($1,151+) Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to San Diego, CA, runs anywhere from $1,175 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,398 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,989 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 $2,644, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $12,398 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,676 - $5,656, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,175 - $3,338.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to San Diego, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,604 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA
Moving options from Minneapolis to San Diego fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $3,604 - $7,692 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,989 miles, this route usually takes 5 to 16 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,989-mile route from Minneapolis to San Diego, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,644 - $5,711, container $1,676 - $3,307, rental truck $1,175 - $2,337, freight trailer $1,523 - $2,806.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,604 - $7,692, container $2,082 - $4,635, rental truck $1,233 - $2,753, freight trailer $1,701 - $3,425.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,530 - $12,398, container $2,852 - $5,656, rental truck $1,670 - $3,338, freight trailer $2,422 - $4,810.
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 Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,989-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Diego, California, with costs ranging from $2,644 - $12,398. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $379 - $2,524. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Minneapolis and San Diego. Local movers in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate plus $109/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,644 - $5,711
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,604 - $7,692
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,530 - $12,398
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 San Diego.
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: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Diego, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $631 - $6,310 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $252 - $1,514/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $379 - $3,029 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage29% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,262 - $3,786 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,155 - $12,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $945 - $1,796 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,262 - $3,155 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,010 - $4,417 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $379 - $1,893 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $820 - $2,524 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $379 - $18,930+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $379 - $4,417+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to San Diego?
All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Minneapolis, MN, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Diego, California, cost between $1,676 and $5,656. 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 San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,676 - $3,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,082 - $4,635
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,852 - $5,656
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 Minneapolis, MN, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $883, 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 $95 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $189 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Minneapolis, MN, and San Diego, CA, 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 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 $1,676. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,082 - $4,635, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to San Diego?
- 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 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 San Diego, CA
Plan on $1,175 - $3,338 for a rental moving truck on the 1,989-mile route from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Diego, California. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $799 - $913
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Minneapolis to San Diego based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,175 - $2,337
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,233 - $2,753
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,670 - $3,338
Pro tip: A rental truck from Minneapolis to San Diego looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,175 - $3,338. But once you factor in fuel ($799 - $913) , overnight lodging ($189/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?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $95 and $442.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $189.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $799 and $913 for the 1,989-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $883 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to San Diego?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, 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 San Diego, 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 $1,701 and $3,425.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to San Diego:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,523 - $2,806
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,701 - $3,425
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,422 - $4,810
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 $95 and $189.
- 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 $883.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to San Diego?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- T.A. Dedicated, Inc. (4.8/5 stars): T.A. Dedicated, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to San Diego quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs San Diego, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Diego, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | San Diego, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 155 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $2,881/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $847,715 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $104,321/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 6.6% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 53/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 60.17/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
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 San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California 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 49 movers based in Minnesota, handy for sizing up options on this 1,989-mile route.
Our take
A move from Minneapolis, MN, to San Diego, CA, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,644 - $12,398 on the 1,989-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,676 - $5,656, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,175 - $3,338. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,604 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include United States Navy and University of California, San Diego.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to San Diego, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA?
Costs on this route range from around $2,644 to $12,398, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,644 and $12,398, 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.
How walkable is San Diego?
San Diego has a walkability score of 53 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 43, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($799 - $913), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $189/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
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 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.
