Santa Ana, CA to Minneapolis, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Santa Ana to Minneapolis typically costs $3,600–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,923 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis
Moving from Santa Ana, CA to Minneapolis, MN typically costs $3,600–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,923-mile move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis, 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
- 1-800-Pack-Rat recently quoted $2,400 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,136 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $2,991 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 10, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 04, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 13, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Santa Ana to Minneapolis
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,600, but larger homes can run up to $11,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Santa Ana.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($1,200–$3,600) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Ana, CA guide.
Best Santa Ana to Minneapolis movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Santa Ana to Minneapolis
For a stress-free interstate move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 372 California moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Santa Ana to Minneapolis
Many movers find Minneapolis easier on the wallet than Santa Ana - roughly 38% less for singles and 58% less for families.
Monthly basics average $3,900 for one person in Minneapolis versus $6,333 in Santa Ana. For a family of four, it's $4,710 compared with $11,160.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Santa Ana | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,200 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,000 | $2,707 |
| Average home value | $843,858 | $312,602 |
| Average income (per capita) | $77,283 | $70,099 |
| Cost of living (single) | $6,333 | $3,900 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,160 | $4,710 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 9.25% | 9.03% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 9.85% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 44% lower in Minneapolis than in Santa Ana, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 63% lower in Minneapolis than in Santa Ana.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 9% less in Minneapolis than in Santa Ana.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Minneapolis, where the cost of living for a single person is 38% less than in Santa Ana.
- Moving to Minneapolis could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 58% less than in Santa Ana.
- Minneapolis experiences an unemployment rate that is about 36% lower than that of Santa Ana. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are similar in Minneapolis and Santa Ana (within about 5%), meaning this is one less financial adjustment to worry about on your move.
- Income taxes are 26% lower in Minnesota compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Santa Ana with Minneapolis:
| Living Expense | Santa Ana | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.96 | $164.65 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.33 | $50.68 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.45 | $4.15 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.59 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $25.00 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
- Eggs cost more in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
- Bread is more expensive in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Santa Ana than in Minneapolis.
How life is different in Santa Ana vs. Minneapolis
| Santa Ana | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 310,227 | 425,115 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 67 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 62 | 83 |
| Crime index | 54.17 | 56.06 |
| Safety index | 45.83 | 43.94 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Minneapolis's population is about 37% greater than Santa Ana.
- Minneapolis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Santa Ana's score of 7.
- Minneapolis is more walkable than Santa Ana with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Santa Ana's 67 out of 100.
- With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Santa Ana, which has a score of 62 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Minneapolis and Santa Ana have a similar crime rate with scores of 56.06 and 54.17, respectively.
- Minneapolis and Santa Ana have a similar safety level, with scores of 43.94 and 45.83.
- Air quality in Minneapolis is Good, and in Santa Ana it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Santa Ana to Minneapolis move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Minnesota doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Minneapolis smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Minneapolis
Now that you've chosen City of Lakes as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Minneapolis to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Minnesota home, it's time to see what Minneapolis is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Minneapolis offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)Minnesota Twins (MLB)Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Santa Ana are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis?
Because spring and fall moves from Santa Ana to Minneapolis are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Santa Ana to Minneapolis take?
A move of 1,923 miles from Santa Ana, CA to Minneapolis, MN generally takes five to 16 days. Movers in Santa Ana sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Minneapolis is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Santa Ana?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 3 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Santa Ana offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 74 movers in Santa Ana have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 61 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
