($1,657) Cost of Moving From Minnesota to California

Quick answer: The average cost to move from Minnesota to California ranges from $1,444 to $9,009 and takes five–16 days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
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  • Specialty packing services
  • White-glove reputation
  • 80+ years' experience
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
  • Customized moving plans

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from California to Minnesota guide.

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The best Minnesota to California full-service movers

Moving from Minnesota to California? With thousands of moving companies in the U.S., hiring the right interstate moving company can be a challenge.

To simplify your search, we've selected the most reliable movers based on our detailed analysis of customer reviews, pricing, and service offerings.

Start with these top long-distance moving companies serving Minnesota for your California relocation:

Best Overall Value
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
(855) 650-0657
At A Glance
  • GPS tracking en route
  • Veteran-owned
  • Dedicated move coordinator
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Donates a portion of moves to charity
read our full review
(855) 650-0657
Best for personalized service
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
(980) 217-6841
At A Glance
  • Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
  • Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
  • Hands-on customer service
  • 24/7 support
  • Price-matching policy
read our full review
(980) 217-6841
Most Experienced Mover
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
866-835-2392
At A Glance
  • Experienced & fully trained moving crews
  • Specializes in moving art & antiques
  • Competitive pricing
  • Can handle last-minute moves
  • Climate-controlled storage
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866-835-2392
Best for Contents Coverage
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.75 / 5
866-825-0554
At A Glance
  • Fragile packing
  • Storage options
  • 24/7 shipment tracking
  • Quick & efficient
  • Accurate quotes
read our full review
866-825-0554
Best customized Plans
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
(844) 950-2963
At A Glance
  • Custom crates for electronics & art
  • Satellite shipment tracking
  • 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
  • Self-packing option
  • No deposit required
read our full review
(844) 950-2963

The best local moving companies in Minnesota

  1. Premium Moving Services: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  2. Matt's Moving Company : 4.9 out of 5 stars
  3. Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.76 out of 5 stars
  4. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.72 out of 5 stars
  5. Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.72 out of 5 stars

Premium Moving Services

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 3047943

Years in Business: 8

949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN 55119

Premium Moving Services has been a reliable choice for local residential moving in and around S Maplewood, MN since 2018. This company stands out for its extensive service offerings, including packing, unpacking, and storage solutions, making it a versatile option for various moving needs. Unlike many local competitors, they don't require a deposit and accept credit cards for convenience. While their Yelp reviews are mixed, with an average rating of 2.9 from 17 reviews, they boast a much higher average rating of 4.6 from 140 Google reviews and an A- BBB rating, indicating overall customer satisfaction.

Get a Quote (651) 757-5135

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Matt's Moving Company

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.9 / 5

DOT #: 1704106

Years in Business: 17

290 Chester St, St. Paul, MN 55107

Matt's Moving Company has been serving the St. Paul, MN area since 2009, specializing in local residential moves. Demonstrating a strong reputation, they hold a BBB rating of A+ and boast an impressive average Google rating of 4.6 from 227 reviews. Unlike many competitors, Matt's Moving Company also offers comprehensive packing and unpacking services and accepts credit cards without requiring a deposit. With a 3.9 average rating from 25 Yelp reviews, they stand out in the local moving market, making them a reliable choice for your moving needs.

Get a Quote (651) 210-8271

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Storage

Additional Information

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Metcalf Moving & Storage

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.76 / 5

DOT #: 1127088

Years in Business: 105

1255 East Highway 36, St. Paul, MN 55109

Metcalf Moving & Storage has been a staple in St. Paul, MN for over a century, specializing in local residential moves. With an impressive track record dating back to 1920, they stand out among nearby competitors for their longevity and reliability. Customer reviews are overwhelmingly positive, boasting an average rating of 4.7 on Google and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. In addition to local moving services, they offer packing, unpacking, and specialized crating services, and they require no deposit, which sets them apart from many other local movers. Metcalf Moving & Storage consistently proves to be a reputable and versatile choice for anyone in need of moving services within the St. Paul area.

Get a Quote (651) 484-0211

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Crating
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Storage

Additional Information

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TWO MEN AND A TRUCK

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 2527384

Years in Business: 25

125 Jackson Ave N #200, Hopkins, MN 55343

Two Men and a Truck has been providing reliable local residential moving services in and around Hopkins, MN since 2000. They offer a range of services, including packing, unpacking, and labor-only options, and are equipped to move items like pianos and safes. While their Yelp reviews average a modest 2.3 stars from 25 reviews, their Google My Business profile boasts 285 reviews with a strong 4.4-star average, and they hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This company distinguishes itself from other nearby movers with their comprehensive service options and two decades of industry experience.

Get a Quote (952) 467-8506

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Pianos
  • Storage
  • Safes

Additional Information

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Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar4.72 / 5

DOT #: 286311

Years in Business: 73

2995 Lone Oak Cir #7, Eagan, MN 55121

Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. has been a trusted name in local residential moving services in and around Eagan, MN, since 1951. Unlike many nearby movers, they offer comprehensive services including packing, unpacking, and specialty moving for items like pianos and antiques. With an impressive Google rating of 4.8 based on 208 reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, they boast a strong reputation compared to competitors. Additionally, they provide storage solutions and full valuation insurance coverage, ensuring a seamless moving experience. Though their Yelp rating is a modest 3.1 from 24 reviews, the overall sentiment leans positive, making them a reliable choice for your local moving needs.

Get a Quote (651) 372-3494

Review Profiles

Services Offered

Move Distances

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves

Available services

  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Grandfather clocks
  • Crating
  • Crane vans
  • Shipment tracking
  • Full-valuation coverage
  • Safes

Additional Information

  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
  • DOT #: 286311
  • State license #: 286311

Alternative Business Names

  • Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
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The best Minnesota to California moving container companies

Moving containers allow you to save money without having to go the full DIY route. While you’ll have to handle loading and unloading, the container company has you covered on transportation — they’ll pick up your pod in Minnesota and drop it off at your new home in California.

Check out these highly rated moving container companies:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 5 / 5
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  • Fast delivery
  • Nationwide
  • 100+ miles moves
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Offers car shipping
  • No hidden fees

The best Minnesota to California moving truck rentals

Moving truck rentals are the most cost-effective way to move from Minnesota to California, although they’re also the most labor-intensive. You’ll save big by doing all the heavy lifting and driving.

We like these rental moving trucks:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Affordable pricing
  • Online pricing
  • Several discounts
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4 / 5
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  • Most expensive
  • 4 truck sizes
  • Unlimited mileage
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.15 / 5
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  • Greatest coverage
  • 7 truck sizes
  • One way rentals

The best Minnesota to California labor-only movers

If you need help moving some or all of your items into a container or rental truck, you can hire labor-only movers. They’ll send over a professional crew the right size for your move and you’ll pay only for the amount of time they work.

Consider one of these top-notch moving labor companies for your move from Minnesota to California:

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Hire moving labor
  • Online quotes
  • Nationwide
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.3 / 5
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  • Online booking
  • Move Concierge
  • Affordable

How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to CA movetoggle

moveBuddha’s expert team analyzed moving rates from 30 Minnesota movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.

Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.

Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.

Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.

Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information. The company promptly and professionally responds to online customer inquiries.

Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.

Here is our full moving company rating methodology.

How much does it cost to move from Minnesota to California?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Minnesota to California for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,657 - $5,949 $1,397 - $3,354 $1,390 - $2,574
2 - 3 bedrooms $4,263 - $9,009 $2,612 - $5,116 $1,444 - $3,127
4+ bedrooms $7,569 - $13,541 $3,408 - $6,970 $1,803 - $3,829

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,988 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.

Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to Californiatoggle

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minnesota to California will cost between $1,657 and $5,949. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MN to CA will range from $4,263 to $9,009, and a large move from Minnesota to California will cost from $7,569 to $13,541.

Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to Californiatoggle

Moving containers from Minnesota to California will cost you $1,397 to $3,354 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,612 to $5,116. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,408 to $6,970. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Minnesota.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to Californiatoggle

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,390 to $2,574. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,444 to $3,127, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Minnesota to California costs from $1,803 to $3,829.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to CAtoggle

There are many factors that influence Minnesota moving costs. The cost to move from Minnesota to California will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in Minnesota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

What to know before moving from MN to CA

If you’re moving to California from Minnesota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Minnesota vs. California

Minnesota California
Average rent cost $1,178 $1,856
Average home cost $334,119 $771,057
Average income (per capita) $84,313 $91,905
Cost of Living Index 94 134
Unemployment rate 3.4% 5.4%
Average Sales Tax 8.03% 8.68%
State Income Tax 9.85% 13.3%
  • Rent is about 58% more expensive in California than in Minnesota.
  • Home prices are about 131% higher in California than in Minnesota.
  • The average income is about 9% higher in California than in Minnesota.
  • Cost of living is 43% lower in California than in Minnesota.
  • California has a higher unemployment rate than Minnesota by about 59%.
  • Sales taxes are 8% higher in California than in Minnesota.
  • Income taxes are 35% higher in California than in Minnesota.

How life is different in California vs. Minnesota

California Minnesota
Population 39,029,342 5,737,915
Political leaning Democratic 59-41 Democratic 51.1-46.9
Summer high 87ºF 81ºF
Winter low 59ºF 2ºF
Annual rain 22" 29"
Annual snow 7" 47"
Crime index 28.43 22.47
  • The population of California is approximately 580% greater than the population of Minnesota.
  • In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Minnesota voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in California is 87ºF and in Minnesota, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59ºF and Minnesota gets down to 2ºF.
  • You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California versus 29 inches of rainfall in Minnesota.
  • In California, it snows about 7 inches annually versus 47 inches of snow in Minnesota.
  • California has a higher crime rate than Minnesota with a crime index of 28.43 vs. 22.47.

Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. California

Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in California compared to Minnesota.

Pros of living in Minnesota Pros of living in California
Ample economic opportunity Ample economic opportunity
Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities Pleasant weather
Multitudinous lakes Abundant recreational options
Diverse festivals High quality of life
Friendly people Fresh and healthy foods

Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota vs. California

Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Minnesota for California.

Cons of living in Minnesota Cons of living in California
Bland food High cost of living
Cold snowy winters Heavy tax burdens
Terrible traffic Natural disasters
High tax burden Terrible traffic
Thick accents Strange laws

Other things to consider for your Minnesota to California movetoggle

  • Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to California. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Things to do in Californiatoggle

While you’re in California, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:

  • Yosemite National Park
  • Golden Gate Bridge
  • Disneyland Park
  • Big Sur Coastline
  • Universal Studios Hollywood
  • Death Valley National Park
  • San Diego Zoo
  • Lake Tahoe
  • Santa Catalina Island
  • Redwood National and State Parks
  • Joshua Tree National Park
  • Hearst Castle
  • Channel Islands National Park
  • Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks
  • The Hollywood Sign
  • Lombard Street
  • Venice Beach
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • Griffith Observatory
  • Santa Monica Pier
  • Alcatraz Island
  • Winchester Mystery House
  • Lassen Volcanic National Park
  • Solvang
  • Fisherman’s Wharf
  • Burney Falls
  • Anza Borrego Desert State Park
  • Bodie State Historic Park

FAQs

What is the cheapest way to move from Minnesota to California?toggle

Hiring a full-service Minnesota moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually the cheaper way to go, but requires more work. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

Do movers transport your car from Minnesota to California?toggle

Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from Minnesota to California separately through one of the top car shipping companies.

What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to California?toggle

The main reasons people are moving from Minnesota to California are the amazing upsides of living in California such as ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.

Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or California?toggle

It is generally cheaper to live in Minnesota than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Minnesota, with average rent about 37% less and home prices 57% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Minnesota, most notably income taxes, which are more than 20% less than those paid by California residents.

How much should you make a year to live comfortably in California?toggle

You should make approximately $74,410 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in California. The cost of living in California is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $8,077 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in California you live For example, larger cities like Los Angeles and Bakersfield will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.

Helpful moving resources