($1,087+) St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA Movers
Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Irvine, CA, runs anywhere from $1,177 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,658 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,929 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 $2,479, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,658 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,484 - $5,871, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,177 - $3,146.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Irvine, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,291 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 St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA
Moving options from St. Paul to Irvine 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 $3,291 - $7,731 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 1,929 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,929-mile route from St. Paul to Irvine, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,479 - $5,373 with full-service movers, $1,484 - $2,903 with a container, $1,177 - $2,202 with a rental truck, or $1,392 - $2,720 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,291 - $7,731 full-service, $1,920 - $3,943 by container, $1,224 - $2,595 by rental truck, or $1,568 - $3,355 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $6,767 - $10,658 full-service, $2,850 - $5,871 by container, $1,560 - $3,146 by rental truck, or $2,124 - $4,653 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA
Hiring full-service movers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Irvine, California, costs between $2,479 and $10,658. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,929-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $382 - $2,544, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between St. Paul and Irvine. For a rough baseline, movers based in St. Paul tend to start around $243 plus $100/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,479 - $5,373
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,291 - $7,731
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,767 - $10,658
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 St. Paul to Irvine.
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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA
Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Irvine, 84% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $636 - $6,360 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $254 - $1,526/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,053 |
| 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 | $1,272 - $3,816 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,180 - $12,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $953 - $1,810 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Good Stuff Moving | $1,272 - $3,180 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $1,018 - $4,452 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers | $382 - $1,908 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: Good Stuff Moving | $827 - $2,544 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,080+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,452+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Irvine?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in California Moving & Storage Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in St. Paul, 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 St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA
Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Irvine, California, cost between $1,484 and $5,871. 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 St. Paul typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,484 - $2,903
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,920 - $3,943
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,850 - $5,871
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Paul, MN and Irvine, 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 $890 in St. Paul, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $95 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $191 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 $1,484. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,920 - $3,943, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers St. Paul to Irvine?
- 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul:
- Good Stuff Moving (4.8/5), 26 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA
A rental truck for this 1,929-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Irvine, California, costs between $1,177 and $3,146. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $781 - $892
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Irvine based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,177 - $2,202
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $2,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,560 - $3,146
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,177 - $3,146 when pricing out a rental truck from St. Paul to Irvine. Fuel alone runs ($781 - $892) , and overnight lodging ($191/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $781 - $892 for the 1,929-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 St. Paul, Minnesota, for about 5 hours typically costs around $890.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,929-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $191 per night, adding $382 - $572 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $64 and $382.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Irvine?
- 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 St. Paul, MN to Irvine, CA
For larger DIY moves from St. Paul, Minnesota, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Irvine, California.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,568 and $3,355.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Irvine:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,392 - $2,720
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,568 - $3,355
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,124 - $4,653
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in St. Paul, Minnesota, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $890.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $95 and $191 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to Irvine?
- 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. (4.84/5 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 Irvine 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: St. Paul, MN vs Irvine, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Irvine, side by side with St. Paul on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Paul, MN | Irvine, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 102 | 165 |
| Average rent | $1,350/mo | $4,000/mo |
| Median home value | $279,535 | $1,113,305 |
| Average income | $73,055/yr | $129,647/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 9.85% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 60/100 | 43/100 |
| Safety index | 49.14/100 | 68.99/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Irvine, CA to St. Paul, 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 1,929-mile route.
Our take
The 1,929-mile move from St. Paul, MN, to Irvine, CA, costs between $2,479 and $10,658 with full-service movers, $1,484 - $5,871 with a moving container, and $1,177 - $3,146 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 $3,291 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 Mitsubishi Digital Electronics America and Taco Bell.
FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Irvine, CA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Paul, MN to Irvine, 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.
Is Irvine a safe place to live?
Irvine has a safety index of 68.99 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.01, compared to 49.14 and 50.86 in St. Paul. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Irvine?
Irvine has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 69, compared to 60 and 64 in St. Paul. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Irvine?
For families, Westpark II, Turtle Rock, and Woodbridge are worth a look in Irvine. If you're moving solo or without kids, Westpark, Westpark II, and Oak Creek tend to be popular picks instead.
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 St. Paul movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in St. Paul handle piano moves, and 41% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.