($1,176+) St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA Movers

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

Moving from St. Paul, MN, to San Jose, CA, runs anywhere from $1,273 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,885 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,014 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,707, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $11,885 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,738 - $5,761, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,273 - $3,545.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Paul, MN, to San Jose, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,812 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 San Jose, CA

There are 3 main ways to move from St. Paul to San Jose: 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 $3,812 - $8,452. 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 2,014 miles, expect 6 to 17 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 2,014-mile route from St. Paul to San Jose, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,707 - $6,013 $1,738 - $3,237 $1,273 - $2,221 $1,429 - $2,885
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,812 - $8,452 $2,053 - $4,448 $1,326 - $2,672 $1,661 - $3,593
4+ bedrooms $7,281 - $11,885 $3,020 - $5,761 $1,640 - $3,545 $2,345 - $4,656

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 San Jose, CA

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,014-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Jose, California, with costs ranging from $2,707 - $11,885. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $461 - $3,072. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between St. Paul and San Jose. Local movers in St. Paul typically start around $243 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,707 - $6,013
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,812 - $8,452
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,281 - $11,885

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 San Jose.

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: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.

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Specialty moving services from St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA

Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of St. Paul movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In San Jose, 81% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$768 - $7,680
Storage in transitNew place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company $307 - $1,843/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$461 - $3,686
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$1,536 - $4,608
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$3,840 - $15,360
Car shippingSecond vehicle$1,150 - $2,186
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items41% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.$1,536 - $3,840
PianoAny piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company $1,229 - $5,376
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers$461 - $2,304
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.$998 - $3,072
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$461 - $23,040+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$461 - $5,376+

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

All three below meet the standards set by the California Moving & Storage Association, the group most California movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in St. Paul, MN. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.

Moving container costs from St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA

Moving containers from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Jose, California, cost between $1,738 and $5,761. 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 San Jose:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,738 - $3,237
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,053 - $4,448
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,020 - $5,761

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $1,075 in St. Paul, MN. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $115 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $230 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your San Jose, CA, destination before booking.

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 $1,738. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,053 - $4,448, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers St. Paul to San Jose?

  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 San Jose, CA

Renting a moving truck for the 2,014-mile move from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Jose, California, costs between $1,273 and $3,545, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $984 - $1,125
  • Daily insurance: $46/day
  • Equipment rentals: $11 - $31
  • 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 San Jose based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,273 - $2,221
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,326 - $2,672
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,640 - $3,545

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from St. Paul to San Jose starts at $1,273 - $3,545, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($984 - $1,125) , overnight lodging ($230/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $230 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 St. Paul, Minnesota, usually costs about $1,075 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 2,014-mile drive falls between $984 and $1,125, 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 $77 and $461 to your total.

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

  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 San Jose, CA

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from St. Paul, Minnesota, to San Jose, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,382 and $3,593.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,429 - $2,885
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,593
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,345 - $4,656

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?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In St. Paul, Minnesota, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $1,075.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $115 - $230 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

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

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
  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 facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from St. Paul to San Jose, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: St. Paul, MN vs San Jose, CA

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

Measure St. Paul, MN San Jose, CA
Cost of living index102231
Average rent$1,350/mo$3,095/mo
Median home value$279,535$1,184,000
Average income$73,055/yr$141,565/yr
Unemployment rate4.9%6.6%
State income taxUp to 9.85%Up to 13.3%
Walkability score60/10051/100
Safety index49.14/10052.27/100
Air qualityGoodModerate

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 Jose, CA to St. Paul, MN guide.

Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:

In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Minnesota to California, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 49 movers in Minnesota, so you have real options to compare for this 2,014-mile move.

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Our take

The 2,014-mile move from St. Paul, MN, to San Jose, CA, costs between $2,707 and $11,885 with full-service movers, $1,738 - $5,761 with a moving container, and $1,273 - $3,545 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 $3,812 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 Cisco Systems and Western Digital.

FAQs: Moving from St. Paul, MN, to San Jose, CA

How walkable is San Jose?

San Jose has a walkability score of 51 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 62, 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 San Jose?

For families, Berryessa, Cambrian Park, and Evergreen are worth a look in San Jose. If you're moving solo or without kids, Burbank, Downtown, and Evergreen 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 do local movers charge in St. Paul?

Local movers based in St. Paul typically start around $243 as a base rate, plus $100/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in San Jose run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

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.

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.