($1,163+) San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

The cost to move from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,282 to $11,815, with an average cost of $4,250. Moves can be as low as $1,163 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,992 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 San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Moving options from San Diego to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,282 - $11,815 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,250, 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 1,992 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 1,992-mile route from San Diego to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,282 - $5,662 $1,726 - $2,992 $1,211 - $2,406 $1,508 - $2,778
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,504 - $7,325 $2,211 - $4,635 $1,259 - $2,670 $1,804 - $3,390
4+ bedrooms $6,747 - $11,815 $2,911 - $5,895 $1,687 - $3,439 $2,281 - $4,953

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Hiring full-service movers from San Diego, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $1,282 and $11,815. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,992-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $407 - $2,716, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between San Diego and Minneapolis. For a rough baseline, movers based in San Diego tend to start around $226 plus $200/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Diego to Minneapolis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,282 - $5,662
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,504 - $7,325
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,747 - $11,815

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 San Diego 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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of San Diego 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$679 - $6,790
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage$272 - $1,630/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$407 - $3,259
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage53% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers$1,358 - $4,074
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,395 - $13,580
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,017 - $1,932
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage$1,358 - $3,395
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCarthy Transfer & Storage$1,086 - $4,753
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling47% of local movers$407 - $2,037
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect41% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Cali Moving & Storage Corp$883 - $2,716
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$407 - $20,370+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$407 - $4,753+

What are the best full-service movers from San Diego to Minneapolis?

Minnesota Transport Services Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Minnesota, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in San Diego, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Moving containers from San Diego, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,726 and $5,895. 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 San Diego runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Diego to Minneapolis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,726 - $2,992
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,211 - $4,635
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,911 - $5,895

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 San Diego, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $951, 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 $102 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $204 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both San Diego, 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 $1,726. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,211 - $4,635, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers San Diego to Minneapolis?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 San Diego 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 San Diego:

  • McCarthy Transfer & Storage (4.8/5), 106 years in business
  • Cali Moving & Storage Corp (4.8/5), 10 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 13 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Renting a moving truck for the 1,992-mile move from San Diego, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, costs between $1,211 and $3,439, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $861 - $984
  • Daily insurance: $41/day
  • Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
  • San Diego daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from San Diego to Minneapolis based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $2,406
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,670
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,687 - $3,439

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,211 - $3,439 when pricing out a rental truck from San Diego to Minneapolis. Fuel alone runs ($861 - $984) , and overnight lodging ($204/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in San Diego, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $951.
  • Gas: Fuel costs total $861 - $984 for the 1,992-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $81 and $441, depending on what you need.
  • Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
  • Lodging: Budget around $204 per night for hotel stops on the 1,992-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $407 - $611.

What are the best moving truck rentals from San Diego to Minneapolis?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Diego, 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 $1,222 and $3,390.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Diego to Minneapolis:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $2,778
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,804 - $3,390
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,281 - $4,953

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?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $102 - $204 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in San Diego, California, typically costs $951.

What are the best freight companies from San Diego to Minneapolis?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Fast Transportation (4.34/5 stars): Fast Transportation is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

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: San Diego, 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 San Diego on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure San Diego, CA Minneapolis, MN
Cost of living index155107
Average rent$2,881/mo$1,484/mo
Median home value$847,715$345,294
Average income$104,321/yr$80,269/yr
Unemployment rate6.6%4.5%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 9.85%
Walkability score53/10071/100
Safety index60.17/10043.94/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 San Diego, CA guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Minnesota 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 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,992-mile move.

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Our take

A move from San Diego, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,282 - $11,815 on the 1,992-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,726 - $5,895, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,211 - $3,439. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,504 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.

FAQs: Moving from San Diego, 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 53 and 43 in San Diego. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($861 - $984), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $204/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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 is the best time of year to move from San Diego, 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 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 percentage of San Diego movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in San Diego handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.