Factors that influence moving costs from Oakland to Minneapolistoggle

The cost of Oakland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Oakland to Minneapolis might cost as little as $1,607, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,581.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Oakland, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,334 to $3,388. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Oakland to Minneapolis

Moving from Oakland to Minneapolis comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Minneapolis is generally more expensive than Oakland, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Oakland Minneapolis
Average rent cost $2,200 $1,484
Average home value $736,156 $312,602
Average income (per capita) $94,389 $70,099
Cost of living (single person) $3,146 $3,900
Cost of living (family of 4) $8,584 $4,710
Unemployment rate 4.5% 4.5%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.03%
State income tax 13.3% 9.85%
  • Rent prices in Minneapolis are 33% lower than in Oakland, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Minneapolis.
    Home prices in Minneapolis are 57.5% lower than in Oakland.
  • Income in Minneapolis is 25.7% lower than in Oakland, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Minneapolis include Aeon, Target, and Medtronic.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Minneapolis, since the cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 24.0% higher than in Oakland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Minneapolis is 45.1% lower than in Oakland.
  • The unemployment rate in Minneapolis and Oakland.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Minneapolis, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Minneapolis are 11.90% lower than in Oakland.
  • One perk of moving to Minneapolis is paying less in state income taxes, which are 25.94% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,719.01 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Minneapolis

Minneapolis Oakland
Population 425,115 440,646
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 71 75
Bike friendliness score 83 65
Crime Index 56.06 68.62
Safety Index 43.94 31.38
Air Quality Good Good
  • Minneapolis's population is about the same as Oakland.
  • Minneapolis's public transportation has a similar score to Oakland.
  • Minneapolis is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
  • With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Oakland, which has a score of 65 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Minneapolis's crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 56.06 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
  • Minneapolis is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 43.94 vs Oakland's 31.38.
  • Air quality in Minneapolis is good, and in Oakland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oakland vs. Minneapolis move

  • Weather: Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Minneapolis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance.In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Minneapolis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Lakes", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Minneapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Loring Park
  • Northeast Minneapolis
  • North Loop (Warehouse District)
  • Uptown
  • Whittier

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Diamond Lake
  • Fulton
  • Kenny
  • Linden Hills
  • Minnehaha

Things to do in Minneapolis

Now that you've made the move to Minnesota, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Minneapolis. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Minneapolis, such as the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, The Museum of Russian Art, and Foshay Tower.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Twins (MLB), or Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Oakland to Minneapolis?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Oakland to Minneapolis. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Oakland.

When is the cheapest time to move from Oakland to Minneapolis?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Oakland to Minneapolis, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.

How long does a move from Oakland to Minneapolis take?

The 1,967-mile journey from Oakland, CA to Minneapolis, MN typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Oakland offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Minneapolis.

Helpful moving resources