($1,084+) Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,241 to $10,590, with an average cost of $3,750. Moves can be as low as $1,084 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,922 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Irvine to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,241 - $10,590 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,750, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 40% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,922 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,922-mile route from Irvine to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,241 for a studio up to $10,590 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,580 - $5,427 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,040 - $3,196, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,435 - $4,517, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN
For the 1,922-mile move from Irvine, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $1,241 and $10,590. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $425 - $2,836 (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 Irvine generally start around $197 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Irvine to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,241 - $4,993
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,142 - $6,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,316 - $10,590
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 Irvine to Minneapolis.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Irvine movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing77% of local movers | $709 - $7,090 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $284 - $1,702/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $425 - $3,403 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,418 - $4,254 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,545 - $14,180 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,062 - $2,018 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,418 - $3,545 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,134 - $4,963 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $425 - $2,127 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $922 - $2,836 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $425 - $21,270+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $425 - $4,963+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Irvine to Minneapolis?
Look for Minnesota Transport Services Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Minnesota 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 Irvine, CA. 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 Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Irvine, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,580 and $5,427. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Irvine typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Irvine to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,580 - $2,963
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,884 - $4,152
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,659 - $5,427
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 Irvine, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $993, 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 $106 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $213 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Irvine, CA, and Minneapolis, MN, 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 California to Minnesota 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 $1,580. 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 $1,884 - $4,152.
What are the best moving containers Irvine to Minneapolis?
- 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 Irvine 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 Irvine:
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
- Maison Moving (4.6/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck for this 1,922-mile move from Irvine, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $1,040 and $3,196. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $867 - $991
- Daily insurance: $43/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Irvine daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Irvine to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,040 - $2,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,184 - $2,434
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,525 - $3,196
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,040 - $3,196 does not include fuel ($867 - $991), lodging ($213/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Irvine to Minneapolis 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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $867 - $991 for the 1,922-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 Irvine, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $993.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,922-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $213 per night, adding $425 - $638 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $71 and $425.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Irvine to Minneapolis?
- 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 Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN
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 Irvine, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,602 and $3,354.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Irvine to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,435 - $2,667
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,602 - $3,354
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,062 - $4,517
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Irvine, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $993.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $106 - $213 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Irvine to Minneapolis?
- 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 a great option when you need your belongings in Minneapolis fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Irvine, CA vs Minneapolis, MN
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Minneapolis, side by side with Irvine on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Irvine, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 165 | 107 |
| Average rent | $4,000/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $1,113,305 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $129,647/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 43/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 68.99/100 | 43.94/100 |
| 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 Minneapolis, MN to Irvine, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California to Minnesota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,922-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Irvine, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,241 for a studio to $10,590 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,922-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,580 - $5,427. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,040 - $3,196, 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 $3,142 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 Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Irvine, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
What is the best time of year to move from Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN?
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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Irvine, CA to Minneapolis, MN?
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.
Is Minneapolis a safe place to live?
Minneapolis has a safety index of 43.94 out of 100 and a crime index of 56.06, compared to 68.99 and 31.01 in Irvine. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 83, compared to 43 and 69 in Irvine. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis?
For families, Diamond Lake, Fulton, and Kenny are worth a look in Minneapolis. If you're moving solo or without kids, Linden Hills, Loring Park, and Northeast Minneapolis tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Irvine movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Irvine handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.