($1,130+) Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,308 to $10,958, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,130 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,962 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 Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Modesto to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,308 - $10,958 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 38% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,962 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 1,962-mile route from Modesto to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,308 - $5,120 | $1,586 - $3,008 | $1,164 - $2,157 | $1,329 - $2,548 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,350 - $7,601 | $2,092 - $4,215 | $1,212 - $2,542 | $1,641 - $3,174 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,184 - $10,958 | $2,808 - $5,292 | $1,467 - $3,144 | $2,093 - $4,545 |
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 Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Full-service movers for the 1,962-mile relocation from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,308 and $10,958. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $337 - $2,248, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Modesto typically charge a base rate around $314 plus $128 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Modesto to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,308 - $5,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,350 - $7,601
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,184 - $10,958
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 Modesto to Minneapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Minnesota. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 60% of Modesto 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 packing56% of local movers | $562 - $5,620 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready60% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Grace Moving Company | $225 - $1,349/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $337 - $2,698 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs46% of local movers | $1,124 - $3,372 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,810 - $11,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $842 - $1,599 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items13% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Brewer Moving LLC | $1,124 - $2,810 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Pete's Moving Services | $899 - $3,934 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $337 - $1,686 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $731 - $2,248 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $337 - $16,860+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $337 - $3,934+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Modesto to Minneapolis?
All three below meet the standards set by the Minnesota Transport Services Association, the group most Minnesota movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Modesto, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,586 and $5,292. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Minneapolis. If you go over that window, storage in Modesto adds around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Modesto to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,586 - $3,008
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,092 - $4,215
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,808 - $5,292
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $84 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $169 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Minneapolis, MN, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $787 in Modesto, CA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,586. 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 $2,092 - $4,215.
What are the best moving containers Modesto 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 Modesto 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 Modesto:
- Big Island Movers (4.8/5), 14 years in business
- Brewer Moving LLC (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- Lunardi Moving (4.8/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Truck rentals from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, range from $1,164 - $3,144 for the 1,962-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $702 - $802
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Modesto daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.29
| 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 Modesto to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,164 - $2,157
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,212 - $2,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,467 - $3,144
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Modesto to Minneapolis starts at $1,164 - $3,144, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($702 - $802), overnight lodging ($169/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $702 - $802 for the 1,962-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 Modesto, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $787.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,962-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $169 per night, adding $337 - $506 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $56 and $337.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Modesto 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 Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Modesto, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,012 and $3,174.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Modesto to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,329 - $2,548
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,641 - $3,174
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,093 - $4,545
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 $84 and $169.
- 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 Modesto, California, for roughly five hours typically average $787.
What are the best freight companies from Modesto 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 one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Minneapolis 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: Modesto, CA vs Minneapolis, MN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Modesto and Minneapolis to plan around. Cost of living index: 116 vs. 107. Average rent: $1,800/mo vs. $1,484/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 48 vs. 71. Safety index: 34.24 vs. 43.94.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, 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 1,962-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Modesto, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, 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 $1,308 - $10,958 on the 1,962-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,586 - $5,292 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,164 - $3,144 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,350 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 Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Modesto, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
How walkable is Minneapolis?
Minneapolis has a walkability score of 71 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 83, compared to 48 and 48 in Modesto. 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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
What do local movers charge in Modesto?
Local movers based in Modesto typically start around $314 as a base rate, plus $128/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 Minneapolis run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 percentage of Modesto movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Modesto handle piano moves, and 13% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.