($1,186+) Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,401 to $11,732, with an average cost of $4,150. Moves can be as low as $1,186 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,971 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.
Compare moving options from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from Oakland to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,401 - $11,732 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,150, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,971 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 1,971-mile route from Oakland to Minneapolis, 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 $1,401 - $5,484 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,582 - $3,158), rental truck ($1,151 - $2,401), or freight trailer ($1,454 - $2,927). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,517 - $7,368 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $11,732.
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 Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,971-mile move from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with costs ranging from $1,401 - $11,732. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $481 - $3,208. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Oakland and Minneapolis. Local movers in Oakland typically start around $281 as a base rate plus $147/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Oakland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,401 - $5,484
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,517 - $7,368
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,294 - $11,732
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 Oakland 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: 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 Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Oakland movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Minneapolis, 91% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing98% of local movers | $802 - $8,020 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: West Coast Moving Systems, Inc | $321 - $1,925/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $481 - $3,850 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage54% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $1,604 - $4,812 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,010 - $16,040 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,201 - $2,282 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,604 - $4,010 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sweet Lemon Moving Services | $1,283 - $5,614 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $481 - $2,406 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect25% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Family Movers | $1,043 - $3,208 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $481 - $24,060+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $481 - $5,614+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Oakland to Minneapolis?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Minnesota Transport Services 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,582 and $5,670. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Oakland typically runs around $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Oakland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,582 - $3,158
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,175 - $4,206
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,065 - $5,670
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Oakland, CA and Minneapolis, MN. 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 $1,123 in Oakland, CA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $120 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $241 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 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 $1,582. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,175 - $4,206, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Oakland 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 Oakland 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 Oakland:
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- West Coast Moving Systems, Inc (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Good Green Moving (4.7/5), 13 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Truck rentals from Oakland, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, range from $1,151 - $3,333 for the 1,971-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,006 - $1,150
- Daily insurance: $48/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- Oakland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.39
| 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 Oakland to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,401
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,336 - $2,640
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,588 - $3,333
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,151 - $3,333 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Oakland to Minneapolis. Fuel ($1,006 - $1,150) , lodging at around $241/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,006 - $1,150 for the 1,971-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 Oakland, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,123.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,971-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $241 per night, adding $481 - $722 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $80 and $481.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Oakland 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 Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN
For larger DIY moves from Oakland, California, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,637 and $3,680.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Oakland to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,454 - $2,927
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,637 - $3,680
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,265 - $4,866
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Oakland, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,123.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $120 - $241 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 Oakland 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 Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Oakland to Minneapolis. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Oakland, 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 Oakland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Oakland, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 196 | 107 |
| Average rent | $2,200/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $925,411 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $97,369/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 31.38/100 | 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 Oakland, CA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Minnesota, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 374 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up this 1,971-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Oakland, 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 $1,401 - $11,732 on the 1,971-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,582 - $5,670 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,151 - $3,333 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,517 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 Oakland, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
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 31.38 and 68.62 in Oakland. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Oakland, 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.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,006 - $1,150), daily insurance ($48/day), and equipment rentals ($11 - $32) on top. Overnight stops can add another $241/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Oakland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Oakland handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.