Quick answer: For a 1,990-mile move from St. Paul to San Diego, expect to spend around $1,626–$9,178 and five to 16 days in transit. Cost and time vary by move size, date, and whether you're going DIY or using a moving company.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from San Diego to St. Paul guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
Professional
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Labor Only
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Best Professional Movers from St. Paul to San Diego
Choosing a long-distance moving company in St. Paul to go to San Diego can be overwhelming. With so many options, it's hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
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 San Diego moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in St. Paul that also provides long-distance services to San Diego 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 San Diego.
- 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 San Diego?
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 | $1,706 - $6,442 | $1,424 - $3,560 | $1,431 - $2,705 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,432 - $9,178 | $2,535 - $5,003 | $1,626 - $3,449 |
4+ bedrooms | $8,366 - $14,224 | $3,403 - $6,891 | $1,993 - $4,224 |
Cost to hire movers from Minnesota to California
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Minnesota to California will cost between $1,706 and $6,442. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from MN to CA will range from $4,432 to $9,178, and a large move from Minnesota to California will cost from $8,366 to $14,224.
Cost of moving containers from Minnesota to California
If you're moving from Minnesota to California, expect to pay between $1,424 and $3,560 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,535 up to $5,003. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $3,403 and $6,891. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minnesota to California
Renting a moving truck typically costs the least, but you'll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $1,431 and $2,705 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $1,626 to $3,449. If you're relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you'll likely spend anywhere from $1,993 to $4,224.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that influence moving costs from St. Paul to San Diego
What to know before moving from St. Paul to San Diego
Moving from St. Paul to San Diego 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 San Diego, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how St. Paul compares to San Diego so you know what to expect before you relocate:
St. Paul | San Diego | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,350 | $2,881 |
Average home value | $278,221 | $1,003,444 |
Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $72,963 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,633 | $3,346 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,290 | $7,719 |
Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 6.6% |
Sales tax | 9.88% | 7.75% |
State income tax | 9.85% | 13.3% |
- You may want to budget more for rent in San Diego, since prices are typically 113% higher than in St. Paul.
- The home prices in San Diego are 260.7% 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 San Diego, where incomes are, on average, 14.9% higher than in St. Paul. Major employers in San Diego include United States Navy, University of California, San Diego, and Sharp HealthCare.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in San Diego. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 7.9% lower than in St. Paul.
- If you're moving your family to San Diego, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in San Diego is 79.9% higher than in St. Paul.
- The unemployment rate in San Diego is 34.69% higher than in St. Paul.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in San Diego, since the city's sales taxes in San Diego are 21.56% lower than in St. Paul.
- State income taxes in San Diego are 35.03% higher than in St. Paul.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,763.01 in San Diego 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. San Diego
San Diego | St. Paul | |
---|---|---|
Population | 1,386,932 | 303,176 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 8 |
Walkability score | 53 | 60 |
Bike friendliness score | 43 | 64 |
Crime Index | 39.83 | 50.86 |
Safety Index | 60.17 | 49.14 |
Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
- San Diego's population is about 357% greater than St. Paul.
- San Diego's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus St. Paul's higher score of 8.
- San Diego is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 53 out of 100 vs St. Paul's 60 out of 100.
- San Diego has a bike-friendliness score 43 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as St. Paul, which has a score of 64 out of 100.
- San Diego's crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 39.83 compared to St. Paul's 50.86. This means that San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
- San Diego is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 60.17 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
- Air quality in San Diego is moderate, and in St. Paul it's good.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul vs. San Diego move
- Weather: San Diego's climate is characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, with most of the annual precipitation falling between December and March. The city has a mild climate year-round.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: California does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to San Diego. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you\'ve got everything covered.
Where to live in San Diego
With your sights set on America's Finest City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in San Diego.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Gaslamp Quarter
- Hillcrest
- North Park
- Ocean Beach
- Pacific Beach
Best neighborhoods for families
- Carmel Valley
- Del Mar Heights
- Loma Portal
- Rancho Bernardo
- Rancho Penasquitos
Things to do in San Diego
Now that you've made the move to California it's the perfect time to explore San Diego From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: San Diego features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the USS Midway Museum, Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Maritime Museum of San Diego, San Diego Air & Space Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's La Jolla Cove, Balboa Park, La Jolla Shores Park, and Sunset Cliffs Natural 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 San Diego Padres (MLB), San Diego Gulls (AHL), or San Diego Loyal SC (USL Championship) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to San Diego?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from St. Paul to San Diego. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in St. Paul.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to San Diego?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Paul to San Diego moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from St. Paul to San Diego take?
Covering 1,990 miles, the move from St. Paul, MN to San Diego, CA typically takes five to 16 days. Some St. Paul movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in San Diego can help bridge the gap.