($1,213+) San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers
The cost to move from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN ranges from $1,338 to $11,437, with an average cost of $4,200. Moves can be as low as $1,213 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,013 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Compare moving options from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving options from San Jose to Minneapolis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,338 - $11,437 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,200, 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 2,013 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,013-mile route from San Jose to Minneapolis, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,338 - $5,508 | $1,688 - $3,332 | $1,273 - $2,338 | $1,504 - $2,885 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,384 - $7,590 | $2,205 - $4,314 | $1,339 - $2,783 | $1,730 - $3,522 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,539 - $11,437 | $2,961 - $5,761 | $1,623 - $3,272 | $2,369 - $5,040 |
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 San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,013-mile move from San Jose, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, with prices running from $1,338 - $11,437. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $544 - $3,628 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Jose and Minneapolis are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Jose movers tend to run around $316 as a base rate plus $119/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Jose to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,338 - $5,508
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,384 - $7,590
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,539 - $11,437
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 Jose 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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market — 81% of San Jose 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 packing97% of local movers | $907 - $9,070 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready81% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $363 - $2,177/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $544 - $4,354 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage47% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $1,814 - $5,442 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,535 - $18,140 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,359 - $2,581 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items68% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,814 - $4,535 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Fairprice Movers | $1,451 - $6,349 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling37% of local movers | $544 - $2,721 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect28% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Arnoni Moving Services LLC | $1,179 - $3,628 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $544 - $27,210+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $544 - $6,349+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Jose to Minneapolis?
Movers licensed to operate in Minnesota are typically members of the Minnesota Transport Services Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in San Jose, CA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from San Jose, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $1,688 and $5,761. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in San Jose typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Jose to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,688 - $3,332
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,205 - $4,314
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,961 - $5,761
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 Jose, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $1,270, 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 $136 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $272 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both San Jose, 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 $1,688. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,205 - $4,314, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers San Jose 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 Jose 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 Jose:
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (5.0/5), 16 years in business
- Trek Movers (4.8/5), 10 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Truck rentals from San Jose, California, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, range from $1,273 - $3,272 for the 2,013-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,162 - $1,328
- Daily insurance: $54/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $36
- San Jose daily rental rate: $19 - $49
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| 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 Jose to Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,273 - $2,338
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,339 - $2,783
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,623 - $3,272
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from San Jose to Minneapolis starts at $1,273 - $3,272, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($1,162 - $1,328) , overnight lodging ($272/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $1,162 - $1,328 for the 2,013-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 Jose, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $1,270.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 2,013-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $272 per night, adding $544 - $816 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $91 and $544.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Jose 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 Jose, CA to Minneapolis, MN
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Jose, 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 $1,633 and $3,522.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Jose to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,504 - $2,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,730 - $3,522
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,369 - $5,040
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $136 and $272.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in San Jose, California, for roughly five hours typically average $1,270.
What are the best freight companies from San Jose to Minneapolis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- PRO Logistics (4.54/5 stars): PRO Logistics is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from San Jose 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: San Jose, 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 Jose on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Jose, CA | Minneapolis, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 231 | 107 |
| Average rent | $3,095/mo | $1,484/mo |
| Median home value | $1,184,000 | $345,294 |
| Average income | $141,565/yr | $80,269/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.6% | 4.5% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 9.85% |
| Walkability score | 51/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 52.27/100 | 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 Jose, 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 374 movers based in California, handy for sizing up options on this 2,013-mile route.
Our take
The 2,013-mile move from San Jose, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, costs between $1,338 and $11,437 with full-service movers, $1,688 - $5,761 with a moving container, and $1,273 - $3,272 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $3,384 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from San Jose, CA, to Minneapolis, MN
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,162 - $1,328), daily insurance ($54/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $36) on top. Overnight stops can add another $272/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 Jose, 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.
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 52.27 and 47.73 in San Jose. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of San Jose movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in San Jose handle piano moves, and 68% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.