Best St. Paul to San Jose Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from St. Paul to San Jose and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,996 mile move from Minnesota to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 37 St. Paul to San Jose moving companies and more than 15,000 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 St. Paul 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 St. Paul to San Jose Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Metro Movers9.499.73Authorized For PropertyContact
2D&L Movers9.349.36ActiveContact
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHGContact
4General Expert Moving Service LLC9.278.89Authorized For HHGContact
5Goal Line Moving9.269.42Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from St. Paul to San Jose

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,996 miles from St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA will cost on average $3,479 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom St. Paul to San Jose move is roughly $8,393. 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$2,334300 ft³7.78
1 Bedroom$3,479450 ft³7.73
2 Bedrooms$5,760750 ft³7.68
3 Bedrooms$8,3931100 ft³7.63
4 Bedrooms$12,1281600 ft³7.58
5+ Bedrooms$13,5541800 ft³7.53
*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 St. Paul guide.

Compare the 5 Best St. Paul 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

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,008+ 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

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,789+ 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 4,655+ 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

Exceptional9.27/10
based on 528+ 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
Goal Line Moving Logo

Goal Line Moving

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 664+ data points

Plymouth, MN

About Goal Line Moving

Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2926126 / 1088400

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2024)
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.

St. Paul vs. San Jose Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be a daunting process, especially when it involves moving to a completely new city. To ease this transition, we've crafted a guide to help you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. Through this guide, you'll find a comparison of the local neighborhoods between St. Paul, MN & San Jose, CA, drawing parallels that will make your move feel a bit more like coming home. Let's explore the closest neighborhood counterparts.

St. PaulSan JoseHow They're Similar
Summit HillRose GardenHistoric homes, lush gardens
Highland ParkWillow GlenCommunity-centric, charming downtown
Macalester-GrovelandAlmaden ValleyFamily-friendly, great schools
Cathedral HillThe AlamedaRich history, vibrant local scene
LowertownSoFA DistrictArtsy, vibrant nightlife
Merriam ParkShasta Hanchett ParkHistoric charm, community focus
Crocus HillNaglee ParkUnique homes, community feel
St. Anthony ParkWillow GlenStrong community, local shops
Como ParkCambrian ParkFamily-friendly, park-rich
Dayton's BluffEast San JoseHistoric, diverse community

If you've enjoyed the historic homes and lush, garden-filled landscapes of Summit Hill, the Rose Garden area in San Jose will captivate you with its similar charm, boasting rows of historic residences and the renowned San José Municipal Rose Garden. For those moving from the community-centric vibes of Highland Park, Willow Glen offers an equally welcoming atmosphere, complete with a vibrant downtown area filled with unique shops and cafés such as Willow Glen Creamery. Meanwhile, Macalester-Groveland residents will find Almaden Valley to be a seamless transition, where the emphasis on family-friendly environments and top-notch schools like Leland High School are paramount, proving that no matter where you're from, finding a slice of home in San Jose is possible.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from St. Paul to San Jose

Moving from one city to another involves weighing the balance between the challenges and opportunities . This comparison is designed to present an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA . Here we show how the pros offset the cons and vice versa, aiding in making an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
St. Paul, MN iconSt. Paul, MN
  • Colder winters
  • Less tech jobs
  • Lower diversity
  • Smaller city feel
  • Less expensive housing
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Warmer climate
  • More tech opportunities
  • Greater diversity
  • Larger urban area
  • More expensive housing
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Higher cost of living
  • More spread out
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Less greenery
  • Faster pace
St. Paul, MN iconSt. Paul, MN
  • More affordable living
  • Tighter-knit community
  • Rich historical landmarks
  • Abundant green spaces
  • Slower pace of life

While St. Paul charms with its historical landmarks like the Minnesota State Capitol and the extensive greenery of Como Park, San Jose dazzles with its booming tech industry, headquartered in Silicon Valley, offering abundant opportunities for professionals in this sector. Although you might find the adjustment to San Jose's faster pace and higher cost of living challenging, the city compensates with its diverse culture, represented in culinary hotspots like San Pedro Square Market, and the tech-centered attractions such as the Tech Interactive. The transition invites a significant lifestyle change, but it is also an opportunity for personal growth and exploring new horizons in a city known for innovation.

St. Paul vs. San Jose Food Guide

When relocating, exploring the culinary landscape is essential to understanding what life will be like in your new city. In this guide, we're looking at the comparison of the local cuisine between St. Paul & San Jose to offer insights into the unique flavors and dining experiences each city has to offer, helping you feel more at home.

St. PaulSan Jose
Most iconic local food itemJucy LucyPho
Most popular meat dishWalleyeKalbi
Most popular street food itemTater Tot HotdishTacos
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupVegetable Pho
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Matt's Bar
  • Cossetta's
  • The Lexington
  • Original Joe's
  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • DiA DiA
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

San Jose stands out for its vibrant street food scene, showcasing an abundance of food trucks, particularly in neighborhoods like SoFA District and San Pedro Square. Here, you'll find a multitude of options ranging from innovative tacos to gourmet international cuisines. San Jose also boasts a strong Vietnamese culinary influence, with pho being a citywide favorite, reflecting the rich diversity and foodie culture. Places like Falafel's Drive-In not only offer a taste of local history but also a glimpse into the healthy, fitness-conscious lifestyle prevalent in the city. Whether you're craving hearty street food or nutritious vegan options, San Jose's culinary scene is incredibly accommodating and diverse.

St. Paul vs. San Jose Restaurant Comparison

Finding your next favorite dining spot can turn a new city into home. This restaurant comparison from St. Paul to San Jose is designed to guide you toward culinary delights that resonate with your tastes. Whether you cherish high-end dining, casual bites, foodie havens, or affordable options, this comparison will help you find your way.

St. PaulSan JoseWhat You'll Love
Mancini’s Char HouseOriginal Joe'sClassic, family-owned Italian-American eatery
The Buttered TinBill's CaféRenowned for hearty breakfasts and homely vibe
MeritageLe PapillonFine dining with a focus on French cuisine
Happy GnomeFirehouse No.1 GastropubCraft beers and upscale pub food
HeartlandMezcal RestaurantFocus on local and seasonal ingredients
Brasa Premium RotisserieBack A YardCaribbean-inspired comfort food
Cossetta’sTony Di Maggio's PizzaKnown for their "stomboli" and pizza
Tanpopo Noodle ShopRamen TakaAuthentic Japanese noodle house experience
Kopplin’s CoffeeChromatic CoffeeQuality-focused, artisan coffee shop
Mickey’s DinerHappy HooligansClassic American diner food with a vegan twist

Transitioning from St. Paul to San Jose doesn't mean leaving behind the flavors and dining experiences you love. For instance, if you’ve enjoyed the unique blend of American and Italian fare at Mancini’s Char House, Original Joe's in San Jose stands ready to welcome you with its classic ambiance and family-owned charm. Fans of sophisticated breakfast and brunch at The Buttered Tin will find solace in the comfort and quality of Bill's Café. Moreover, those who have appreciated the contemporary twist on French cuisine at Meritage can expect an equally refined dining experience at Le Papillon, where each dish is carefully crafted to showcase the intricacies of French culinary arts. This guide ensures you won't have to compromise on your dining expectations, making your transition smoother and tastier.

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St. Paul vs. San Jose Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, comparing real estate between St. Paul, MN, and San Jose, CA is crucial for informed decision-making. From housing affordability to lifestyle, understanding these differences can significantly impact your relocation experience.

ComparisonSt. PaulSan Jose
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, CraftsmanModern, Mediterranean
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to parks, Historic charmTech-friendly homes, Proximity to tech campuses

One of the striking differences between relocating to St. Paul and San Jose is the median home price, reflecting the higher cost of living in California's tech hub. While St. Paul offers a mix of Victorian and Craftsman architecture, emphasizing historic charm, San Jose’s listings often feature modern amenities, catering to tech professionals. Interestingly, despite its vibrant urban lifestyle, San Jose ranks lower in walkability compared to St. Paul, suggesting a reliance on personal or public transport. However, the urban lifestyle score is higher in San Jose, indicating a more densely populated environment with numerous cultural, dining, and entertainment options.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Jose, CA

1. Willow Glen: Known for its quaint, tree-lined streets, you'll find plenty of pet-friendly restaurants and a welcoming atmosphere at Willow Glen's downtown area, perfect for leisurely walks with your furry friends.

2. Cambrian Park: Boasting a serene suburban vibe, Cambrian Park is home to several parks, including the dog-friendly Butcher Dog Park, where your pets can play off-leash in a safe, enclosed environment.

3. Downtown San Jose: If you're looking for a more urban experience, Downtown San Jose offers many pet-friendly living spaces and amenities, alongside dog-friendly dining options like Original Joe’s, making it an ideal place for pet owners who love city living.

St. Paul vs. San Jose Weather Considerations

When planning a move from St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA, understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial. This comparison aims to outline how the climate varies from what you're accustomed to in St. Paul versus what you can expect in San Jose, making your transition smoother.

Summer icon
83°F / 63°F

St. Paul, MN

82°F / 58°F

San Jose, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
23°F / 7°F

St. Paul, MN

60°F / 42°F

San Jose, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
32 inches

St. Paul, MN

15.5 inches

San Jose, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
52 inches

St. Paul, MN

0 inches

San Jose, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSt. PaulSan Jose
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold WavesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Transitioning from the cool, snowy winters of St. Paul to the mild, sunny climate of San Jose will present a significant change. You'll trade snowy winters for a chance of earthquakes and wildfires but gain more than 50 additional days of sunshine a year. The nearly non-existent snowfall in San Jose is a stark contrast to St. Paul's heavy snow. However, both cities offer their unique weather challenges, including humidity and seasonal allergies, which could impact your day-to-day life. Adjusting to the moderate air quality in San Jose from the good air quality in St. Paul might also necessitate some lifestyle changes. Being prepared will help you make the most of San Jose's beautiful weather while mitigating any potential risks.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Paul to San Jose

When contemplating a move from St. Paul, MN to San Jose, CA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. This comparison will help you gauge how expenses, taxes, and income potential may shift, ensuring you make an informed decision. The comparison of living expenses between St. Paul and San Jose is essential to set realistic expectations for your financial future post-move.

ComparisonSt. PaulSan Jose
Avg. Household Income$66,098$126,377
Cost of Living Index110156.1
State Income Tax5.35 - 9.851 - 13.3
Avg. Property Tax1.280.76
Avg. Sales Tax7.889.25
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingTechnology, Agriculture, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateVery High
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessSignificantHigh

While the average household income in San Jose significantly outstrips that of St. Paul, so does the cost of living—more than double, according to the cost of living index. Despite higher average incomes, San Jose's high cost of living affects various expenses, especially housing. This disparity underscores the importance of preparing for higher living expenses upon relocating. However, the difference in state income tax rates offers some financial solace, with California's progressive tax potentially being lower for lower-income earners. Moreover, the dominant industries in San Jose revolve around technology, indicating more opportunities for employment in tech-centered careers, which could justify the higher cost of living for some.

St. Paul vs. San Jose Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between St. Paul & San Jose aims to provide a quick snapshot of the political and religious makeup of each city's residents. It's designed to help you understand the cultural and social atmosphere you're moving into.

St. PaulSan Jose
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, community engagementTechnologically-oriented policies, green initiatives
ReligionDiverse religious communities, including Catholic and Muslim centersDiverse, with a significant presence of Catholic and Interfaith communities

While both St. Paul and San Jose are Democratic-leaning with progressive local policies, the focal points of their agendas differ. In St. Paul, there's a strong emphasis on community engagement and progressive social policies. San Jose, in the heart of Silicon Valley, focuses on technologically-oriented policies and green initiatives, reflecting its status as a global tech hub. Religiously, both cities boast diversity, yet they uniquely cater to their communities through a variety of religious centers, including Catholic and interfaith communities, illustrating the rich, multicultural fabric of each city.

St. Paul vs. San Jose Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

When considering a move from St. Paul, MN, to San Jose, CA, it's essential to understand the differences in driving and transiting options. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between St. Paul & San Jose is designed to give you a clearer picture of what your daily commute may look like and how it could affect your daily life.

ComparisonSt. PaulSan Jose
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2330
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible with effortChallenging

The average commute in San Jose is notably longer than that in St. Paul, which can be attributed to higher levels of traffic congestion due to San Jose's dense urban environment and its role as a tech hub, resulting in more people commuting to work each day. While both cities offer public transit options, San Jose has a slight edge in terms of availability, partially because of the Bay Area's extensive transportation networks, including Caltrain and VTA. However, despite the better score in public transportation, living in San Jose without a car might be more challenging due to its sprawling layout and the greater distances between residential areas and commercial zones. In contrast, St. Paul's more compact urban core makes it somewhat easier to navigate without a car, though having one could significantly enhance your mobility and convenience in both cities.

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