Things to know before moving from Pennsylvania to St. Paul, MN

Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs St. Paul, MN

Pennsylvania St. Paul
Average rent cost $1,110 $1,350
Average home value $268,824 $278,221
Average income (per capita) $73,170 $63,483
Unemployment rate 3% 5%
State income tax 3% 10%
  • Rent is about 22% more expensive in St. Paul than in Pennsylvania.
  • Home prices are about 3% higher in St. Paul than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average income is about 13% lower in St. Paul than in Pennsylvania.
  • St. Paul has a higher unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 44%.
  • Income taxes are 221% higher in St. Paul than in Pennsylvania.

How life is different in St. Paul from Pennsylvania

St. Paul Pennsylvania
Population 303,176 12,961,683
Political leaning Democratic 49.8-48.3 Republican 51-49
Summer high 83ºF 83ºF
Winter low 7ºF 19ºF
Annual rain 32" 44"
Annual snow 52" 38"
Crime index 50.86 17.62
  • The population of St. Paul is approximately 98% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
  • In the last presidential election, St. Paul voted Democratic and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in St. Paul is 83ºF and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, St. Paul reaches the temperature of 7ºF and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
  • You can expect about 32 inches of annual rainfall in St. Paul vs 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
  • In St. Paul, it snows about 52 inches annually vs 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
  • St. Paul has a higher crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index of 50.86 vs 17.62.

Things to do in St. Paul

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in St. Paul.

Museums in St. Paultoggle

  • Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Minnesota History Center
  • Historic Fort Snelling
  • James J. Hill House
  • Minnesota Children's Museum
  • Twin City Model Railroad Museum
  • Bell Museum
  • Jackson Street Roundhouse
  • Hmong Cultural Center
  • Minnesota Transportation Museum

Parks in St. Paultoggle

  • Rice Park
  • Mears Park
  • Harriet Island Regional Park
  • Indian Mounds Regional Park
  • Lilydale Regional Park
  • Kellogg Mall Park
  • Minnesota State Capitol Mall
  • Lake Phalen
  • Landmark Plaza
  • Raspberry Island

Sports Teams in St. Paultoggle

  • Minnesota Wild (NHL)
  • St. Paul Saints (MiLB)
  • St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)
  • Minnesota United FC (MLS)
  • Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)
  • Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL)

Universities in St. Paultoggle

  • Saint Catherine University
  • Concordia University
  • Hamline University
  • Macalester College,
  • University of St. Thomas

Other considerations when moving to St. Paul, MN

  • Weather: St. Paul has frigid and snowy winters, while summers are warm to hot and humid. St. Paul experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and fog
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Minnesota. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Pennsylvania to St. Paul take?

The time frame for a move from Pennsylvania to St. Paul, MN, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Pennsylvania, the longer the drive time to St. Paul will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to St. Paul from Pennsylvania can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Pennsylvania to St. Paul?

Because of the 1005-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Pennsylvania to St. Paul as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to St. Paul, MN?

With the summer highs of 83ºF and the winter lows of 7ºF, most people move to St. Paul from Pennsylvania during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to St. Paul during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources