Best Minneapolis to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Minneapolis to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,983 mile move from Minnesota to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Minneapolis to San Jose 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 Minneapolis compared to San Jose. 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 Minneapolis to San Jose Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Metro Movers9.529.73Authorized For Property
2D&L Movers9.359.36Active
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.308.89Authorized For HHG
5Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI9.218.26Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,983 miles from Minneapolis, MN to San Jose, CA will cost on average $3,468 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Minneapolis to San Jose move is roughly $8,366. 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$2,327300 ft³$7.76
1 Bedroom$3,468450 ft³$7.71
2 Bedrooms$5,742750 ft³$7.66
3 Bedrooms$8,3661100 ft³$7.61
4 Bedrooms$12,0891600 ft³$7.56
5+ Bedrooms$13,5101800 ft³$7.51
*Please note: These Minnesota to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Minnesota & California. 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 MN to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Jose to Minneapolis guide.

Compare the 5 Best Minneapolis to San Jose 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
D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,583+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
2
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,143+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
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
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI Logo

Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.21/10
based on 280+ data points

3019 Bryant Ave S # 203

Minneapolis, MN, 55408

About Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI

Exercise Equipment Installation (EEI) has been providing quality service since 1995, specializing in professional and reliable disassembly, assembly, and installation of...

Services

  • Exercise Equipment Moving
  • Exercise Equipment Disassembly
  • Exercise Equipment Assembly

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 3/14/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3914686 / -

Active

CARRIER

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers-
Total Annual Miles Moved-
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.

Minneapolis vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be both exciting and daunting. To ease the transition, we've created this guide to help you find neighborhoods in San Jose, CA that feel like home, based on the comparison of local neighborhoods between Minneapolis, MN & San Jose, CA . Whether you're searching for bustling city vibes or a quiet, family-friendly area, you'll find a comparable neighborhood in your new city.

MinneapolisSan JoseHow They're Similar
Linden HillsWillow GlenFamily-oriented, charming downtown area
UptownThe AlamedaVibrant nightlife, diverse dining options
North LoopSoFA DistrictTrendy lofts, arts, and culture scene
NortheastJapantownRich history, unique shops, and eateries
WhittierMidtownEclectic, artsy vibe with a strong sense of community
Lowry HillShasta Hanchett ParkHistoric homes, picturesque streets
KennyCambrian ParkQuiet, suburban feel with great schools
LynLakeSantana RowBustling shopping and entertainment district
KingfieldWillow GlenQuaint, community-focused atmosphere
Bryn MawrAlmaden ValleyScenic beauty, family-friendly, nature trails

When comparing neighborhoods between these two cities, there's an emphasis on matching your lifestyle and preferences with the right environment. If you're fond of quaint shops and a tight-knit community, the transition from Linden Hills to Willow Glen will feel seamless, where weekends can be spent at local farmers' markets or cozy cafes like Bert's Coffee Café. For the arts and culture aficionado, moving from the North Loop to San Jose's SoFA District will offer an array of galleries, theatres, and live music venues like San Jose Civic, ensuring you're never far from the heartbeat of the city's cultural scene. Meanwhile, outdoor lovers relocating from Bryn Mawr will find Almaden Valley's expansive parks and trails like Almaden Quicksilver County Park an ideal place for adventure and relaxation amidst nature.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Minneapolis to San Jose

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to San Jose, CA presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation , offering insights into how life changes when moving from the cooler, midwestern charm of Minneapolis to the sunny, tech-savvy lifestyle in San Jose .

CONs
PROs
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • Colder climate
  • Smaller tech scene
  • Less diversity
  • Lower cost of living
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Warmer weather
  • Larger tech industry
  • More diverse
  • Higher salaries
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Less cultural venues
  • Expensive real estate
  • Less natural water
  • More congestion
Minneapolis, MN iconMinneapolis, MN
  • Rich arts scene
  • Affordable housing
  • Abundance of lakes
  • Smaller city feel

While Minneapolis boasts an inviting arts scene with institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, San Jose counters with its own unique attractions such as the Tech Interactive science and technology center. The transition from Minneapolis's affordable cost of living might be a shock when faced with San Jose's pricier real estate market, however, the salary adjustments in the booming tech industry can ease this transition. Despite the scarcity of natural lakes that Minnesota is famous for, San Jose offers plenty of outdoor activities with spots like Almaden Lake Park. Each city houses unique neighborhoods, such as the vibrant Uptown in Minneapolis and San Jose's bustling Downtown, catering to all sorts of lifestyles and preferences.

Minneapolis vs. San Jose Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Minneapolis & San Jose, demonstrating that food significantly contributes to an area's culture and living experience. By examining both cities, you can better understand what culinary delights await you in your new home.

Minneapolis
San Jose
Most iconic local food item
Juicy Lucy
Pho
Most popular meat dish
Walleye
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Mini Donuts
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Grain Bowl
Vegan Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Bachelor Farmer
  • Diễn Châu Restaurant
  • Adelita's Taqueria
  • Manresa
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Minneapolis, you can taste the iconic Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger sensation, at Matt's Bar, among other spots. The city's love for the walleye shows its affinity for local lake fish, which can be enjoyed at many restaurants across town. The food scene in San Jose is vibrantly sprinkled with cultures, where Pho from places like Diễn Châu Restaurant stands as a testament to the city's rich Vietnamese influence. For those seeking flavors from south of the border, Adelita's Taqueria and other spots in neighborhoods like East San Jose showcase the best of Mexican cuisine. San Jose's increasing vegan-friendly offerings, like Vegan Pho, reflect the city's high health conscientiousness.

Minneapolis vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering places that remind you of home. This guide serves as a culinary compass, comparing top restaurants in Minneapolis to their closest counterparts in San Jose. Transition seamlessly from Minneapolis to San Jose with this personal guide to finding your next favorite eateries based on your current tastes.

MinneapolisSan JoseWhat You'll Love
Spoon and StableLe PapillonFine dining with a French twist
Brasa Premium RotisserieBack A Yard Caribbean GrillCaribbean flavors with a homey feel
112 EateryOrchard City KitchenTapas style, creative American cuisine
Matt's BarSliders BurgersKnown for juicy burgers and casual dining
Surly Brewing Co.Hermitage Brewing CompanyCraft beers and laid-back atmosphere
Broders' Pasta BarPaesano Ristorante ItalianoAuthentic Italian in a cozy setting
RevivalSmoking Pig BBQDelicious BBQ with a lively vibe
Sea Salt EateryScott's SeafoodFresh seafood in a relaxed environment
Milkjam CreameryTreatbotInventive ice creams in a fun location
Red CowSt. John’s Bar & GrillGreat burgers and a wide beer selection

As you explore San Jose, let your taste buds lead you to local favorites that reflect the diverse culinary scene you enjoyed back in Minneapolis. Orchard City Kitchen, with its innovative approach to American cuisine, will remind you of the creativity and flavors you savored at 112 Eatery. For those who relish a perfectly grilled piece of meat, the transition from Brasa Premium Rotisserie to Back A Yard Caribbean Grill promises a seamless experience with a twist of Caribbean flair. Seafood lovers will appreciate Scott's Seafood's commitment to freshness and quality, mirroring the beloved experiences at Sea Salt Eatery. Each of these San Jose restaurants not only serves as a nod to your Minneapolis favorites but also invites you to embrace the local food scene with an open heart and palette.

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Minneapolis vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial factor in planning a move, and understanding how Minneapolis and San Jose stack up against each other in terms of housing can provide valuable insights. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in cost, architecture, walkability, and urban lifestyle to help make your transition smoother.

Minneapolis
San Jose
Typical Architecture Style
Bungalow and Tudor
Spanish and Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Lake views, proximity to parks
Tech-friendly homes, solar panels

When comparing housing between Minneapolis and San Jose, one thing that immediately stands out is the significant difference in median home prices and rents, reflecting the higher cost of living in San Jose. This is partly due to San Jose being at the heart of Silicon Valley, where demand for housing is driven up by high-income tech employment. While Minneapolis offers a more classical bungalow and Tudor-style architecture, San Jose leans towards Spanish and modern. However, both cities have made strides in supporting an active urban lifestyle, with Minneapolis taking a slight lead in bikeability and urban living. Listings in Minneapolis often highlight natural amenities like lake views and proximity to parks, whereas in San Jose, the focus is more on the home's tech advancements and sustainability features, such as solar panels.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen : You’ll love walking your pet through the tree-lined streets and enjoying the welcoming community parks.

2. Rose Garden : Your furry friend will have plenty of space to roam and socialize in this neighborhood's expansive park areas.

3. West San Jose : This area offers numerous pet-friendly amenities and spacious parks, making it ideal for your pet-friendly lifestyle.

Minneapolis vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, understanding how the weather in Minneapolis compares to San Jose is crucial for adapting to your new environment. This comparison provides key insights into temperature variations, sunshine days, and other climatic factors that will influence your daily life.

Minneapolis
San Jose
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Extreme Cold
Earthquakes, Droughts
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

83/63
82/57
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

24/8
60/42


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

30.61
15.82
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

54
0


In comparing the climates of Minneapolis and San Jose, one of the most prominent contrasts is in their winter temperatures. Minneapolis experiences harsh winters with lows averaging 8°F, and significant snowfall (54 inches annually), requiring preparations and attire suitable for cold weather. Contrastingly, San Jose enjoys mild winters, with average lows of 42°F and no snowfall, making heavy winter gear less necessary. Furthermore, San Jose boasts over 257 days of sunshine annually compared to Minneapolis's 198, offering more opportunities for outdoor activities year-round. Moving from Minneapolis to San Jose, you will notice a significant drop in annual rainfall and humidity, potentially leading to changes in lifestyle and home maintenance needs.

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

Understanding the financial landscape is crucial when relocating. This comparison sheds light on what to anticipate money-wise when moving from Minneapolis, MN to San Jose, CA . Knowing differences in cost of living, taxes, and economic environment ensures you're well-prepared for the transition.

Minneapolis
San Jose
Avg. Household Income
$69,397
$126,377
Cost of Living Index
111
156.1
State Income Tax
5.35 - 9.85
1 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax
1.28
0.78
Avg. Sales Tax
8.025
9.25
Top 3 Industries
Healthcare, Manufacturing, Retail
Technology, Manufacturing, Retail
Affluence
Varied
High
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
Concerning
Significant

Relocating from Minneapolis to San Jose introduces different economic landscapes. The significant leap in the Cost of Living Index from Minneapolis’ 105 to San Jose's 214 highlights why understanding financial adjustments is essential. San Jose boasts a higher average household income, but the costs in nearly every aspect of daily life are much higher. While both cities value technology and manufacturing, San Jose's tech emphasis produces a higher affluence level. However, despite the higher income rates in San Jose, it struggles with significant homelessness, a critical factor for consideration in your move. This overview doesn't cover everything, but it starts the conversation on financial preparedness for relocating from Minneapolis to San Jose.

Minneapolis vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

Moving cities can bring about significant changes in one’s surroundings. This quick guide offers an at-a-glance comparison between Minneapolis & San Jose , focusing on the political and religious makeup of the residents to help you understand your new community better.

Minneapolis
San Jose
Political Make-up
Liberal
Liberal
Local Politics
Democratic dominance
Democratic dominance
Religion
Christianity with a mix of other faiths
Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and others

Both Minneapolis and San Jose share a liberal political landscape and Democratic dominance in local politics, reflecting a broader trend in their respective regions. However, the religious makeup presents a richer tapestry of diversity, especially in San Jose which is home to varied faith communities including Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam, beyond the predominant Christianity. This diversity is mirrored in the city's cultural festivals and houses of worship, such as the San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin and the Silicon Valley Interreligious Council, which promote interfaith dialogues and cooperation. Embracing these differences could enrich your understanding and appreciation of your new home.

Minneapolis vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This comparison is designed to help you better understand the daily commute and traffic is like between Minneapolis & San Jose, providing a clearer picture of what to expect when you move from one city to the other. The focus is on driving and transiting differences to facilitate your adaptation to your new home.

Minneapolis
San Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
30
Traffic Congestion
6 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
7 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible but challenging
Possible with careful planning

Both Minneapolis and San Jose offer unique commuting challenges and perks. Minneapolis has a somewhat more efficient public transit system, reflected in its higher availability score, making it somewhat easier to navigate without a car. However, San Jose's tech-centric environment leads to higher traffic congestion, despite a slightly longer average commute time. Each city’s transit infrastructure means that living without a car is possible but requires planning and adaptation, especially considering the lifestyle and commute needs unique to you.

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