If you're moving from St. Paul to California, you're looking at roughly 2,054 miles and a cost-of-living jump that deserves real financial planning — not just a rough number in the back of your head. The good news is that this route is well-traveled, so there's a solid pool of movers who handle it regularly. The harder part is knowing which ones actually follow through.
Below I've pulled together the best St. Paul movers for this run, real cost ranges by home size, and a clear picture of what changes when you trade Minnesota winters for California living.
Local Moving Companies in St. Paul
Out of 35 St. Paul movers capable of handling state-to-state relocations, these five consistently rise to the top for the California route:
- Matt's Moving Company — 4.66 / 5
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc. — 4.62 / 5
- Metcalf Moving & Storage — 4.50 / 5
- The Move Crew — 4.50 / 5
- Daymakers Moving & Storage — 4.50 / 5
Matt's Moving Company
290 Chester St, St. Paul, MN 55107
- Yelp reviews: 4.6 / 5 (43 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.6 / 5 (521 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
92% positive across 268 analyzed reviews. Speed and professionalism are the recurring themes — crews show up on time, handle belongings carefully, and keep communication consistent throughout the job. That last point matters more than people realize on a long-distance move, when you're not watching every step. Fewer than 7% of reviews flag concerns, mostly around property damage or charges that came in higher than expected. Issues like those aren't rare in this industry, but Matt's tends to address them rather than ignore them.
DOT #: 1704106 | State license: 374236 | 17 years in business
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating, storage, credit cards accepted
Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.
2995 Lone Oak Cir #7, Eagan, MN 55121
- Yelp reviews: 4.6 / 5 (29 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.6 / 5 (284 reviews)
- BBB: Grade A+
92% positive out of 250 reviews. Piepho has been around 73 years — you don't stay in business that long by cutting corners. Reviewers consistently highlight professional staff, solid communication, and careful handling. The occasional negative review points to delivery delays on long-haul shipments and damage claims, but those represent a small percentage of their overall volume. Also operates as Rochester Transfer & Storage Company.
DOT #: 286311 | State license: 286311 | 73 years in business
Services: Local, interstate & international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, hot tubs, pool tables, art, antiques, grandfather clocks, crating, shipment tracking, full-valuation coverage, safes, multiple payment methods
Metcalf Moving & Storage
1255 East Highway 36, St. Paul, MN 55109
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (33 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
92% positive out of 234 reviews. Over a century in business, and the crews still earn consistent marks for communication, care, and transparent pricing. That pricing clarity is something I've found separates good movers from the frustrating ones. The small cluster of negative reviews mentions damaged or missing items and estimates that didn't hold — so if you have specialty items or a complex load, spell out every detail when you get your quote.
DOT #: 1127088 | 105 years in business
Services: Local, interstate & international moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, credit cards accepted
The Move Crew
1700 Broadway St NE, Minneapolis, MN 55413
- Yelp reviews: 4.5 / 5 (60 reviews)
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (155 reviews)
- BBB profile: Grade A+
94% positive out of 295 analyzed reviews — the strongest positive ratio on this list. Customers highlight fast service, solid teamwork, punctual arrivals, and pricing that tends to land at or under the original estimate. The rare complaints involve furniture damage or charges that drifted above the quote. Standard advice: get your estimate in writing and ask specifically about their claims process before you sign anything.
DOT #: 2552505 | State license: 380620 | 10 years in business
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, offices, crating, storage, credit cards accepted
Daymakers Moving & Storage
919 Old Hwy 8 NW Suite 100, New Brighton, MN 55112
- Google reviews: 4.5 / 5 (353 reviews)
- BBB: Grade A+
99% positive across 352 reviews — by far the highest approval rate on this list. Customers describe fast, careful crews who communicate clearly and deliver on their quotes. The thin slice of negative feedback mentions occasional timing miscommunication and estimates that shifted at the end. They're the youngest company here at 8 years, but that review volume and consistency is hard to dismiss.
DOT #: 2593674 | 8 years in business
Services: Local & interstate moves, packing/unpacking, pianos, pool tables, art, antiques, offices, crating, full-valuation coverage, storage, safes, credit cards accepted
Local Moving Services in St. Paul, MN
Here's a quick snapshot of specialty service availability across St. Paul movers that handle interstate jobs:
| Service | Movers Available | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate moves | 27 | 77% |
| Small moves | 21 | 60% |
| Pianos | 28 | 80% |
| Antiques | 13 | 37% |
| Art | 13 | 37% |
| Fragile-only packing | 1 | 3% |
Cost to Move from St. Paul, MN to California
Use the table below to estimate your move costs before you start calling companies. These ranges are based on a ~2,054-mile move and reflect three different service approaches.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,302 – $5,060 | $1,108 – $2,660 | $1,171 – $2,085 |
| 2–3 bedrooms | $3,425 – $7,634 | $2,072 – $4,226 | $1,255 – $2,611 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,421 – $11,251 | $2,867 – $5,541 | $1,508 – $3,262 |
Estimates based on a 2,054-mile move from St. Paul, MN to California using pricing data compiled by MoveFinders, updated January 2026. Your actual cost will vary based on home size, add-on services, parking or access challenges, fuel rates, and timing. Always compare quotes from multiple movers before deciding.
Cost to Hire Movers from St. Paul to California
Long-distance movers handle everything — loading, transport, unloading — and for a 2,000-mile move, that convenience is real. For a studio or one-bedroom, expect $1,302–$5,060. Two or three bedrooms runs $3,425–$7,634. A larger home with four or more bedrooms typically falls between $6,421 and $11,251.
Those ranges are wide for a reason. Time of year, your specific drop-off city in California, whether you need packing services, and how each company prices fuel all push the number significantly. If you want a cross-country operator with a strong track record on this type of run, Safe Ship Moving is one I'd put on your list to quote.
Cost of Moving Containers from St. Paul to California
Moving containers let you pack on your own schedule — a carrier handles transport. For a studio or one-bedroom, that's $1,108–$2,660. Two to three bedrooms: $2,072–$4,226. Larger homes come in at $2,867–$5,541.
It's the middle ground between hiring full-service movers and driving a truck yourself. Good option if you're flexible on timeline but not interested in 2,054 miles behind the wheel.
Cost of Moving Truck Rentals from St. Paul to California
The rental truck route is the cheapest on paper. Before you commit, though, factor in the fuel cost for ~2,054 miles, your time, and the physical labor — both loading and unloading are on you. That said, for a studio or one-bedroom, you're looking at $1,171–$2,085 (fuel included in these estimates). Two to three bedrooms: $1,255–$2,611. Four or more bedrooms: $1,508–$3,262.
If you're willing to do the work, it's genuinely the most affordable path.
Factors Influencing Moving Costs from St. Paul to CA
A few variables move the needle more than others on a move like this:
- Move size: The gap between a one-bedroom and a four-bedroom is substantial — in truck space, labor hours, and fuel.
- Time of year: Summer is peak season. Fall or early spring typically gets you better pricing and easier scheduling. If you have flexibility, use it.
- DIY vs. full-service: Truck rentals save money but require real effort. Full-service movers cost more and handle everything. If budget is tight, look at affordable movers — but vet them carefully before you hand over your deposit.
What You Should Know Before Moving from St. Paul to CA
The adjustment people don't fully plan for is the cost of living. California is significantly more expensive than St. Paul across nearly every category, especially housing. Run the numbers before you sign a lease.
Compare Cost of Living: St. Paul vs. California
| St. Paul, MN | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,350 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $278,221 | $771,057 |
| Per capita income | $63,483 | $91,905 |
| Cost of living index | 102 | 134 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 13.3% |
Sources: World Population Review, Zillow, US Census Bureau, BLS, Tax Foundation, Zumper, Numbeo
Here's what those numbers actually mean day-to-day:
- Rent is roughly 37% higher in California than in St. Paul. Budget for that before you land a job offer.
- Home prices run about 177% higher. Buying is a very different financial conversation in California.
- Incomes are about 45% higher on average, which offsets some of the cost gap — but not all of it, especially early on.
- The overall cost of living is about 31% higher. That's groceries, utilities, services — not just housing.
- California's unemployment rate is slightly higher than St. Paul's (5.4% vs. 4.9%). Don't assume you'll have a job lined up before the moving truck leaves.
- State income tax in California tops out at 13.3% versus Minnesota's 9.85%. Your take-home pay will be smaller than the gross salary suggests.
How Life Is Different in St. Paul, MN from California
| St. Paul, MN | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,176 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic (49.8–48.3) | Democratic (59–41) |
| Summer high | 83°F | 87°F |
| Winter low | 7°F | 59°F |
| Annual rainfall | 32″ | 22″ |
| Annual snowfall | 52″ | 7″ |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 28.43 |
Sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, NeighborhoodScout, BestPlaces, Wikipedia
A few things worth noting beyond the raw numbers:
- Winter is the obvious one. St. Paul averages a January low of 7°F. California averages 59°F. That changes your heating costs, your commute, your wardrobe — your whole daily rhythm.
- Snow: 52 inches per year vs. 7. If you've been shoveling driveways for years, you know what that actually means.
- Rainfall: California gets less — 22 inches versus St. Paul's 32. Generally sunnier, though it varies a lot depending on where in California you're landing (coastal vs. inland is a completely different experience).
- Crime index: California's statewide index (28.43) is lower than St. Paul's (50.86), though that's an average across a massive state. Check neighborhood-level data for wherever you're specifically moving.
- Summer temperatures are similar: 87°F in California vs. 83°F in St. Paul. The humidity difference is where you'll feel it more.
Other Considerations When Moving to California
A few logistics worth sorting out well before moving day:
- HOA rules: Some California neighborhoods restrict move-in days or require advance notice from your HOA. Confirm this before you book your moving date.
- Elevator reservations: Moving into a building? Many require you to reserve the elevator in advance. Check at least a week out.
- Truck parking permits: Depending on your destination city, a residential street permit for a moving truck may be required. Call the city ahead of time.
- State licensing — T Numbers: California requires movers operating within the state to hold a T Number issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Before hiring any company for the California leg of your move, verify their T Number. It confirms they've met state insurance and safety requirements and passed a DOJ background check.
- Moving permits: California doesn't require a specific moving permit, but local parking rules still apply — especially in dense urban areas.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address at least a week before your move. You can set the exact start date so mail forwards the day you officially leave.
- Moving insurance: Default Released Value Protection is free but covers almost nothing — $0.60 per pound per item. A 25-pound TV that gets damaged pays out $15. Ask your mover about full-value protection or look at third-party options if you have anything worth protecting.
- Moving checklist: Use a thorough moving checklist to make sure nothing slips through the gaps in the weeks before your move.
Things to Do in California
Whatever drew you out here — career, climate, family — California has enough going on that you'll find your footing. A few highlights:
Museums
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
Parks
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
Sports Teams
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
Universities
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- UCLA
- University of Southern California
- UC San Diego
FAQ
How long does a move from St. Paul to California take?
Typically six to seventeen days, depending on the mover and time of year. Summer moves — peak season — tend to push toward the longer end of that range. Before you book anyone, ask for your specific delivery window in writing. That number should be in your contract.
Can I find movers that build custom crates in St. Paul?
Yes — 23 movers in St. Paul offer custom crating for artwork, antiques, and fragile specialty items. When you request a quote, ask specifically about crate construction, padding materials, and lead times. For irreplaceable pieces, this is worth the extra conversation.
What is the best way to get a car from St. Paul to California?
Use a licensed auto transport carrier rather than driving it or towing it yourself over 2,000 miles. Get quotes from multiple carriers, confirm the insurance coverage during transport, and check their reviews specifically for long-haul routes. You can use our car shipping calculator to get a baseline before you call anyone.
Why are people moving from St. Paul to California?
Mostly economic opportunity and weather. California's job market — particularly in tech, entertainment, and healthcare — pulls people from across the Midwest consistently. And after enough St. Paul winters, a 59°F January starts sounding less like a fantasy and more like a reasonable trade.
Where can I find a list of long-distance movers in St. Paul?
Our guide to the best long-distance movers covers vetted interstate options that handle moves from Minnesota, including this route.
Can I pay for my move from St. Paul, MN with cash?
Twelve St. Paul movers accept cash. That said, cash is uncommon in the industry — most prefer credit card, ACH, or cashier's check for documentation purposes. Whatever method you use, confirm the payment schedule before you book: typically a deposit upfront and the balance at pickup or delivery (policies vary by company). Get that timeline in writing.
Helpful Moving Resources
- Moving cost calculator — get a quick estimate before you start calling movers
- Best long-distance movers — vetted interstate companies for the St. Paul to California run
- Best moving containers — if you want control over your loading timeline
- Best truck rentals — DIY options for the budget-focused move
- Best car shipping companies — transport your vehicle instead of driving it cross-country
- Moving checklist — everything you need to do before, during, and after the move
- Moving cost guide — a deeper look at what drives your final quote