Moving to Minnesota: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Aug 7, 2025
10 min read

Thinking about relocating to Minnesota? You’re not alone. The North Star State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Minneapolis or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.

There’s plenty to love about Minnesota, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.

We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Minnesota to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Jump to the Minnesota information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to MN
Top car shippers to MN
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Minnesota

Moving to Minnesota comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.

Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the North Star State to see if it’s the right fit for you.

Pros of living in Minnesota

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
✓Multitudinous lakes
✓Diverse festivals
✓Friendly people

Cons of living in Minnesota

✖Bland food
✖Cold snowy winters
✖Terrible traffic
✖High tax burden
✖Thick accents

Things to do in Minnesota

Whether you’re moving to Minnesota for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Minnesota is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..

If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.

Popular Attractions in Minnesota

Mall of America
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Cathedral of Saint Paul
North Shore Scenic Drive
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Minnehaha Falls
Munsinger Clemens Gardens
Itasca State Park
Valleyfair Amusement Park

Museums in Minnesota

Minneapolis Institute of Art
Science Museum of Minnesota
Mill City Museum
Minnesota History Center
Paisley Park
Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
North American Bear Center
Pottery Museum of Red Wing
International Wolf Center

Parks in Minnesota

Minnehaha Park
Teddy Bear Park
Enger Park and Tower
Canal Park
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Colvill Park
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Centennial Lakes Park

Fun facts about Minnesota

Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.

These fun facts about Minnesota, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

The oldest human remains found in the region date back to 7,000 BC. These remains were found in 1933 near Browns Valley, east of the state of Minnesota; hence, the name of Man of Browns Valley. Human presence in the region could be before the date thanks to the discovery.
French nationals, Pierre Esprit Radisson and Médard Chouart were, in 1660, the first inhabitants of the old continent. In 1679, French explorer Daniel Greysolon claimed the entire region on behalf of France. French influence in the area declined after 1763 when France ceded part of Minnesota to the United Kingdom.
Minnesota state parks occupy more than 200 thousand hectares. Many of its lakes and rivers allow locals and visitors to enjoy various activities, including sailing, fishing, boating, swimming and walking on foot through forests, marshes, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. Practically since its creation as a state of the Union, Minnesota has paid special attention to education. MN is proudly one of the ten strongest states in education.
The state of Minnesota ranks first when it comes to the percentage of residents who exercise regularly. It is second in three key indices: low infant mortality, long life expectancy, and a low mortality rate.
An interesting fact about Minnesota is that the Minneapolis Skyway System stands out as the largest network of skyways globally. It links 80 blocks contiguously for a distance of up to 9.5 miles. The very first skyway, opened in 1962. People can move one building to another in a more convenient way even during bad weather.
This list of facts about Minnesota would not be complete unless the state’s important contributions are mentioned. Minnesota has contributed many inventions in various fields, including medicines and apparel. Its notable achievements include Scotch tape, Better Business Bureau, automatic pop-up toaster, in-the-ear Hearing Aid, and more
At 701 meters (2,301 feet), Eagle Mountain stands tall as Minnesota’s highest point. The mountain is located in Northern County and is a Minnesota State Historic Site.
Fort San Antonio (later called Fort Snelling) is Minnesota’s first military installation. It was built in 1819 and, Mendota, the first large settlement was developed in its vicinity. With the establishment in 1834 of the main commercial factory of the American Leather Company in Mendota, the fort became the main settlement of northwestern America.
Minnesota was one of the first states to support the Union during the Civil War. It is around this time that the state government and some railway companies were interested in attracting people to the state territories.
Valleyfair is the largest amusement park in the Midwest area of the United States. It has over 75 rides and attractions including eight roller coasters. There is also an area called “Route 76” dedicated to the classic attractions with which the park originally started in 1976.
The state is home to the world’s largest pelican, which was erected at base of of the Mill Pond dam. The concrete statue, which was built in 1957 is situated in Pelican Rapids.
Minnesota is a dream for anyone who loves shopping. It is home to the largest mall and entertainment center in the United States – Mall of America. Shoppers can take advantage of zero tax on the sale of clothing or footwear, so it is a shopping paradise.
To the north, you will find the largest lakes in Minnesota and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Lake Leech is the third-largest in Minnesota. It is worth visiting, especially for its landscape. It has an irregular shape in addition to small and large bays. It comes as no surprise that the state is known as “the land of 10,000 lakes.”
Mystery Cave is the longest cave in the State of Minnesota is located in Forestville State Park and is open to the public. The interesting thing is to observe its natural formations of stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools. It is perfectly conditioned for tourism and children can enter.

Minnesota population and demographics

As you consider making the move to Minnesota, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the North Star State is all about.

If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.

Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.

Knowing who calls Minnesota home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.

Metric	Minnesota
Population	5,737,915
Female	49.9%
Male	50.1%
College graduation rate	38.9%
Political leaning	Democratic 51.1-46.9
Crime index	22.47

Minnesota weather

Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Minnesota is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.

Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.

If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Minnesota’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.

Metric	Minnesota
Summer high	81ºF
Winter low	2ºF
Annual rain	29″
Annual snow	47″

Income and cost of living in Minnesota

Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Minnesota can be.

Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.

These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Minnesota has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($52.2 billion)
Professional and business services ($48.5 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($40.5 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($39.6 billion)
Finance and insurance ($32.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($25.5 billion)
Retail trade ($19.8 billion)
Construction ($14.5 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($12.8 billion)
Information ($12.2 billion)

Metric	Minnesota
Average rent cost	$1,178
Average home cost	$334,119
Average income (per capita)	$84,313
Cost of living index*	94
Unemployment rate	3.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	9.85%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Minnesota

If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.

If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Minnesota is a smart place to consider.

Here are some of the top schools in Minnesota:

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Carleton College
Rasmussen College
University of St. Thomas
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Macalester College l
St. Olaf College
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
St. Cloud State University
Gustavus Adolphus College
Hamline University
St. Catherine University
Augsburg University
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Minnesota State University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Minnesota

We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 38 being in Minnesota, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the North Star State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Minnesota

Before making your move to Minnesota, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.

Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.

For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.

Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.

If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Minnesota

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Minnesota.

Minnesota car insurance requirements

In Minnesota, drivers need to have at least $30,000 in bodily injury liability per person, $60,000 per accident, and $10,000 in property damage liability. This provides financial protection and complies with state laws.

Minnesota drivers license requirements

In Minnesota, new residents have 60 days to get a state driver’s license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services handles the issuance of these licenses.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Minnesota?

Moving to Minnesota is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Minnesota is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Minnesota?

On the cost of living index, Minnesota has a score of 94. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Minnesota?

The average income in MN is $84,313, and the an unemployment rate is 3.4. Home prices are $334,119, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,178.

What is the downside of living in Minnesota?

Like any place, Minnesota has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in North Star State include:

Bland food
Cold snowy winters
Terrible traffic
High tax burden
Thick accents

Minnesota Moving Resources

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