($1,259+) Minneapolis, MN to San Francisco, CA Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to San Francisco, CA, runs anywhere from $1,187 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,921 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,976 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 $2,565, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,921 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,743 - $6,073, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,187 - $3,236.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to San Francisco, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,494 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving options from Minneapolis to San Francisco fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,494 - $8,173 on this route, with movers handling 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 1,976-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,976-mile route from Minneapolis to San Francisco, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,565 - $5,480 | $1,743 - $3,307 | $1,187 - $2,383 | $1,493 - $2,721 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,494 - $8,173 | $2,254 - $4,193 | $1,324 - $2,780 | $1,735 - $3,390 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,080 - $11,921 | $2,940 - $6,073 | $1,703 - $3,236 | $2,375 - $4,858 |
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 Francisco, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,976-mile relocation from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, cost between $2,565 and $11,921. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $487 - $3,244, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Minneapolis typically charge a base rate around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,565 - $5,480
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,494 - $8,173
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,080 - $11,921
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 Francisco.
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 Francisco, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Francisco, 87% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $811 - $8,110 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $324 - $1,946/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $487 - $3,893 |
| 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 | $1,622 - $4,866 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,055 - $16,220 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,215 - $2,308 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,622 - $4,055 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,298 - $5,677 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $487 - $2,433 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,054 - $3,244 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $487 - $24,330+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $487 - $5,677+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to San Francisco?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 San Francisco, CA
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, cost between $1,743 and $6,073. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Minneapolis runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,743 - $3,307
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,254 - $4,193
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,940 - $6,073
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 $1,135, 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 $122 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $243 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Minneapolis, MN, and San Francisco, 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 $1,743. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,254 - $4,193, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to San Francisco?
- 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 Francisco, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,976-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, costs between $1,187 and $3,236, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,020 - $1,165
- Daily insurance: $49/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $32
- 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 Francisco based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,187 - $2,383
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,324 - $2,780
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,703 - $3,236
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,187 - $3,236 when pricing out a rental truck from Minneapolis to San Francisco. Fuel alone runs ($1,020 - $1,165) , and overnight lodging ($243/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $243 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Minneapolis, Minnesota, usually costs about $1,135 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,976-mile drive falls between $1,020 and $1,165, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $81 and $487 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to San Francisco?
- 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 Francisco, CA
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to San Francisco, California, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,735 and $3,390.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to San Francisco:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,493 - $2,721
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,735 - $3,390
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,375 - $4,858
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $122 - $243 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, typically costs $1,135.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to San Francisco?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs San Francisco, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in San Francisco, side by side with Minneapolis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Minneapolis, MN | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 107 | 245 |
| Average rent | $1,484/mo | $3,250/mo |
| Median home value | $345,294 | $1,374,773 |
| Average income | $80,269/yr | $141,446/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 71/100 | 99/100 |
| Safety index | 43.94/100 | 38.59/100 |
| 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 Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to California, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Minnesota alone has 49 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,976-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Minneapolis, MN, to San Francisco, 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 $2,565 - $11,921 on the 1,976-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,743 - $6,073, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,187 - $3,236. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,494 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 Lyft and Securitize.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to San Francisco, CA
What are the best neighborhoods in San Francisco?
For families, Bernal Heights, Inner Sunset, and Noe Valley are worth a look in San Francisco. If you're moving solo or without kids, Marina District, Mission Bay, and Mission District tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is San Francisco?
San Francisco has a walkability score of 99 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 99, 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.
Is San Francisco a safe place to live?
San Francisco has a safety index of 38.59 out of 100 and a crime index of 61.41, compared to 43.94 and 56.06 in Minneapolis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Minneapolis, MN to San Francisco, 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.
What is the best time of year to move from Minneapolis, MN to San Francisco, 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.
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.