered problems with items being damaged, unexpected delays, or higher bills than quoted. Negative feedback points to occasional mishandling and communication lapses, especially regarding costs and scheduling. For anyone seeking an efficient, careful move at a reasonable rate with courteous staff, Lighthouse Moving receives strong recommendations. Yet, those concerned about potential damages or strict timing should discuss those needs upfront to avoid issues.
Get a Quote (651) 387-2955

Company Info

State license #: 1452848

Years in Business: 20

DOT #: 1452848

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required

How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to San Diego?

Movers in Minnesota charge $209 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental
truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,296 – $5,143 $1,160 – $2,954 $1,097 – $2,073
2 – 3 bedrooms $3,330 – $7,633 $2,065 – $4,288 $1,285 – $2,466
4+ bedrooms $6,224 – $11,806 $2,634 – $5,616 $1,560 – $3,339
*The figures shown represent approximate costs for a 1,991-mile relocation from St. Paul to San Diego, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from moving companies across the country and updates the data each month to capture seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Final pricing may vary based on shipment size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel costs, and schedule. For accuracy, collect quotes from several movers.

Cost to hire movers from St. Paul to San Diego

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from St. Paul to San Diego, you can expect to spend between $1,296 and $5,143. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,330 to $7,633 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from St. Paul to San Diego typically runs between $6,224 and $11,806.

Cost of moving containers from St. Paul to San Diego

When moving from St. Paul to San Diego, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,160 and $2,954. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,065 to $4,288. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,634 up to $5,616. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Minnesota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from St. Paul to San Diego

Renting a moving truck in St. Paul is usually your cheapest option to get to San Diego. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,097 and $2,073. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,285 and $2,466. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,560 and $3,339.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that impact moving costs from St. Paul to San Diego

The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:

  • The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,675, but larger homes can run up to $10,841.
  • Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in St. Paul.
  • Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,097–$2,960) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to San Diego

Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – San Diego runs about -8% higher for singles and 80% higher for families than St. Paul.

Singles spend around $3,346 in St. Paul versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $7,719 compared with $4,290.

Dig into the side-by-side details here:

St. Paul San Diego
Average 1 BR rent $2,704
Average 3 BR rent $4,914
Average home value $278,221 $1,003,444
Average income (per capita) $63,483 $72,963
Cost of living (single) $3,633 $3,346
Cost of living (family of four) $4,290 $7,719
Unemployment rate 4.9% 6.6%
Sales tax 9.88% 7.75%
State income tax 9.85% 13.3%
  • As you consider relocating to San Diego, note that rent can be roughly 113% more expensive than it is in St. Paul; adjust your financial plans to accommodate this change.
  • Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 261% higher in San Diego than in St. Paul.
  • Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 15% higher in San Diego compared to St. Paul, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
  • Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in San Diego, where the cost of living for a single person is 8% less than in St. Paul.
  • If your journey leads to San Diego, be prepared for higher living expenditures. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 80% more than it is in St. Paul.
  • The unemployment rate in San Diego is 35% higher compared to St. Paul, translating to more job seekers for available positions, which might elevate competition.
  • Sales taxes are 22% lower in San Diego than in St. Paul. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in San Diego can reduce your overall living expenses.
  • Income taxes are 35% higher in California compared to Minnesota. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing St. Paul with San Diego:

Living Expense St. Paul San Diego
Basic utilities $277.55
Cell phone plan $66.79
Dozen eggs $5.26
Loaf of bread $4.50
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $21.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $100.00
Gym membership $65.68

How life is different in St. Paul vs. San Diego

St. Paul San Diego
Population 303,176 1,386,932
Transportation score 8 6
Walkability score 60 53
Bike friendliness score 64 43
Crime index 50.86 39.83
Safety index 49.14 60.17
Air quality Good Moderate
  • San Diego’s population is about 357% greater than St. Paul.
  • San Diego’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul’s score of 8.
  • San Diego is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 53 out of 100 vs St. Paul’s 60 out of 100.
  • San Diego has a bike-friendliness score of 43 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64.
  • San Diego’s crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 39.83 compared to St. Paul’s 50.86. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
  • San Diego is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 60.17 vs St. Paul’s 49.14.
  • Air quality in San Diego is Moderate, and in St. Paul it’s Good.

Other things to consider for your St. Paul to San Diego move

  • HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While California doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches San Diego smoothly. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in San Diego

Now that you’ve chosen America’s Finest City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in San Diego to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Gaslamp Quarter
  • Hillcrest
  • North Park
  • Ocean Beach
  • Pacific Beach

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Carmel Valley
  • Del Mar Heights
  • Loma Portal
  • Rancho Bernardo
  • Rancho Penasquitos

Things to do in San Diego

After getting comfortable in your new California home, it’s time to see what San Diego is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, San Diego offers cultural landmarks like the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an San Diego Padres (MLB)San Diego Gulls (AHL)San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from St. Paul to San Diego?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from St. Paul to San Diego are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in St. Paul are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to San Diego?

Because spring and fall moves from St. Paul to San Diego are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from St. Paul to San Diego take?

A move of 1,991 miles from St. Paul, MN to San Diego, generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in St. Paul sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in San Diego is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in St. Paul?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. In St. Paul, 3 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in St. Paul offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 28 movers in St. Paul have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 13 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across MN, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

Helpful moving resources

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