Movers

Colorado to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,054 mile interstate move from Colorado to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Colorado vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Rocky Mountain Oysters vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (mountain and modern vs prairie and farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Rocky Mountain Oysters and Bison Steaks, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in Colorado
  • Rent in Minnesota is 17.77% more affordable than in Colorado
  • Moving from Colorado to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Colorado to Minnesota movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Colorado to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Colorado to Minnesota

ConsColorado iconColorado
  • Cost of living
  • Wildfire risk
  • Altitude adjustment
  • Busy ski resorts
  • Traffic congestion
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Affordable housing
  • Less risk of wildfires
  • Low-altitude ease
  • Peaceful winter activities
  • Smoother commutes

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Flat landscapes
  • Long winters
  • Fewer hiking trails
  • Less diversity
  • Limited ski slopes
Colorado iconColorado
  • Scenic mountains
  • Sunny weather
  • Outdoor adventures
  • Cultural diversity
  • Skiing options

Pros of moving from Colorado to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to the cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from wildfire risk and moving to Minnesota with less risk of wildfires
  • Swap the altitude adjustment of Colorado for low-altitude ease in Minnesota
  • Get ready for peaceful winter activities in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Colorado to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the scenic mountains in Colorado to live with flat landscapes in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of sunny weather and have to settle for the con of long winters
  • Time to bid farewell to outdoor adventures and get used to fewer hiking trails in Minnesota
  • Swap cultural diversity for less diversity

Colorado vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonColoradoMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemRocky Mountain OystersHotdish
Most popular meat dishBison SteaksWalleye
Most popular street food itemTacosJuicy Lucy Burger
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegan Wild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Casa Bonita
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • The Buckhorn Exchange
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Salty Tart
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 Colorado to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Rocky Mountain Oysters of Colorado for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Colorado rave about their flavorful Bison Steaks 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 Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Wild Rice Soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Colorado eateries like Casa Bonita, Frasca Food and Wine, and The Buckhorn Exchange. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and The Salty Tart.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Colorado and Minnesota

ComparisonColoradoMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleMountain and ModernPrairie and Farmhouse
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 listingMountain views, Outdoor spaceLakeside access, Energy efficiency
  • The Mountain and Modern architecture that Colorado is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Farmhouse architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Colorado's real estate listings that commonly reference mountain views and outdoor space, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside access and energy efficiency.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Minnesota is less walkable than Colorado.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Minnesota is less bike-friendly than Colorado.
  • Minnesota has less of an urban feel than Colorado.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 40% less expensive than they are in Colorado, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Colorado’s $549,126.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 40% increase in Colorado.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 17.77% more affordable than in Colorado.

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

ComparisonColoradoMinnesota
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 DisastersWildfires, floodsBlizzards, tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/5583/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)45/1823/-3
Annual Rainfall (Inches)15.630.3
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5754
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Colorado to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 19% fewer sunshine days than Colorado.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Colorado.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Colorado, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 3 degrees colder than in Colorado.
  • The average winter lows are 21 degrees colder in Minnesota than they are in Colorado.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota as it receives 14.7 more inches of rain compared to Colorado.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Colorado and Minnesota

ComparisonColoradoMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$89,302$82,338
Cost of Living Index98.398.75
State Income Tax4.555.35
Avg. Property Tax0.491.08
Avg. Sales Tax7.657.49
Top 3 IndustriesAerospace, Tech, TourismHealthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLower
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 8% less than in Colorado
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 0% higher than what you are used to living in Colorado
  • The state income tax in MN is 5.35 compared to 4.55 in CO
  • The affluence in Minnesota is moderate compared to high in Colorado
  • The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to low in Colorado
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Colorado and lower in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Colorado vs. Minnesota

ComparisonColoradoMinnesota
Political Make-upPurple, trending blue in recent electionsTraditionally blue, with a mix of rural red areas
Local PoliticsFocus on environmental policies and progressive social issuesEmphasis on education, health care, and environmental conservation
ReligionLess religious than average; diverse religious communitiesSlightly more religious; prominent Catholic and Lutheran communities
  • Colorado tends to lean purple, trending blue in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as traditionally blue with a mix of rural red areas
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as slightly more religious with prominent Catholic and Lutheran communities
  • Colorado's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as less religious than average with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Colorado to Minnesota

ComparisonColoradoMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)1. University of Colorado Boulder
2. Colorado State University
3. University of Denver
1. University of Minnesota Twin Cities
2. St. Olaf College
3. Carleton College
Top 3 Elementary Schools1. Cory Elementary School
Denver
2. Parker Core Knowledge Charter School
Parker
3. Slavens K-8 School
Denver
1. St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower
Stillwater
2. Scenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka
3. Deephaven Elementary
Minnetonka
Top 3 Middle Schools1. Kinard Core Knowledge Middle School
Fort Collins
2. McAuliffe International
Denver
3. DSST: Stapleton Middle School
Denver
1. Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka
2. Wayzata Central Middle School
Plymouth
3. St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle
Stillwater
Top 3 High School Schools1. Cherry Creek High School
Greenwood Village
2. Fairview High School
Boulder
3. D'Evelyn Senior High School
Denver
1. Edina High School
Edina
2. Minnetonka Senior High
Minnetonka
3. Wayzata High
Plymouth
Top 3 private high schools1. Kent Denver School
Englewood
2. The Colorado Springs School
Colorado Springs
3. Fountain Valley School of Colorado
Colorado Springs
1. The Blake School
Minneapolis
2. Breck School
Golden Valley
3. St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul
Top 3 private K-12 schools1. Colorado Academy
Denver
2. Valor Christian High School
Highlands Ranch
3. Dawson School
Lafayette
1. Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis
2. Marshall School
Duluth
3. Shattuck-St. Mary's School
Faribault
Top 3 School Districts1. Cherry Creek School District
Greenwood Village
2. Boulder Valley School District
Boulder
3. Douglas County School District
Castle Rock
1. Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka
2. Edina Public School District
Edina
3. Wayzata Public School District
Plymouth

How Much Do Colorado to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,054 miles from Colorado to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 4.5-9.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,800300 ft3$6.00
1 Bedroom$2,678450 ft3$5.95
2 Bedrooms$4,425750 ft3$5.90
3 Bedrooms$6,4351100 ft3$5.85
4 Bedrooms$9,2801600 ft3$5.80
5+ Bedrooms$10,3501800 ft3$5.75

Top Colorado to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Colorado to Minnesota

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Smooth Movers featured image

Smooth Movers

9.52/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details