($1,025+) Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Riverside, CA, runs anywhere from $1,025 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,796 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,819 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 $2,398, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,796 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,491 - $5,144, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,025 - $3,077.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Riverside, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,146 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 Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
Moving options from Minneapolis to Riverside 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 $3,146 - $7,317 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 65% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,819 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,819-mile route from Minneapolis to Riverside, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,398 - $5,572 | $1,491 - $2,959 | $1,025 - $2,013 | $1,342 - $2,486 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,146 - $7,317 | $1,869 - $4,063 | $1,086 - $2,490 | $1,541 - $3,220 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,143 - $10,796 | $2,739 - $5,144 | $1,484 - $3,077 | $2,023 - $4,454 |
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 Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,819-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Riverside, California, with costs ranging from $2,398 - $10,796. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $350 - $2,332. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and Riverside. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,398 - $5,572
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,146 - $7,317
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,143 - $10,796
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 Minneapolis to Riverside.
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 Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Riverside, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $583 - $5,830 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $233 - $1,399/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $350 - $2,798 |
| 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 | $1,166 - $3,498 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,915 - $11,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $873 - $1,659 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,166 - $2,915 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $933 - $4,081 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $350 - $1,749 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $758 - $2,332 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $350 - $17,490+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $350 - $4,081+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Riverside?
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 Minneapolis, 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 Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Riverside, California, cost between $1,491 and $5,144. 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 Minneapolis runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,491 - $2,959
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,869 - $4,063
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,739 - $5,144
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Riverside, 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 $816 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $87 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $175 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 $1,491. 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 $1,869 - $4,063.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Riverside?
- 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
Truck rentals from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Riverside, California, range from $1,025 - $3,077 for the 1,819-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $675 - $771
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Riverside based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,025 - $2,013
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,086 - $2,490
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,484 - $3,077
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,025 - $3,077 does not include fuel ($675 - $771), lodging ($175/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Minneapolis to Riverside typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
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 $87 and $408.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $175.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $675 and $771 for the 1,819-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 $816 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Riverside?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA
If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Riverside, California.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,541 and $3,220.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Riverside:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,342 - $2,486
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,541 - $3,220
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,023 - $4,454
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $87 - $175 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about five hours typically runs $816.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Riverside?
- 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 one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Riverside quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Riverside, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Riverside, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | Riverside, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 131 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $2,295/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $539,898 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $88,575/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 7.1% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 59.76/100 |
| 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 Riverside, CA to Minneapolis, 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 1,819-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Minneapolis, MN, to Riverside, CA, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,398 - $10,796 on the 1,819-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,491 - $5,144 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,025 - $3,077 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,146 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Bourns and California Baptist University.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Riverside, CA
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $1,025 to $10,796, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,398 and $10,796, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, 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 $1,086 - $2,490. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($675 - $771), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $175/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, 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 is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Riverside, 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.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.