California to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Minnesota

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Drought conditions
• Heavy traffic
• Earthquake risk
• Unpredictable wildfires

ProsMinnesota

• Affordable housing
• Plentiful water resources
• Less congestion
• Stable geological conditions
• Safe communities

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Minnesota

• Cold winters
• Lesser job opportunities
• Smaller cultural scene
• Harsh winters
• Limited food variety

California

• Beautiful beaches
• Thriving tech industry
• Vibrant cultural life
• Sunny weather
• Diverse cuisine

Pros of moving from California to Minnesota

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from drought conditions and moving to Minnesota with plentiful water resources
• Swap the heavy traffic of California for less congestion in Minnesota
• Get ready for stable geological conditions in Minnesota

Cons of moving from California to Minnesota

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful beaches in California to live with the cold winters in Minnesota
• You'll lose out on the pro of a thriving tech industry and have to settle for the con of lesser job opportunities
• Time to bid farewell to the vibrant cultural life and get used to a smaller cultural scene in Minnesota
• Swap sunny weather for harsh winters

California vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Fish Tacos of California for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip BBQ and sumptuous Tacos, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Juicy Lucy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast 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 California eateries like The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and N/naka. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like The Jucy Lucy, Spoon and Stable, and Matt's Bar.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Minnesota

• The Spanish Colonial and Modern architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style and Cape Cod architecture typical of Minnesota.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference outdoor living spaces and pools, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside views and large backyards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than California.
• Minnesota has less of an urban feel than California.
• Minnesota housing costs are 58% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Minnesota is 38.88% more affordable than in California.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 30% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
• The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 2 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 38 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 8 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Minnesota

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 10% less than in California
• The COLI in Minnesota is 28% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Minnesota is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is low in Minnesota compared to noticeable in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is severe in California and minimal in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Minnesota

• California tends to lean Liberal and has a Democratic majority in its political climate
• Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a Democratic lean in urban areas
• Minnesota's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with Lutheran heritage being influential
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with no single dominant faith

Education Guide When Moving from California to Minnesota

How Much Do California to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,995 miles from California to Minnesota will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.