($1,139+) Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Modesto, CA, runs anywhere from $1,174 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,719 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,962 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.

  • Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,685, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,719 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,714 - $5,847, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,174 - $3,233.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Modesto, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,801 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

Moving options from Minneapolis to Modesto fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $3,801 - $7,817 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 1,962 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,962-mile route from Minneapolis to Modesto, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,685 - $5,987 $1,714 - $3,220 $1,174 - $2,219 $1,513 - $2,899
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,801 - $7,817 $2,154 - $4,469 $1,259 - $2,831 $1,705 - $3,540
4+ bedrooms $7,154 - $11,719 $3,007 - $5,847 $1,539 - $3,233 $2,336 - $4,914

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,962-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Modesto, California, with prices running from $2,685 - $11,719. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $332 - $2,212 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Minneapolis and Modesto are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Minneapolis movers tend to run around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover, for comparison.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,685 - $5,987
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,801 - $7,817
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,154 - $11,719

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 Minneapolis to Modesto.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Minnesota to California. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

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 Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Modesto, 79% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$553 - $5,530
Storage in transitNew place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company $221 - $1,327/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$332 - $2,654
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers$1,106 - $3,318
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,765 - $11,060
Car shippingSecond vehicle$828 - $1,574
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC$1,106 - $2,765
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company $885 - $3,871
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers$332 - $1,659
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC$719 - $2,212
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$332 - $16,590+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$332 - $3,871+

What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Modesto?

California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with 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 Minneapolis, MN. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Modesto, California, cost between $1,714 and $5,847. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Minneapolis typically runs around $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,714 - $3,220
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,154 - $4,469
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,007 - $5,847

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Modesto, CA. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $774 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $83 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $166 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to California 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 $1,714. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,154 - $4,469, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Modesto?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis:

  • AAA Movers (4.4/5), 38 years in business
  • College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
  • Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 1,962-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Modesto, California, costs between $1,174 and $3,233, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $690 - $789
  • Daily insurance: $33/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
  • Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis to Modesto based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,174 - $2,219
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,831
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,539 - $3,233

Pro tip: A rental truck from Minneapolis to Modesto looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,174 - $3,233. But once you factor in fuel ($690 - $789) , overnight lodging ($166/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. 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 $690 - $789 for the 1,962-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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $774.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,962-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $166 per night, adding $332 - $498 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $55 and $332.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Modesto?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA

If you're moving a larger household from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Modesto, California.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,705 and $3,540.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Modesto:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,513 - $2,899
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,705 - $3,540
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,336 - $4,914

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

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 $83 and $166.
  • 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 Minneapolis, Minnesota, for roughly five hours typically average $774.

What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Modesto?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Modesto 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: Minneapolis, MN vs Modesto, CA

Minneapolis and Modesto land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 107 in Minneapolis and 116 in Modesto, and rent tracks closely too ($1,484/mo vs. $1,800/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (71 vs 48) and safety scores (43.94 vs 34.24) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Modesto, CA to Minneapolis, MN guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 49 movers in our Minnesota network to compare for this 1,962-mile move.

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Our take

The 1,962-mile move from Minneapolis, MN, to Modesto, CA, costs between $2,685 and $11,719 with full-service movers, $1,714 - $5,847 with a moving container, and $1,174 - $3,233 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 $3,801 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 Save Mart Supermarkets and Sutter Central Valley Hospitals.

FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Modesto, CA

What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA?

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.

How do I know a mover is licensed in California?

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.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($690 - $789), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $166/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Modesto?

Modesto has a walkability score of 48 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 48, compared to 71 and 83 in Minneapolis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Modesto, CA?

Costs on this route range from around $2,685 to $11,719, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,685 and $11,719, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 76% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.