Moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul, MN

Quick answer: Moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul costs $41–$4,112, depending on home size and whether you hire a moving company or move yourself. Most moves on this 11-mile route within Minnesota take – days from packing to delivery, based on moveBuddha's analysis of 49+ Minnesota moving companies.

  • Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service pick at 4.9 out of 5 stars, our best overall value mover for this route.
  • Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.

What are the best ways to move from Minneapolis to St. Paul?

Moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul doesn't have to mean hiring a full-service crew and paying top dollar. Whether you want movers to handle the whole job or you're up for tackling parts of it yourself, there's an option that fits.

For full-service moves, we recommend Safeway Moving (4.9/5).

Here's a closer look at each moving option for your 11-mile move:

Moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul costs between $41 and $4,112, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. The prices below break down your 11-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.

Move type Top pick Average cost Best for Potential downside
Full-service mover $868–$2,786 Movers handle loading, driving & unloading Highest price of all options
Moving container $399–$1,166 (around 30% less than full-service) Pack & load on your own schedule You handle all loading & unloading
Rental truck $47–$118 (around 60% less than full-service) Lowest upfront cost You drive, load & unload everything yourself
Labor-only $109/hr Need a loading crew & already have a truck You arrange your own transport between cities

Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 49+ Minnesota movers reviewed.

How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to St. Paul?

Movers typically charge between $41 and $4,112 for a Minneapolis to St. Paul move, based on moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Your final price on this 11-mile route depends on the service type and home size, broken down below:

  • Full-service movers: $466–$4,112
  • Moving containers: $126–$1,613
  • Rental trucks: $41–$155

What drives the cost difference?

  • Full-service moves price in packing, loading, transport, and unloading together. Just the professional packing piece adds $0.15–$0.21 per pound.
  • Moving containers reduce costs by leaving the loading and unloading on your plate while handling the long-haul drive.
  • Rental trucks save about 30% over full-service, but the tradeoff is driving 11 miles yourself and lining up your own labor.
  • moveBuddha's cost calculator typically helps movers shave 30% off their first quote.
Home size Full-service mover Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $466–$1,430 $126–$847 $41–$97
2–3 bedrooms $868–$2,786 $399–$1,166 $47–$118
4+ bedrooms $1,354–$4,112 $800–$1,613 $62–$155

*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 49+ Minnesota moving companies, and are updated as of May 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.

What extra fees should you expect on a Minneapolis to St. Paul move?

Expect a handful of extra fees on a Minneapolis to St. Paul move, including professional packing, shuttle and access fees, and optional comprehensive contents protection plans. These don't show up on most initial quotes, but they can add 10%–25% on top of the base price.

Here's a breakdown of some of the most common added moving costs:

Extra cost Typical range Applies to
Professional packing $0.15–$0.21 per pound Full-service movers
Loading labor $109/hr per mover Moving containers, rental trucks
Fuel surcharge $100–$400, or 8–15% of transport charges Full-service movers
Shuttle service $0.08–$0.12 per pound, $200 minimum Full-service movers
Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) $75–$500+ Full-service movers
Storage-in-transit ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) Full-service movers
Bulky-item handling $150–$400 per item Full-service movers
Equipment rental $50–$200 Rental trucks
Added valuation coverage 1–2% of declared value All move types

Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.

Best movers from Minneapolis to St. Paul

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top-rated full-service mover from Minneapolis to St. Paul, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. At 11 miles, both local and national movers can handle this route well. Your best fit depends on home size, timeline, and budget.

Best movers for larger homes & complex logistics

Safeway Moving is our best overall value pick for full-service moves from Minneapolis to St. Paul. With 14 years in the moving industry, statewide service throughout Minnesota, and a 4.9 out of 5 stars moveBuddha rating, Safeway Moving handles intrastate moves of 11 miles with the logistics infrastructure most local operators can't match.

moveBuddha's top 5 full-service movers, ranked:

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best overall value pick.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's most experienced pick.
  3. North American Van Lines (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customized plans pick.
  4. Allied Van Lines (4.2 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best coverage pick.
  5. Mayzlin Relocation (4.8 out of 5 stars), moveBuddha's best customer service pick.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Paul to Minneapolis guide.

How does St. Paul compare to Minneapolis?

Cost of living: Minneapolis vs. St. Paul

Cost-of-living factors in Minneapolis vs. St. Paul go beyond rent prices. Housing costs, average salaries, daily expenses, and job trends all play a role. The data below shows how living in St. Paul stacks up against Minneapolis.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Minneapolis St. Paul
Average rent cost $1,484 $1,350
Average home cost $345,294 $279,535
Average income (per capita) $80,269 $73,055
Cost of living (single person) $3,900 $3,633
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,710 $4,290
Unemployment rate 4.5% 4.9%
Average sales tax 9.03% 9.88%

Cost-of-living data for Minneapolis and St. Paul comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated May 2026 across 49+ Minnesota cities and metros. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.

  • Rent in St. Paul is 9% lower than Minneapolis. The savings are meaningful enough to alter housing tradeoffs you previously accepted.
  • Home prices in St. Paul are 19% lower than Minneapolis. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
  • Average income in St. Paul is 9% lower than Minneapolis. Test the move's affordability by overlaying local salary ranges with local rent and home prices.
  • Living expenses for one person in St. Paul are 7% lower than Minneapolis. The gap usually shows up most on rent and groceries.
  • Cost of living for a family of 4 in St. Paul is 9% lower than Minneapolis. Apply the savings strategically: housing, education, or accelerated debt paydown all become more achievable.
  • Unemployment in St. Paul is 9% higher than Minneapolis. A longer job search cycle is likely; build a 3 to 6 month financial buffer.
  • Sales taxes in St. Paul are 9% higher than Minneapolis. Factor the increase into household budgets for furniture, electronics, and appliances.

If you usually spend $3,000 a month living in Minneapolis, expect to budget around $2,790 to maintain the same lifestyle in St. Paul.

How life is different in Minneapolis vs. St. Paul

A side-by-side comparison of life in Minneapolis vs. St. Paul helps you make an informed decision that fits your lifestyle, values, and needs. Population size, climate, political leaning, cost of living, and safety all shape your experience in a new place. The breakdown below covers the key differences between Minneapolis and St. Paul so you can evaluate which city is a better fit.

Minneapolis St. Paul
Population 425,115 303,176
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Democratic 49.8-48.3
Summer high 84ºF 83ºF
Winter low 7ºF 7ºF
Annual rain 32" 32"
Annual snow 52" 52"
Crime index 56.06 50.86
  • St. Paul is 29% smaller in size than Minneapolis. Lower housing costs and shorter commutes are the primary upside; specialized careers may have fewer local options.
  • The last presidential election saw both Minneapolis and St. Paul siding with the Democratic party.
  • Summer highs in St. Paul (83°F) and Minneapolis (84°F) are nearly identical. Cooling bills and outdoor habits carry over.
  • Winter lows in Minneapolis (7°F) match St. Paul (7°F). Budget heating costs at the same level.
  • Annual rainfall in Minneapolis and St. Paul is nearly identical, at 32 inches and 32 inches. Plan for similar weather patterns.
  • Annual snowfall in Minneapolis (52 inches) and St. Paul (52 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
  • Crime index in St. Paul (50.86) is lower than Minneapolis (56.06). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.

Things to do in St. Paul

Outdoor recreation, cultural institutions, professional sports, and higher education shape daily life in St. Paul. The lineup below names the most-visited venues in each category.

Museums in St. Paul

  • Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Minnesota History Center
  • Historic Fort Snelling
  • James J. Hill House
  • Minnesota Children's Museum

Parks in St. Paul

  • Rice Park
  • Mears Park
  • Harriet Island Regional Park
  • Indian Mounds Regional Park
  • Lilydale Regional Park

Sports teams in St. Paul

  • Minnesota Wild (NHL)
  • St. Paul Saints (MiLB)
  • St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)
  • Minnesota United FC (MLS)
  • Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)

Universities in St. Paul

  • Saint Catherine University
  • Concordia University
  • Hamline University
  • Macalester College,
  • University of St. Thomas

Final verdict: best movers from Minneapolis to St. Paul

Safeway Moving is moveBuddha's top recommendation for full-service moves from Minneapolis to St. Paul, earning 4.9 out of 5 stars as our best overall value pick. With 14 years in business and statewide Minnesota service, it's the strongest choice for larger homes, complex logistics, or moves that benefit from full packing and loading service.

For shoppers prioritizing cost, a moving container or rental truck cuts the price by roughly 30% versus a full-service move. Total costs on this route range from $41–$4,112 depending on service type and home size. All recommendations reflect moveBuddha's analysis of 49+ Minnesota movers, our monthly pricing dataset of 1,000+ live price points, and 12 years of moving industry research.

FAQs about moving from Minneapolis to St. Paul

How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Minneapolis to St. Paul?

A full-service move from Minneapolis to St. Paul ranges from $375 to $1,286 for a few items or a small bedroom. For a 2–3 bedroom home, prices typically land at $868–$2,786. For a 4-bedroom home or larger, expect to pay $1,354–$4,112 for the same distance.

How much are moving container companies from Minneapolis to St. Paul?

Moving containers from Minneapolis to St. Paul break down by home size. For a studio or 1-bedroom, costs range from $118 to $846. For 2–3 bedroom homes, prices fall between $399 and $1,166. For a 4–5 bedroom home, expect prices to range from $800 to $1,613.

How much is a moving truck from Minneapolis to St. Paul?

A rental moving truck from Minneapolis to St. Paul costs $38–$102 for a studio or 1-bedroom move. A 2–3 bedroom move runs $47–$118, and a 4-bedroom or larger move falls between $62 and $155.

Rental trucks are usually the cheapest option for movers willing to do the driving and heavy lifting. Average fuel costs are included in the pricing above.

How far in advance should I book Minneapolis-to-St. Paul movers?

Ideally, book your move from Minneapolis to St. Paul at least 2 months in advance. For a summer move, book at least 3 months ahead, since that's the busiest season. The sooner you reserve your Minneapolis-to-St. Paul movers, the better the chance of affordable rates and your preferred moving date. Some movers offer early-bird discounts for advance reservations.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Paul?

For the cheapest move to St. Paul, aim for early October through late April. This window falls outside the hectic peak season (May through September), when most people relocate and prices climb. Avoiding the busy summer months puts you on the better side of lower demand and lower rates.