Key factors that influence moving costs from Minneapolis to Tucsontoggle

The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:

  • Amount of belongings: Moving costs go up with more stuff. A move from Minneapolis to Tucson might cost just $1,509 for a one-bedroom, but up to $10,986 for a four-bedroom.
  • When you move: Summer is peak moving season in Minneapolis, which means movers charge more during those months.
  • DIY or hire help: You can save by going the DIY route. Rental trucks cost between $1,226 and $2,893, though you\โ€™ll be doing the hard work vs letting the pros handle it.

What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Tucson

Moving from Minneapolis to Tucson means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Minneapolis than in Tucson, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Minneapolis compares to Tucson so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Minneapolis Tucson
Average rent cost $1,484 $1,295
Average home value $312,602 $327,203
Average income (per capita) $70,099 $61,749
Cost of living (single person) $3,900 $2,390
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,710 $6,043
Unemployment rate 4.5% 7.4%
Sales tax 9.03% 8.7%
State income tax 9.85% 2.5%
  • Rent prices in Tucson are 13% lower than in Minneapolis, 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 Tucson are 4.7% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • Income in Tucson is 11.9% lower than in Minneapolis, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Tucson include University of Arizona, Raytheon Technologies, and State of Arizona.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Tucson is 38.7% lower than in Minneapolis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Tucson, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Tucson is 28.3% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • The unemployment rate in Tucson is 64.44% higher than in Minneapolis.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Tucson, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Tucson are 3.65% lower than in Minneapolis.
  • One perk of moving to Tucson is paying less in state income taxes, which are 74.62% lower than in Minneapolis.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,838.46 in Tucson to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Minneapolis.

How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Tucson

Tucson Minneapolis
Population 542,629 425,115
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 5 8
Walkability score 43 71
Bike friendliness score 66 83
Crime Index 54.43 56.06
Safety Index 45.57 43.94
Air Quality Good Good
  • The population of Tucson is about 28% greater than Minneapolis, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
  • Getting around Tucson without a car might be more difficult than in Minneapolis. Tucson has a public transportation score of 5 out of 10, whereas Minneapolis is ranked 8. Ratings are based on a cityโ€™s transit connectivity, service frequency, and accessibility to key destinations like jobs and grocery stores.
  • Tucson neighborhoods and districts might not be as easy to navigate on foot as Minneapolis. Based on its score of 43 out of 100, Tucson isnโ€™t as walkable as Minneapolis, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher the walkability score a city has, the easier it is to access amenities. The most walkable cities also tend to be more densely populated and have shorter block lengths.
  • You probably wonโ€™t see as many cycling lanes or off-road trails in Tucson, which is ranked as less bike-friendly than Minneapolis. While Minneapolis has a bike-friendliness score of 83 out of 100, Tucson earned a 66. Scores are based on factors like whether a city accommodates cyclists on major roadways, how often people bike to work, and how many steep hills it has.
  • You can anticipate the same crime rate in Tucson as Minneapolis. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80โ€“100.
  • Tucson is generally as safe as Minneapolis, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
  • The air quality in Tucson and Minneapolis is generally the same (Good). Cities with good to moderate ratings have clean or acceptable air quality, with the possibility of small pollutants affecting people with certain health conditions like asthma. Anything beyond the moderate rate means increased impact on residents.

Other things to consider for your Minneapolis vs. Tucson move

  • Weather: Extreme heat may cause discomfort if you choose to move in the summer. Pay close attention to heat sensitive household items such as instruments, antique furniture, and electronics.
  • HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • State licensing: Though Arizona is largely an โ€œunregulatedโ€ state, local moving companies are subject to some Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) and Department of Weights and Measures regulations intended to ensure that they operate safely and ethically.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Arizona moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Arizona doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Tucson. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.Choose Released Value Protection for its cost-effectivenessโ€”offered by movers at no extra charge, although it provides minimal coverage. With a liability limit of 60 cents per pound per article, consider this option carefully. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement would only be $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). For comprehensive coverage of your items' full value, consult with your moving company for alternative options or consider third-party insurance providers.
  • Moving checklist: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Tucson

Ready to relocate to "Old Pueblo"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Tucson.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Armory Park
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Old Fort Lowell
  • El Presidio
  • Sam Hughes

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Armory Park
  • Broadmoor-Broadway
  • Catalina Foothills
  • Dunbar Spring
  • Sam Hughes

Things to do in Tucson

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Arizona, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Tucson has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Tucson features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air and Space Museum, DeGrazia Gallery in the Sun Museum, The Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures, and Franklin Auto Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Agua Caliente Park, Himmel Park, Rillito River Park, and Brandi Fenton Memorial Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an University of Arizona Wildcats (NCAA), Tucson Saguaros (Pecos League), Tucson Roadrunners (AHL), or FC Tucson (USL) game.

FAQ

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

If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Minneapolis to Tucson. Youโ€™ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Minneapolis.

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

Because spring and fall moves from Minneapolis to Tucson are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Minneapolis to Tucson take?

Covering 1,637 miles, the move from Minneapolis, MN to Tucson, AZ typically takes four to 15 days. Some Minneapolis movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services inTucson can help bridge the gap.

Helpful moving resources