Quick answer: A typical 1,896-mile move from St. Paul to Sacramento runs $1,453–$9,199 and takes five to 16 days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Sacramento to St. Paul guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Professional
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from St. Paul to Sacramento
Choosing a long-distance mover for your move from St. Paul to Sacramento can be tough. With so many options, it's hard to know which companies you can actually trust.
Skip the hassle of endless research — we've narrowed down the top choices for you. We picked these movers based on real reviews, competitive pricing, and the variety of services they offer.
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Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your MN to CA move
Local movers servicing St. Paul to Sacramento moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in St. Paul that also provides long-distance services to Sacramento can feel overwhelming. Many companies make similar promises, but not all live up to them.
That's where we come in — we've analyzed local movers in St. Paul who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from St. Paul to Sacramento.
- Matt's Moving Company : 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Metcalf Moving & Storage: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.76 out of 5 stars
- College Muscle Movers, LLC: 4.66 out of 5 stars
- Nystrom Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 105
DOT #: 1127088
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 1443087
Years in Business: 18
DOT #: 1443087
Alternate Names: College Muscle, College Muscle Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1124693
Years in Business: 77
DOT #: 1124693
Alternate Names: Nystrom's Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from St. Paul to Sacramento?
St. Paul movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,579 - $6,433 | $1,469 - $3,594 | $1,439 - $2,638 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,489 - $9,199 | $2,540 - $4,854 | $1,453 - $3,107 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $8,150 - $13,547 | $3,544 - $6,946 | $1,850 - $3,765 |
Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to California
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Minnesota to California, you can expect to spend between $1,579 and $6,433. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $4,489 to $9,199 on the same route (MN to CA). Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Minnesota to California typically runs between $8,150 and $13,547.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to California
Moving from Minnesota to California? For a small load, you'll likely pay between $1,469 and $3,594. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,540 to $4,854. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $3,544 up to $6,946. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to California
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice, but remember, you'll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you're moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,439 and $2,638. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,453 to $3,107. If you're tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,850 and $3,765.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Factors that influence moving costs from St. Paul to Sacramento
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Sacramento
Moving from St. Paul to Sacramento means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in St. Paul than in Sacramento, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Paul compares to Sacramento so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| St. Paul | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,350 | $1,899 |
| Average home value | $278,221 | $476,699 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $78,954 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $3,633 | $2,656 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,290 | $6,191 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 7.7% |
| Sales tax | 9.88% | 8.75% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in Sacramento, since prices are typically 41% higher than in St. Paul.
- The home prices in Sacramento are 71.3% higher than in St. Paul, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- You're likely to make a higher income living in Sacramento, where incomes are, on average, 24.4% higher than in St. Paul. Major employers in Sacramento include Sutter Health, SynGen, and State of California.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Sacramento. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 26.9% lower than in St. Paul.
- If you're moving your family to Sacramento, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Sacramento is 44.3% higher than in St. Paul.
- The unemployment rate in Sacramento is 57.14% higher than in St. Paul.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Sacramento, since the city's sales taxes in Sacramento are 11.44% lower than in St. Paul.
- State income taxes in Sacramento are 35.03% higher than in St. Paul.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,193.23 in Sacramento to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Paul.
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Sacramento
| Sacramento | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 303,176 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 64 |
| Crime Index | 49.21 | 50.86 |
| Safety Index | 50.79 | 49.14 |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- The population of Sacramento is about 73% greater than St. Paul, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Getting around Sacramento without a car might be more difficult than in St. Paul. Sacramento has a public transportation score of 6 out of 10, whereas St. Paul is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a city's transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
- Sacramento neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as St. Paul. Based on its score of 49 out of 100, Sacramento isn't as walkable as St. Paul, which has a score of 60 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
- Sacramento and St. Paul are similarly bike-friendly based on their comparable ratings of 67 and 64 respectively. Bike-friendliness scores between 50 and 100 indicate varying levels of infrastructure to support cyclists, including bike lanes and roadway connectivity. Cities with scores under 50 are considered more car-dependent.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Sacramento as St. Paul. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Sacramento is generally as safe as St. Paul, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- The air quality in Sacramento isn't as good as it is in St. Paul, so you may want to take precautions if you suffer from conditions like allergies or asthma. Sacramento has an air quality rating of Moderate, and St. Paul is considered to be good. Cities with good to moderate air quality may have varying levels of minor potential for health risks for certain people. Beyond the moderate rating, those health risks increase in severity and the amount of residents affected.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul vs. Sacramento move
- Weather: Sacramento has hot, dry summers and mild to cool winters with occasional rainfall. The wet season is generally October through April. The foggiest months are December and January. Tule fog can be extremely dense, lowering visibility to less than 100 feet and making driving conditions extremely hazardous. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid rain and heavy fog.
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a California moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Sacramento. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Sacramento
Now that you've chosen Almond Capital of the World as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Sacramento to check out.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown Sacramento
- East Sacramento
- Land Park
- Natomas Park
- North Oak Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Boulevard Park
- River Park
- Land Park
- Village 7
- Natomas Park
Things to do in Sacramento
After getting comfortable in your new California home, it's time to see what Sacramento is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: Sacramento features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the California State Railroad Museum, Crocker Art Museum, California State Capitol Museum, Old Sacramento, and California Automobile Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park, Capitol Park, William Land Park, and McKinley Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Sacramento Kings (NBA), Sacramento Republic FC (USL Championship), or Sacramento River Cats (Triple-A West) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Sacramento?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from St. Paul to Sacramento are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in St. Paul. are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Sacramento?
Because most people are moving from St. Paul to Sacramento in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from St. Paul to Sacramento take?
Moving from St. Paul, MN to Sacramento, CA covers 1,896 miles and usually takes five to 16 days Need to move faster? Some St. Paul movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Sacramento.