($1,219+) St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Lancaster, CA, runs anywhere from $1,219 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,668 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,912 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 $2,560, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,668 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,577 - $6,102, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,219 - $3,290.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to Lancaster, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,606 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from St. Paul to Lancaster: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,606 - $8,062. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,912 miles, expect 5 to 16 days in transit no matter which service you choose.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,912-mile route from St. Paul to Lancaster, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,560 - $5,444 $1,577 - $3,234 $1,219 - $2,281 $1,389 - $2,633
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,606 - $8,062 $2,102 - $4,100 $1,243 - $2,767 $1,749 - $3,418
4+ bedrooms $6,759 - $11,668 $2,934 - $6,102 $1,569 - $3,290 $2,324 - $4,836

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 St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

For the 1,912-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Lancaster, California, full-service movers cost between $2,560 and $11,668. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $378 - $2,520 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in St. Paul generally start around $243 plus $100 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Paul to Lancaster:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,560 - $5,444
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,606 - $8,062
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,759 - $11,668

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 Lancaster.

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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.

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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Lancaster, 95% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$630 - $6,300
Storage in transitNew place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company $252 - $1,512/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$378 - $3,024
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$1,260 - $3,780
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,150 - $12,600
Car shippingSecond vehicle$944 - $1,793
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.$1,260 - $3,150
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company $1,008 - $4,410
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers$378 - $1,890
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.$819 - $2,520
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$378 - $18,900+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$378 - $4,410+

What are the best full-service movers from St. Paul to Lancaster?

Movers licensed to operate in California are typically members of the California Moving & Storage Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in St. Paul, MN. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Lancaster, California, cost between $1,577 and $6,102. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in St. Paul typically costs about $70/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Paul to Lancaster:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,577 - $3,234
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,102 - $4,100
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,934 - $6,102

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both St. Paul, MN and Lancaster, 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 $882 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 $189 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 $1,577. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,102 - $4,100, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers St. Paul to Lancaster?

  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 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:

  • College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
  • Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
  • Daymakers Moving & Storage (4.9/5), 8 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,912 miles from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Lancaster, California, running $1,219 - $3,290. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $767 - $876
  • 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 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 St. Paul to Lancaster based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,219 - $2,281
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,243 - $2,767
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,569 - $3,290

Pro tip: The base rate of $1,219 - $3,290 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from St. Paul to Lancaster. Fuel ($767 - $876) , lodging at around $189/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $189 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $82 and $410 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $767 - $876 in fuel for the 1,912-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $882 in St. Paul, Minnesota, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Paul to Lancaster?

  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 St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from St. Paul, Minnesota, to Lancaster, 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 $1,749 and $3,418.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Paul to Lancaster:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,389 - $2,633
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,749 - $3,418
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,324 - $4,836

Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $95 - $189 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 St. Paul, Minnesota, typically costs $882.

What are the best freight companies from St. Paul to Lancaster?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
  3. 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 based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

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: St. Paul, MN vs Lancaster, CA

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Lancaster, side by side with St. Paul on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure St. Paul, MN Lancaster, CA
Cost of living index102162
Average rent$1,350/mo$2,600/mo
Median home value$279,535$400,712
Average income$73,055/yr$76,083/yr
Unemployment rate4.9%15.6%
State income taxUp to 9.85%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score60/10029/100
Safety index49.14/10054.5/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Lancaster, CA to St. Paul, 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 1,912-mile move.

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Our take

The 1,912-mile move from St. Paul, MN, to Lancaster, CA, costs between $2,560 and $11,668 with full-service movers, $1,577 - $6,102 with a moving container, and $1,219 - $3,290 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 $3,606 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 Antelope Valley Hospital and Antelope Valley Union High School District.

FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to Lancaster, CA

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

Is Lancaster a safe place to live?

Lancaster has a safety index of 54.5 out of 100 and a crime index of 45.5, 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.

What is the cheapest way to move from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA?

Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,243 - $2,767. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Lancaster?

For families, Quartz Hill, West Lancaster, and Rancho Vista are worth a look in Lancaster. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown Lancaster, Central Lancaster, and East Lancaster tend to be popular picks instead.

How long does a move from St. Paul, MN to Lancaster, CA take?

Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.

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.