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Alabama to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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Planning a 1,336 mile interstate move from Alabama to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Alabama vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high humidity vs cooler summers), food & health (like Pulled Pork BBQ vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (antebellum, colonial vs craftsman, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pulled Pork BBQ and Fried Catfish, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Alabama
  • Rent in Minnesota is 13.05% more expensive than in Alabama
  • Moving from Alabama to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Alabama to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

Alabama to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Alabama to Minnesota

ConsAlabama iconAlabama
  • High humidity
  • Limited snow activities
  • City sprawl
  • Fewer public transit options
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Cooler summers
  • Winter sports galore
  • Plenty of green spaces
  • Extensive public transit

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • Less food variety
  • Cold temperatures
  • Higher cost of living
Alabama iconAlabama
  • Warmer winters
  • Southern cuisine
  • Mild temperatures
  • Lower cost of living

Pros of moving from Alabama to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to high humidity and hello to cooler summers
  • Look forward to moving away from limited snow activities and moving to Minnesota with winter sports galore
  • Swap the city sprawl of Alabama for plenty of green spaces in Minnesota
  • Get ready for extensive public transit in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Alabama to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from warmer winters in Alabama to live with harsh winters in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of southern cuisine and have to settle for the con of less food variety
  • Time to bid farewell to mild temperatures and get used to cold temperatures in Minnesota
  • Swap a lower cost of living for a higher cost of living

Alabama vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonAlabamaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemPulled Pork BBQHotdish
Most popular meat dishFried CatfishWalleye
Most popular street food itemConecuh SausageMini Donuts
Most popular vegan foodGritsWild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Saw's Soul Kitchen
  • Highlands Bar and Grill
  • Dreamland BBQ
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Matt's Bar
  • Smack Shack
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Alabama to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Pulled Pork BBQ of Alabama for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Alabama rave about their flavorful Fried Catfish and sumptuous Conecuh Sausage, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Mini Donuts to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grits they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Alabama eateries like Saw's Soul Kitchen, Highlands Bar and Grill, and Dreamland BBQ. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Spoon and Stable, Matt's Bar, and Smack Shack.

When comparing lifestyles, Minnesota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Alabama. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Minnesota compared to what you are used to in Alabama. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Minnesota.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Alabama and Minnesota

ComparisonAlabamaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleAntebellum, ColonialCraftsman, Cape Cod
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLarge yards, garagesEnergy efficiency, natural light
  • The Antebellum and Colonial architecture that Alabama is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Alabama's real estate listings that commonly reference large yards and garages, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and natural light.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Alabama.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Alabama.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Alabama.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 46% more expensive than they are in Alabama, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Alabama’s $226,045.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 45% increase in Alabama.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 13.05% more expensive than in Alabama.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Alabama and Minnesota

ComparisonAlabamaMinnesota
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersHurricanes, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)90Β°F / 72Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)57Β°F / 36Β°F23Β°F / 7Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)5832
Annual Snowfall (Inches)154
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Alabama to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Alabama.
  • Minnesota has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Alabama.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and tornadoes in Alabama, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 7 degrees colder than in Alabama.
  • The average winter lows are 29 degrees colder than they are in Alabama.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 26 fewer inches of rain compared to Alabama.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Alabama and Minnesota

ComparisonAlabamaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$59,674$82,338
Cost of Living Index91.298.75
State Income Tax5%9.85%
Avg. Property Tax0.41%1.11%
Avg. Sales Tax9.22%7.49%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, AerospaceHealthcare, Tech, Education
AffluenceModerateAbove Average
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 38% more than in Alabama
  • The COLI in Minnesota will be 8% higher than what you are used to living in Alabama
  • The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 5% in AL
  • The affluence in Minnesota is above average compared to moderate in Alabama
  • The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to significant in Alabama
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Alabama and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Alabama vs. Minnesota

ComparisonAlabamaMinnesota
Political Make-upConservativeLiberal
Local PoliticsRepublican dominance in state and local electionsDemocratic influence, especially in urban areas
ReligionEvangelical ProtestantLutheran, Catholic
  • Alabama tends to lean conservative in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as liberal
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as Lutheran and Catholic
  • Alabama's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as evangelical Protestant

Education Guide When Moving from Alabama to Minnesota

ComparisonAlabamaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Alabama
Auburn University
University of Alabama at Birmingham
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsGreystone Elementary School (Hoover)
Vestavia Hills Elementary East (Vestavia Hills)
Rock Quarry Elementary School (Tuscaloosa)
Scenic Heights Elementary School (Minnetonka)
Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven)
Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLiberty Park Middle School (Vestavia Hills)
Simmons Middle School (Hoover)
Berry Middle School (Hoover)
Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Murray Middle School (St. Paul)
Top 3 High SchoolsLoveless Academic Magnet Program High School (Montgomery)
Mountain Brook High School (Mountain Brook)
Bob Jones High School (Madison)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Eden Prairie High School (Eden Prairie)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Altamont School (Birmingham)
Randolph School (Huntsville)
Indian Springs School (Indian Springs)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsAdvent Episcopal School (Birmingham)
Houston Academy (Dothan)
Westminster School at Oak Mountain (Birmingham)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
Top 3 School DistrictsMountain Brook City Schools
Vestavia Hills City Schools
Madison City Schools
Minnetonka Public School District
Wayzata Public School District
Eden Prairie School District

How Much Do Alabama to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,336 miles from Alabama to Minnesota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-16 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,960300 ft3$6.53
1 Bedroom$2,917450 ft3$6.48
2 Bedrooms$4,825750 ft3$6.43
3 Bedrooms$7,0211100 ft3$6.38
4 Bedrooms$10,1331600 ft3$6.33
5+ Bedrooms$11,3091800 ft3$6.28

Top Alabama to Minnesota Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best Alabama to Minnesota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Alabama to Minnesota

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MoveDaddy featured image

MoveDaddy

9.39/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details