San Francisco, CA to St. Paul, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to St. Paul typically costs $3,800–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,015 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to St. Paul
Moving from San Francisco, CA to St. Paul, MN typically costs $3,800–$8,800 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,015-mile move from San Francisco to St. Paul, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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 $5,233 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,200 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $7,666 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 07, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 21, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from San Francisco to St. Paul
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,900, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,300.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,300–$3,900) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from St. Paul, MN to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to St. Paul movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to St. Paul
If you want to simplify your interstate move from San Francisco to St. Paul, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to St. Paul
Many movers find St. Paul easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 4% less for singles and 51% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,633 for one person in St. Paul versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $4,290 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $278,221 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $63,483 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $3,633 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $4,290 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 9.88% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.85% |
- If you're heading to St. Paul from San Francisco, you'll find that rent is roughly 58% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 78% less in St. Paul than in San Francisco.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 54% lower in St. Paul compared to San Francisco.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in St. Paul and San Francisco, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to St. Paul can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 51% less than in San Francisco.
- St. Paul enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 9% lower compared to San Francisco, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes rise by 14% in St. Paul over San Francisco, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 26% less in Minnesota than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between San Francisco and St. Paul:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | |
| Gym membership | $99.96 |
How life is different in San Francisco vs. St. Paul
| San Francisco | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 303,176 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 64 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 50.86 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 49.14 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- St. Paul's population is about 63% less than San Francisco.
- St. Paul's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- St. Paul is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 60 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- St. Paul has a bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- St. Paul's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 50.86 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- St. Paul is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 49.14 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to St. Paul move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Minnesota doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to St. Paul. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in St. Paul
Now that you've decided to make the move to Pigs Eye, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in St. Paul.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- St. Anthony Park
- Summit Hill
- Summit-University
- Union Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Macalester-Groveland
- Summit Hill
- Highland
- Union Park
- St. Anthony Park
Things to do in St. Paul
Once you're settled into your new home in Minnesota, it's time to get out and discover what St. Paul has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout St. Paul, such as the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to St. Paul?
The best time to move from San Francisco to St. Paul is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to St. Paul?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from San Francisco to St. Paul, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from San Francisco to St. Paul take?
Moving from San Francisco, CA to St. Paul, MN covers 2,015 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some San Francisco movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in St. Paul.
Which movers in San Francisco give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers here honor AAA discounts.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in San Francisco?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 70 movers in San Francisco advertise piano moving expertise. 63 movers in San Francisco provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
