San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Minneapolis typically costs $3,700–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,980 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Minneapolis
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN typically costs $3,700–$8,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,980-mile move from San Francisco to Minneapolis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- United Van Lines recently quoted $3,805 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $6,059 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,589 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 24, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 24, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from San Francisco to Minneapolis
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from San Francisco to Minneapolis may only cost $2,900, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in San Francisco.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,200–$3,600), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Minneapolis, MN to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Minneapolis movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Minneapolis
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from San Francisco to Minneapolis. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→MN movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Minneapolis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Minneapolis runs about 3% higher for singles and -46% higher for families than San Francisco.
Singles spend around $3,900 in Minneapolis versus $3,781 in San Francisco; families pay $4,710 compared with $8,717.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Francisco | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $2,707 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $312,602 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $70,099 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,900 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $4,710 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 9.03% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.85% |
- Rent is about 54% less expensive in Minneapolis than in San Francisco, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 75% cheaper in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 49% less in Minneapolis than in San Francisco.
- As the cost of living for a single person differs by around 5% between Minneapolis and San Francisco, you likely won't feel a significant change.
- A move to Minneapolis can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 46% lower compared to San Francisco.
- Minneapolis has a lower unemployment rate than San Francisco by about 17%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Minneapolis and San Francisco (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
- Income taxes are 26% less in Minnesota compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in San Francisco versus Minneapolis:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $164.65 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $50.68 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.15 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Minneapolis.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Minneapolis
| San Francisco | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 425,115 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 83 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 56.06 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 43.94 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Minneapolis's population is about 47% less than San Francisco.
- Minneapolis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Minneapolis is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 71 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Minneapolis has a bike-friendliness score of 83 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Minneapolis's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 56.06 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Minneapolis is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 43.94 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Minneapolis is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Minneapolis move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Minnesota, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Minnesota, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Minneapolis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Minneapolis
With your sights set on City of Lakes, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Minneapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Linden Hills
- Loring Park
- Northeast Minneapolis
- North Loop (Warehouse District)
- Uptown
- Whittier
Best neighborhoods for families
- Diamond Lake
- Fulton
- Kenny
- Linden Hills
- Minnehaha
Things to do in Minneapolis
With your move to Minnesota complete, you can dive right into experiencing Minneapolis. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Minneapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, and The Museum of Russian Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)Minnesota Twins (MLB)Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Minneapolis?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from San Francisco to Minneapolis. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Minneapolis?
Want to save on your move from San Francisco to Minneapolis? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Minneapolis take?
The 1,980-mile move from San Francisco, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, takes five to 16 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Minneapolis.
What kinds of discounts do San Francisco movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In San Francisco, 2 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in San Francisco?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 70 movers in San Francisco provide piano moving services. 63 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
