Movers

Arizona to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 12, 2025

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Planning a 1,768 mile interstate move from Arizona to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Arizona vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like extreme heat vs crisp, cool summers), food & health (like Chimichanga vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (spanish colonial, ranch vs victorian, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Chimichanga and Carne Asada, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in Arizona
  • Rent in Minnesota is 12.92% more affordable than in Arizona
  • Moving from Arizona to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Arizona to Minnesota movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Arizona to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Arizona to Minnesota

ConsArizona iconArizona
  • Extreme heat
  • Drought conditions
  • Scarce greenery
  • Limited snowfall
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Crisp, cool summers
  • Abundant lakes and water
  • Lush forests and parks
  • Winter sports opportunities

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Long, harsh winters
  • Fewer desert landscapes
  • High heating bills
  • Seasonal limitations
Arizona iconArizona
  • Sunshine year-round
  • Desert scenery
  • Low heating costs
  • Year-round hiking

Pros of moving from Arizona to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to extreme heat and hello to crisp, cool summers
  • Look forward to moving away from drought conditions and moving to Minnesota with abundant lakes and water
  • Swap the scarce greenery of Arizona for lush forests and parks in Minnesota
  • Get ready for winter sports opportunities in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Arizona to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from sunshine year-round in Arizona to live with long, harsh winters in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of desert scenery and have to settle with the con of fewer desert landscapes
  • Time to bid farewell to low heating costs and get used to high heating bills in Minnesota
  • Swap year-round hiking for seasonal limitations

Arizona vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonArizonaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemChimichangaHotdish
Most popular meat dishCarne AsadaWalleye
Most popular street food itemTacosJuicy Lucy Burger
Most popular vegan foodPrickly Pear MargaritaWild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro CafΓ©
  • Durant's
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Matt's Bar
  • The Bachelor Farmer
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 Arizona to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Chimichanga of Arizona for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Arizona rave about their flavorful Carne Asada and sumptuous Tacos, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Juicy Lucy Burger to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Prickly Pear Margarita 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 Arizona eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro CafΓ©, and Durant's. 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 The Bachelor Farmer.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Arizona and Minnesota

ComparisonArizonaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleSpanish Colonial, RanchVictorian, Craftsman
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 listingPools, desert landscapesLakeside access, green spaces
  • The Spanish Colonial and Ranch architecture that Arizona is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Arizona's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and desert landscapes, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside access and green spaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Arizona.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Arizona.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Arizona.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 23% less expensive than they are in Arizona, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Arizona’s $430,827.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 63% increase in Arizona.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 12.92% more affordable than in Arizona.

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

ComparisonArizonaMinnesota
Days of Sunshine per Year299 days198 days
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 DisastersDroughts, HeatwavesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)106Β°F / 83Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)67Β°F / 46Β°F23Β°F / 7Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)13 inches34 inches
Annual Snowfall (Inches)0 inches54 inches
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Arizona to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 34% fewer sunshine days than Arizona.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Arizona.
  • Say goodbye to the possible droughts and heatwaves in Arizona, 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 23 degrees colder than in Arizona.
  • The average winter lows are 39 degrees colder than they are in Arizona.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 21 more inches of rain compared to Arizona.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Arizona and Minnesota

ComparisonArizonaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$74,568$82,338
Cost of Living Index101.298.75
State Income Tax2.59% - 4.50%5.35% - 9.85%
Avg. Property Tax0.66%1.06%
Avg. Sales Tax8.40%7.46%
Top 3 IndustriesReal Estate, Health Care, ConstructionHealthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHighLow
HomelessnessSignificantModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 10% more than in Arizona
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 2% lower than what you are used to living in Arizona
  • The state income tax in MN is 5.35% to 9.85% compared to 2.59% to 4.50% in AZ
  • The affluence in Minnesota is high compared to moderate in Arizona
  • The poverty level is low in Minnesota compared to high in Arizona
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Arizona and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Arizona vs. Minnesota

ComparisonArizonaMinnesota
Political Make-upMixed, trending purpleLean Democratic
Local PoliticsState Governor, significant urban-rural divideState Governor, strong union presence
ReligionChristian majority, diverse religious communitiesChristian majority, high Lutheran representation
  • Arizona tends to lean mixed, trending purple in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as having a Christian majority with high Lutheran representation
  • Arizona's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a Christian majority and diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Arizona to Minnesota

ComparisonArizonaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsKnox Gifted Academy - Chandler
BASIS Scottsdale Primary - Scottsdale
Mesa Academy for Advanced Studies - Mesa
Scenic Heights Elementary - Minnetonka
Greenwood Elementary - Plymouth
Deephaven Elementary - Deephaven
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBASIS Scottsdale - Scottsdale
BASIS Chandler - Chandler
BASIS Tucson North - Tucson
Wayzata Central Middle School - Plymouth
Minnetonka Middle School East - Minnetonka
St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle School - Stillwater
Top 3 High School SchoolsBASIS Chandler - Chandler
BASIS Scottsdale - Scottsdale
BASIS Tucson North - Tucson
Minnetonka High School - Minnetonka
Edina High School - Edina
Wayzata High School - Plymouth
Top 3 private high schoolsBrophy College Preparatory - Phoenix
Xavier College Preparatory - Phoenix
The Gregory School - Tucson
Breck School - Minneapolis
Blake School - Minneapolis
St. Paul Academy - St. Paul
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsRancho Solano Preparatory School - Scottsdale
The Gregory School - Tucson
Verde Valley School - Sedona
Breck School - Minneapolis
Blake School - Minneapolis
Mounds Park Academy - St. Paul
Top 3 School DistrictsScottsdale Unified School District
Chandler Unified School District
Gilbert Public Schools
Minnetonka Public Schools
Eden Prairie Schools
Edina Public Schools

How Much Do Arizona to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,768 miles from Arizona to Minnesota will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 4-9 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,205300 ft3$7.35
1 Bedroom$3,285450 ft3$7.30
2 Bedrooms$5,437750 ft3$7.25
3 Bedrooms$7,9191100 ft3$7.20
4 Bedrooms$11,4391600 ft3$7.15
5+ Bedrooms$12,7791800 ft3$7.10

Top Arizona to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Arizona to Minnesota

9.76/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
New Beginnings Moving Solutions featured image

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

9.32/10
ExceptionalView details