($1,086+) San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,247 to $10,711, with an average cost of $3,800. Moves can be as low as $1,086 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,980 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 San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from San Francisco to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,247 - $10,711 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,800, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,980 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 1,980-mile route from San Francisco to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,247 - $5,078 | $1,581 - $3,119 | $1,086 - $2,291 | $1,479 - $2,566 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,171 - $7,054 | $1,984 - $4,080 | $1,224 - $2,674 | $1,653 - $3,331 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,551 - $10,711 | $2,773 - $5,447 | $1,576 - $3,021 | $2,173 - $4,357 |
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 San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,980-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with costs ranging from $1,247 - $10,711. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $569 - $3,796. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between San Francisco and Minneapolis. Local movers in San Francisco typically start around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,247 - $5,078
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,171 - $7,054
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,551 - $10,711
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 Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco 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 packing76% of local movers | $949 - $9,490 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $380 - $2,278/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $569 - $4,555 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,898 - $5,694 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,745 - $18,980 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,422 - $2,701 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,898 - $4,745 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,518 - $6,643 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $569 - $2,847 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,234 - $3,796 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $569 - $28,470+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $569 - $6,643+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,581 and $5,447. 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 Francisco runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,581 - $3,119
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,984 - $4,080
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,773 - $5,447
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 Francisco, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,329, 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 $142 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $285 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Francisco, 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 $1,581. 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 $1,984 - $4,080.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,980 miles from San Francisco, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, running $1,086 - $3,021. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,196 - $1,367
- Daily insurance: $57/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,086 - $2,291
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $2,674
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,576 - $3,021
Pro tip: A rental truck from San Francisco to Minneapolis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,086 - $3,021. But once you factor in fuel ($1,196 - $1,367), overnight lodging ($285/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,196 - $1,367 for the 1,980-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 San Francisco, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,329.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,980-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $285 per night, adding $569 - $854 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $95 and $569.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 $1,653 and $3,331.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,479 - $2,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,653 - $3,331
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,173 - $4,357
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
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 $142 - $285 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 Francisco, California, typically costs $1,329.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco to Minneapolis?
- 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.
- 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.
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 Francisco, 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 Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 107 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 43.94/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 San Francisco, CA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Minnesota in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 1,154 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 1,980-mile route.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,247 for a studio to $10,711 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,980-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,581 - $5,447. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,086 - $3,021, 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 $3,171 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 San Francisco, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
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.
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 38.59 and 61.41 in San Francisco. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,224 - $2,674. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.