Best Minneapolis to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Minneapolis to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,987 mile move from Minnesota to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Minneapolis to San Diego 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 Diego. 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.
Best Minneapolis to San Diego Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Metro Movers | 9.49 | 9.73 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 2 | The Rock Movers | 9.49 | 9.53 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. | 9.46 | 9.62 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | General Expert Moving Service LLC | 9.26 | 8.89 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI | 9.18 | 8.26 | Active | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Minneapolis to San Diego
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,987 miles from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,471 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Minneapolis to San Diego move is roughly $8,375. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,329 | 300 ft³ | 7.76 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,471 | 450 ft³ | 7.71 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,747 | 750 ft³ | 7.66 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,375 | 1100 ft³ | 7.61 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,101 | 1600 ft³ | 7.56 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,524 | 1800 ft³ | 7.51 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Diego to Minneapolis guide.
Compare the 5 Best Minneapolis to San Diego Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Metro Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3742268 / 1503884 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 16,000 (2023) |
The Rock Movers
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3653432 / 1541470 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 40,000 (2023) |
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3177184 / 1157114 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 7 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 200,000 (2024) |
General Expert Moving Service LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2846187 / 1285395 Authorized For HHG Carrier/Shipper |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 24 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 30,000 (2024) |
Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI
This listing has been claimed by Exercise Equipment Installation: EEI3019 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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3914686 / - Active CARRIER |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | - |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
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.
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 Diego Neighborhood Comparison
Relocating can be a mix of excitement and uncertainty, especially when you're moving to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've designed a comparison that highlights the similarities between Minneapolis, MN & San Diego, CA neighborhoods . This guide aims to help you find a new home that feels familiar by matching you with a neighborhood in San Diego that shares the spirit of your Minneapolis locale.
| Minneapolis | San Diego | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Linden Hills | La Jolla | Upscale, ocean views |
| Uptown | North Park | Vibrant, artsy |
| Northeast | Barrio Logan | Rich in culture, arts |
| Edina | Del Mar | Affluent, family-friendly |
| North Loop | Little Italy | Trendy, foodie paradise |
| Powderhorn | Ocean Beach | Community oriented, eclectic |
| Southwest | Point Loma | Quiet, suburban |
| Kenwood | Rancho Santa Fe | Exclusive, luxurious |
| Downtown East | Gaslamp Quarter | Lively, historic |
| Bryn Mawr | Carmel Valley | Scenic, well-planned |
If you're drawn to the artsy vibe and bustling streets of Uptown Minneapolis, you'll find a similar cultural heartbeat in San Diego's North Park, known for its craft beer scene and vibrant arts community. Nature lovers coming from Linden Hills, with its picturesque lakes and cozy neighborhood feel, will appreciate the ocean views and upscale charm of La Jolla, where you can explore the shores of the Pacific or dine in style with a sea view. For those who appreciate the rich, diverse culture and artistic flair of Northeast Minneapolis, Barrio Logan offers an engaging blend of history, culture, and art, highlighted by the iconic Chicano Park and its extraordinary murals. And food enthusiasts who loved the trendy eateries and boutique shopping experience of North Loop will find a culinary paradise in Little Italy, where the Mercato Farmers' Market and endless dining options await. Regardless of your neighborhood, these comparisons aim to make your transition from Minneapolis to San Diego a little easier and a lot more exciting.
Things to Do in San Diego
Visit the San Diego Zoo- Tour the USS Midway Museum
- Explore Balboa Park
- Relax at Coronado Beach
- Dine in Little Italy
- Experience SeaWorld San Diego
- Play golf at Torrey Pines
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Minneapolis to San Diego
Moving across states can be a life-changing decision, packed with both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA by contrasting the cons with the pros and vice versa. Understanding these differences will help you navigate the transition more smoothly, keeping your expectations in check.
Minneapolis, MN- Cold winters
- Fewer sunny days
- Lower diversity
- Lesser beach access
San Diego, CA- Mild winters
- Year-round sunshine
- Higher diversity
- Beaches galore
San Diego, CA- Higher cost of living
- Fewer lakes
- Smaller arts community
- Less greenery
Minneapolis, MN- Lower cost of living
- Abundant lakes
- Rich arts scene
- Ample green spaces
Choosing between Minneapolis, MN, and San Diego, CA, is more than just swapping snow for sand; it's about weighing what daily life looks like in each city. In Minneapolis, the beauty of nature is manifest in its abundant lakes, like Lake Harriet and Lake of the Isles, and its numerous parks, such as Minnehaha Park, offer vast green spaces that are perfect for recreational activities regardless of the season. The city's cultural tapestry is rich, with institutions like the Minneapolis Institute of Art or orchestral performances at Orchestra Hall. Conversely, San Diego showers its residents with endless sunshine and a coastline that boasts popular spots like La Jolla Cove and Mission Beach. Dining out in San Diego is an adventure in itself, with vibrant neighborhoods like Little Italy, known for its culinary delights and the Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market, adding to the city’s charm. While San Diego might have less greenery, places like Balboa Park offer expansive areas for outdoor enjoyment alongside cultural experiences, proving that each city showcases its unique flair.
Minneapolis vs. San Diego Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Minneapolis & San Diego, emphasizing how food reflects local culture and daily life. Understanding the food scene of your future home can enrich your relocation experience.
| Minneapolis | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Juicy Lucy | Fish Taco |
| Most popular meat dish | Wild Rice Burger | Carne Asada |
| Most popular street food item | Mini Donuts | California Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Grain Bowl | Jackfruit Taco |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Minneapolis, the Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger, is a local staple you can find in various pubs and eateries like Matt's Bar. Meanwhile, San Diego is renowned for its fish tacos, with seaside restaurants in neighborhoods like La Jolla offering fresh and flavorful options. San Diego's vibrant street food scene, highlighted by the iconic California burrito, reflects the city's casual, surf-side culture. For vegans, Minneapolis offers creative dishes like grain bowls available in trendsetting areas such as the North Loop, while San Diego's numerous vegan eateries boast innovative options like jackfruit tacos. Whether it's Minneapolis' cozy diners or San Diego's sunlit beachfront cafes, both cities offer a rich tapestry of flavors that reflect their diverse cultural landscapes.
Minneapolis vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison
When settling into a new city, discovering local dining spots is key to feeling at home. This chart is designed to ease the transition from Minneapolis to San Diego by comparing top restaurants in Minneapolis to their San Diego counterparts, helping you find your next favorite eatery.
| Minneapolis | San Diego | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| 112 Eatery | Herb & Wood | Cozy, upscale dining with innovative dishes |
| Spoon and Stable | Juniper & Ivy | High-end cuisine with a creative twist |
| Bar La Grassa | Bencotto Italian Kitchen | Authentic Italian with a modern vibe |
| Matt's Bar | Hodad's | Iconic burger joint with a laid-back atmosphere |
| Brasa Premium Rotisserie | Phil's BBQ | Famous for smoked meats and casual dining |
| Revival | Coop's West Texas BBQ | Authentic Southern BBQ flavor |
| Smack Shack | Ironside Fish & Oyster | Seafood-centric with a lively ambiance |
| Hai Hai | Pho Ca Dao & Grill | Vibrant Vietnamese cuisine and exotic flavors |
| Parlour | Craft & Commerce | Inventive cocktails and comfort food in a chic setting |
| Surly Brewing Co. | Stone Brewing | Renowned for craft beers and hearty meals |
Exploring the San Diego dining scene offers an exciting opportunity to rediscover culinary favorites from Minneapolis in a new light. Fans of the vibrant flavors and laid-back atmosphere of Matt's Bar in Minneapolis will delight in Hodad's in San Diego, a place that epitomizes the SoCal burger experience with its own unique twist. Similarly, aficionados of the innovative and upscale dining at Spoon and Stable will find a worthy counterpart in Juniper & Ivy, where the creative culinary techniques and high-quality ingredients echo the esteemed Minneapolis kitchen. This careful pairing of establishments ensures you don’t have to leave your culinary comfort zone behind as you embark on this exciting new chapter in San Diego.
Ready to start your move?
Minneapolis vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal element when considering relocation. Understanding how the housing landscape contrasts between your current and prospective home is crucial. This comparison between Minneapolis, MN, and San Diego, CA, highlights the key differences in real estate offerings, ensuring you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Minneapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Victorian, Cape Cod | Spanish Revival, Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake views, proximity to parks | Ocean views, outdoor living spaces |
When transitioning from Minneapolis to San Diego, you'll experience a significant shift not only in climate but also in the housing market and lifestyle. San Diego's architecture leans heavily towards Spanish Revival and Modern styles, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and contemporary vibe. Houses here commonly feature outdoor living spaces to leverage the city's year-round temperate climate, a stark contrast to the Victorian and Cape Cod styles prevalent in Minneapolis that cater to varying seasons. The walkability and urban lifestyle score higher in San Diego, underscoring a more active, outdoor-centric urban culture compared to Minneapolis. However, this comes at a premium, with both purchasing and renting homes significantly more expensive in San Diego. Deciding on where to live involves weighing these factors against your personal and financial priorities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA
1. Ocean Beach: Known for its laid-back vibe, Ocean Beach features Dog Beach, where your furry friends can play off-leash in the surf and sand.
2. North Park: A neighborhood that embraces pet owners, North Park offers several pet-friendly dining options and the Morley Field Dog Park for off-leash fun.
3. Little Italy: This vibrant neighborhood not only has multiple pet-friendly patios for dining but also hosts the annual Little Italy Doggie Street Festival, celebrating pets and their families.
Minneapolis vs. San Diego Weather Considerations
When considering a move from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA, it's essential to understand how the climate differences will impact your daily life. This comparison highlights the weather variations between your current home city Minneapolis and your potential new home, San Diego , indicating what adjustments you might need to make.
Minneapolis, MN
San Diego, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Minneapolis, MN
San Diego, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Minneapolis, MN
San Diego, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Minneapolis, MN
San Diego, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Minneapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Transitioning from Minneapolis to San Diego involves a considerable climate adjustment. In San Diego, you'll experience significantly more days of sunshine, milder winters, and no snowfall, offering a year-round outdoor lifestyle. However, it's also important to prepare for the higher annual UV index, which necessitates regular sunscreen use. While the air quality in San Diego is generally good, be aware of potential exacerbations during wildfire season. Additionally, the types of natural disasters differ, so familiarizing yourself with earthquake and wildfire preparedness is advisable.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Minneapolis to San Diego
When relocating from one city to another, understanding how the cost of living in Minneapolis compares with that in San Diego is crucial. This comparison provides insight into differences in income, taxes, and economic factors, helping you plan your finances effectively for a smooth transition.
| Comparison | Minneapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $69,397 | $93,042 |
| Cost of Living Index | 111 | 132.3 |
| State Income Tax | 5.35 - 9.85% | 1 - 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.28% | 0.76% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 8.025% | 7.75 - 8.75% |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Trade, Health Services | Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Moderate | Lower |
| Homelessness | Significant | High |
Moving from Minneapolis to San Diego, you'll notice a significant jump in the Cost of Living Index, with San Diego being substantially more expensive. While average household incomes in San Diego are slightly higher, the state income tax range is broader, potentially affecting higher earners more. Despite a higher cost of living, San Diego's property taxes are notably lower than in Minneapolis, which, combined with its robust military, tourism, and trade industries, reflects its high affluence level. However, both cities face challenges with homelessness, indicating a complex social issue that doesn't solely correlate with economic prosperity.
Minneapolis vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison
This comparison offers a quick overview of the political and religious makeup of residents moving from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA . It provides insights into what you might expect from your new home in terms of community values and beliefs.
| Minneapolis | San Diego | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Lean Democratic | Lean Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive Policies | Moderately Progressive |
| Religion | Mix with Lutheran Predominance | Varied, with a significant Catholic presence |
Both Minneapolis and San Diego lean Democratic in terms of political makeup, suggesting that you might find similar political affiliations in both cities. However, while Minneapolis is known for its particularly progressive policies, San Diego, though also progressive, tends to be slightly more moderate. On the religious front, Minneapolis has a notable Lutheran community owing to its Scandinavian heritage, whereas San Diego showcases a diverse religious landscape with a significant Catholic presence. This comparison suggests that while there are underlying similarities, the emphasis in local politics and religious communities will offer you a unique cultural experience in San Diego.
Minneapolis vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Minneapolis, MN to San Diego, CA requires understanding the daily commute and traffic. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what driving and transiting will be like in these cities.
| Comparison | Minneapolis | San Diego |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 25 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Challenging in many areas |
When considering the move from Minneapolis to San Diego, keep in mind that both cities have relatively similar average commute times, though San Diego experiences slightly higher levels of traffic congestion. Minneapolis offers robust public transit options, making it somewhat easier to get around without a car compared to San Diego, where public transit access varies by location. However, San Diego's climate and layout can make cycling and other alternative modes of transportation more appealing year-round.
Additional Resources
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