Moving to Minnesota (Pros & Cons of Relocating)
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If you're thinking about moving to Minnesota, you're not alone. The North Star State attracts newcomers for good reason. With bustling metropolitan areas like Minneapolis and quiet rural towns, there's a place to match your preferred pace of life.
As much as there is to love about Minnesota, it's smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.
Here's what you need to know about moving to Minnesota, plus your route options once you're ready to book.
Jump to what you're looking for:
Movers to Minnesota are booking fast this July
Peak-season demand runs high and prices climb 20-30%. If you're moving soon, lock in your date before availability tightens.
Pros & cons of living in Minnesota
Moving to Minnesota has its perks, but it also comes with a few challenges you'll want to keep in mind.
Pros
- ✓Ample economic opportunity
- ✓Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
- ✓Multitudinous lakes
- ✓Diverse festivals
- ✓Friendly people
Cons
- ✖Bland food
- ✖Cold snowy winters
- ✖Terrible traffic
- ✖High tax burden
- ✖Thick accents
Top cities to consider in Minnesota
| City | Population | Avg. rent | Crime index |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis | 425,115 | $1,484 | 56.06 |
| St. Paul | 303,176 | $1,350 | 50.86 |
| Rochester | 120,848 | $1,316 | 46.09 |
Minnesota financial and tax breakdown
Here are some key numbers to budget for before you move:
| Metric | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Cost of living index* | 94 |
| State income tax | 9.85% |
| Average rent | $1,178 |
| Average home value | $334,119 |
| Average income (per capita) | $84,313 |
*100-point scale. Under 100 is cheaper than the national average; over 100 is more expensive.
Minnesota climate & safety
Minnesota experiences temperature extremes characteristic of its continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. Minnesota does experience weather such as: rain, snow, blizzards, thunderstorms, hail, derechos, tornadoes, and high-velocity straight-line winds.
Keep in mind that Minnesota's crime index is a statewide figure, so it doesn't capture how much safety can differ between neighborhoods. Research the specific city you're considering before drawing conclusions.
| Metric | Minnesota |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 2ºF |
| Annual rain | 29" |
| Annual snow | 47" |
| Crime index | 22.47 |
Minnesota's climate carries risk of tornadoes and hail, which can meaningfully affect your homeowners and flood insurance premiums. Get insurance quotes early in your home search so there are no surprises in your moving budget.
Planning your move to Minnesota
Job market
On the employment front, Minnesota's economy is driven primarily by Manufacturing, Professional and business services, and Real estate and rental and leasing. Job opportunities tend to concentrate in the larger metro areas, so your city will matter as much as the state overall.
Minnesota's top economic sectors by output:
- 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)
Schools
Moving with young children? Research the specific school districts serving whichever city or neighborhood you're considering; districts vary widely within Minnesota, so the statewide statistics won't tell you much about any one school your kids would actually attend.
If you or a family member are looking at higher education instead, here are some of the top universities 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
How to move to Minnesota: a quick checklist
Here's what to keep in mind for a move to Minnesota. Want more details? Our complete moving checklist covers the full process.
- Decide on a city: The popular Minnesota cities below are a good place to start.
- Set your budget: Expect the cost of living and taxes to differ meaningfully across Minnesota.
- Line up employment and schooling in advance: This is especially important if you're not moving alone.
- Pick your housing: Decide if you’re renting or buying before you set a moving date.
- Sort your license and registration: Minnesota generally gives you 30 days after establishing residency to do this.
- Don't wait on utilities: Contact providers 2–3 weeks before moving in, and plan for higher costs in warmer months.
- Book movers for your route: Compare options using your specific route below.
- Redirect your address: Banks, insurance providers, and voter registration all need the update, too.
Popular City Destinations in Minnesota
Choose your route to Minnesota
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FAQ
Is it worth it to move to Minnesota?
Moving to Minnesota is worth it if you're interested in the attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local climate, and the cost of living fits your budget. Weigh the pros and cons above against your own priorities before deciding.
How much money should I have to move to Minnesota?
Minnesota has a cost of living index of 94 on a 100-point scale, where 100 is the national average. Use that alongside average rent and home values above to gauge your budget.
Does Minnesota have a state income tax?
Minnesota's state income tax rate is 9.85%. Keep in mind you'll still owe federal income tax, and other state-level taxes, such as property and sales tax, apply on top of it.
What are the job prospects like in Minnesota?
Minnesota's economy is anchored by Manufacturing, Professional and business services, and Real estate and rental and leasing. The strongest job markets are typically in and around the largest metro areas; smaller and rural communities tend to have fewer opportunities outside of local service industries. Research your city's employment landscape before committing to a move.
What is the downside of living in Minnesota?
The most common downsides of living in North Star State include:
- Bland food
- Cold snowy winters
- Terrible traffic
- High tax burden
- Thick accents
What is there to do in Minnesota?
Minnesota offers a wide range of activities depending on where you settle. Larger cities like Minneapolis have dining, arts, sports, and nightlife, while smaller towns and rural areas tend to focus on outdoor recreation and community events. Research the specific city or region you're targeting to get a realistic picture of day-to-day life.
