Best San Diego to Minneapolis Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Diego to Minneapolis and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,969 mile move from California to Minnesota go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 San Diego to Minneapolis moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Metro Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Diego compared to Minneapolis. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best San Diego to Minneapolis Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Metro Movers9.529.73Authorized For Property
2The Rock Movers9.509.53Authorized For HHG
3Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.499.62Authorized For HHG
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.308.89Authorized For HHG
5Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.8.948.13Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Diego to Minneapolis?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,969 miles from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN will cost on average $3,456 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Diego to Minneapolis move is roughly $8,337. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,319300 ft³$7.73
1 Bedroom$3,456450 ft³$7.68
2 Bedrooms$5,722750 ft³$7.63
3 Bedrooms$8,3371100 ft³$7.58
4 Bedrooms$12,0471600 ft³$7.53
5+ Bedrooms$13,4631800 ft³$7.48
*Please note: These California to Minnesota moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Minnesota. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to MN mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Minneapolis to San Diego guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Diego to Minneapolis Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.52/10
based on 954+ data points

434 Blake Rd N

Hopkins, MN, 55343

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,100+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 421+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 489+ data points

3804 22nd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN, 55407

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
4
Atlas Transfer & Storage Co. Logo

Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Superb8.94/10
based on 1,818+ data points

13026 Stowe Dr A

Poway, CA, 92064

About Atlas Transfer & Storage Co.

Founded in 1925, Atlas Transfer & Storage Company has been serving Southern California for over 95 years. This family-owned and operated...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • International Moving
  • Storage Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

877737 / 383831

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved8,778 (2022)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with the local neighborhoods. Our guide offers a comparison to help you find comparable neighborhoods when moving from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN. By identifying similar neighborhoods, you can make a more informed decision on where to live based on your preferences in San Diego.

San DiegoMinneapolisHow They're Similar
La JollaLinden HillsUpscale, lakefront community
North ParkNortheast MinneapolisArtsy, eclectic vibe
Pacific BeachUptownVibrant nightlife, young professionals
Little ItalyNicollet Island/East BankHistoric, cultural charm
Gaslamp QuarterNorth LoopTrendy, warehouse district
HillcrestLoring ParkDiverse, inclusive community
Del MarEdinaAffluent, suburban feel
CoronadoLowry HillHistoric homes, scenic views
Ocean BeachLongfellowLaid-back, community-oriented
EncinitasSouthwest MinneapolisFamily-friendly, outdoor activities

Exploring the detailed characteristics of these neighborhoods highlights unique elements and experiences in both cities. For instance, La Jolla's stunning ocean views and upscale dining can be reminiscent of Linden Hills with its idyllic lakefront setting and high-end eateries like Tilia. Meanwhile, North Park's vibrant arts scene and hip eateries share a similar spirit with Northeast Minneapolis, home to art galleries and creative spaces like Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association. On the other hand, if you enjoy the lively nightlife and beach culture of Pacific Beach, Uptown Minneapolis offers a dynamic mix of bars, restaurants, and lakeside recreation, catering to a young, energetic crowd. These comparisons provide a foundation to envision your lifestyle in Minneapolis, using your San Diego experiences as a guide.

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Things to Do in Minneapolis

  • Explore the Walker Art Center
  • Picnic by Minnehaha Falls
  • Shop at Mall of America
  • Visit Mill City Museum
  • Bike along the Mississippi River
  • Spend a day at Minnesota Zoo
  • Catch a Twins game at Target Field

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Diego to Minneapolis

Moving from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN presents a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison seeks to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation. Through examining the cons versus the pros and vice versa, you can make a well-informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • High living costs
  • Traffic congestion
  • Warm winters
  • Less public transit
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • More affordable
  • Less traffic
  • Distinct seasons
  • Better public transit
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • No beaches
  • Cold winters
  • Quieter nightlife
  • Smaller food scene
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Great beaches
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Diverse food scene

Moving from the perennial warmth and scenic beaches of San Diego to the distinctively seasonal Minneapolis may seem daunting, but each city boasts its own unique attractions. San Diego's vibrant nightlife and diverse food scene, featuring locales like Gaslamp Quarter and Liberty Station, contrast with Minneapolis's quieter, yet rich, cultural life, embodied by venues like First Avenue and the city's renowned Walker Art Center. Moreover, Minneapolis's affordability and efficient public transit system offer practical benefits, easing the transition for those who cherish San Diego's bustling urban life yet seek the comfort of a more laid-back and cost-effective lifestyle.

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Food Guide

Understanding the local food culture is a key aspect of feeling at home in a new city. This is why we're presenting a comparison of the local cuisine between San Diego & Minneapolis. Such a comparison will help you become more familiar with what each city has to offer in terms of their culinary scene.

San Diego
Minneapolis
Most iconic local food item
Fish Tacos
Juicy Lucy Burger
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Walleye
Most popular street food item
California Burrito
Polish Sausage
Most popular vegan food
Acai Bowl
Vegan Juicy Lucy
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • George’s at the Cove
  • Juniper & Ivy
  • Hodad's
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Walnut Room
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In San Diego, the coastal influence is prominent with fish tacos and acai bowls taking center stage, reflecting the city's inclination towards fresh, seasonal ingredients. You’ll find a vibrant street food scene, notably in neighborhoods like Hillcrest and North Park, where food trucks serve up an eclectic mix of cuisines. In contrast, Minneapolis, known for its innovative take on the classic Juicy Lucy burger and an abundance of comfort foods like the walleye dish, offers a blend of traditional American cuisine with a nod to the city's diverse cultural influences. Iconic eateries such as Matt's Bar in Powderhorn or Spoon and Stable in the North Loop are must-visits for anyone wanting to dive deep into Minneapolis's food scene.

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Restaurant Comparison

Discovering delicious dining options is key to feeling at home in a new city. This comparison of top restaurants from San Diego to Minneapolis will guide you in finding new favorite eateries, using your current hometown favorites as a beacon. Whether you're in the mood for high-end dining, casual bites, iconic dishes, or affordable meals, this guide has got you covered.

San DiegoMinneapolisWhat You'll Love
Juniper & IvySpoon and StableBoth offer innovative, high-end dining experiences with a focus on local ingredients.
The Crack ShackRevivalKnown for their delectable fried chicken and comfort food, akin to The Crack Shack.
Phil's BBQSmack ShackWhile more seafood-focused, they match Phil’s in terms of casual atmosphere and bold flavors.
George’s at the CoveSea ChangeOffers equally impressive ocean views and a seafood-centric menu that rivals George’s.
Hodad’sMatt’s BarHome of the iconic "Jucy Lucy", Matt's mirrors Hodad’s laid-back vibe and local burger fame.
Las Cuatro MilpasGüeroKnown for their authentic Mexican cuisine, making it a great counterpart to Las Cuatro Milpas.
Extraordinary DessertsMilkjam CreameryBoth indulge your sweet tooth with innovative, visually stunning sweet treats.
PuestoCentroServes up inventive tacos and Mexican-inspired dishes reminiscent of Puesto’s creative flair.
Born & RaisedManny’s SteakhouseHigh-end beef and classic steakhouse vibes echo the elegance of Born & Raised.
Kiko’s Place SeafoodOcto FishbarThey share a passion for fresh, innovative seafood dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

In both San Diego and Minneapolis, foodies will find restaurants that pride themselves on local sourcing, innovative cuisines, and atmospheres that range from the laid-back to the sophisticated. For instance, Spoon and Stable’s dedication to local ingredients and inventive dishes mirrors the culinary experience at Juniper & Ivy, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate thoughtful, high-quality dining. Similarly, the casual yet vibrant scene at Matt’s Bar, with its iconic Jucy Lucy burger, offers a comparable vibe to Hodad’s in San Diego, ensuring that burger enthusiasts will feel right at home. Moreover, for those seeking a sweet treat, Milkjam Creamery’s creative and artisanal approach to ice cream and desserts presents a parallel sweet experience to that of Extraordinary Desserts. These comparisons not only highlight the culinary diversity and excellence found in both cities but also assure that you can find a slice of your old home in a new setting.

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Ready to start your move?

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes of your current and future cities is crucial. This comparison provides key insights into life in San Diego, CA and Minneapolis, MN , focusing on housing costs, styles, and lifestyle suitability to assist in your transition.

San Diego
Minneapolis
Typical Architecture Style
Spanish Colonial
Victorian and Tudor
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Ocean Views, Outdoor Living
Lakeside Access, Green Spaces

San Diego, known for its sunny weather and beautiful landscapes, boasts homes with Spanish Colonial architecture and highly coveted ocean views. On the other hand, Minneapolis offers a different vibe with its Victorian and Tudor homes, emphasizing the city's rich history and access to green spaces and lakes. Not only do the architectural styles and popular listing items differ greatly, but the cost of living in Minneapolis is notably lower, both in terms of median home prices and monthly rent. This makes Minneapolis an appealing choice for those seeking a more affordable urban lifestyle without sacrificing accessibility and the enjoyment of the outdoors.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Minneapolis, MN

1. Linden Hills : You’ll find plenty of pet-friendly parks and walking trails where your furry friend can explore and socialize.

2. Northeast Minneapolis : This neighborhood offers an array of pet-friendly cafes and breweries where you and your pet can relax and unwind together.

3. Uptown : With its vibrant atmosphere, you’ll have access to dog parks and pedestrian-friendly areas that are perfect for walking your pet.

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the shift in climate you'll experience is crucial. This comparison between San Diego, CA and Minneapolis, MN weather will equip you with vital insights, helping you prepare for your new environment.

San Diego
Minneapolis
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Blizzards, Tornadoes
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

76°F / 64°F
83°F / 63°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

66°F / 49°F
24°F / 8°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

10.34
30.61
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
54


Moving from the temperate climate of San Diego to the more extreme seasons in Minneapolis, you'll notice a significant change in both summer and winter temperatures. While San Diego offers a steady, moderate climate year-round, with minimal rainfall and virtually no snow, Minneapolis experiences a wider temperature range, high snowfall, and more dramatic season changes. Understanding these differences can help you prepare emotionally and logistically for the move, ensuring you're ready to embrace Minneapolis's snowy winters and warm, vibrant summers.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Diego to Minneapolis

When considering a move from San Diego, CA, to Minneapolis, MN, it's crucial to grasp how your finances might shift. This comparison digs into the core financial differences to prepare you for the change. Specifically, understanding the cost of living, taxation, and average incomes in both San Diego and Minneapolis will offer valuable insights as you plan your transition.

San Diego
Minneapolis
Avg. Household Income
$93,042
$69,397
Cost of Living Index
132.3
111
State Income Tax
13.3 (max)
9.85 (max)
Avg. Property Tax
0.77
1.15
Avg. Sales Tax
7.75
8.025
Top 3 Industries
Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
Manufacturing, Medical Devices, Retail
Affluence
Moderately affluent
Varied affluence
Poverty
Lower than national average
Around national average
Homelessness
Significant
Moderate

While the average household income is higher in San Diego compared to Minneapolis, the significantly higher cost of living index (160.1 vs. 105.4) can offset this advantage. Taxes also play a pivotal role; although California's state income tax reaches up to 13.3%, Minnesota's top rate of 9.85% is also something to consider, especially in light of Minneapolis' higher property tax rate. However, the difference in the cost of living index might more than make up for these tax differences. Moreover, the industry profiles point to diversified economic bases, with San Diego leaning more towards defense and tourism, while Minneapolis has strengths in manufacturing and healthcare industries. These financial and industrial contrasts crucially impact lifestyle, investment opportunities, and job markets, guiding your relocation decision from a comprehensive financial perspective.

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN, it's valuable to know not just the climate differences, but also the social and cultural atmosphere you'll be embracing. This comparison offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Diego & Minneapolis , helping you better understand the communities in both cities.

San Diego
Minneapolis
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Moderately liberal, focus on environmental issues and border policies
Progressively liberal, strong emphasis on social justice and inclusivity
Religion
Diverse, with Christianity being predominant followed by non-religious groups, then other faiths
Christian majority with a significant portion of non-religious residents and diverse other faith communities

In both San Diego and Minneapolis, you'll find a political atmosphere that leans towards liberal ideologies, though Minneapolis is noted for its particularly strong emphasis on progressive values and social justice initiatives. The focus of local politics in San Diego often revolves around environmental conservation and border policy due to its geographical location. In contrast, Minneapolis puts a significant emphasis on inclusivity and equity across various sectors. The religious landscape in both cities is quite diverse, with Christianity playing a major role, but you'll also encounter vibrant communities of non-religious individuals and those practicing other faiths, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry that defines both locales.

San Diego vs. Minneapolis Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Making the move from San Diego, CA to Minneapolis, MN? It's important to understand the differences in what your daily commute and traffic will look like. This comparison between San Diego & Minneapolis aims to give you a clear picture of what to expect on the roads and with public transit options.

San Diego
Minneapolis
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
23
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Difficult
Moderately Easy

When moving from San Diego to Minneapolis, you'll notice a few significant changes in your daily commute. Minneapolis offers slightly shorter average commute times and considerably less congestion compared to San Diego. While both cities provide public transportation options, Minneapolis scores higher in terms of availability and usability, making it more feasible to get by without a car. This can be attributed to Minneapolis's comprehensive network of buses, light rail, and bike lanes, offering a variety of alternatives for your daily travel needs. Embracing these differences can help you adapt more quickly to your new home.

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