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Hawaii to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a interstate move from Hawaii to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Hawaii vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs affordable housing), food & health (like Poke vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (plantation, modern vs colonial, modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Hawaii), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Poke and Kalua Pig, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Juicy Lucy
  • Minnesota housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in Hawaii
  • Rent in Minnesota is 43.17% more affordable than in Hawaii
  • Our top recommended Hawaii to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

Hawaii to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Hawaii to Minnesota

ConsHawaii iconHawaii
  • High cost of living
  • Limited job opportunities
  • Remote location
  • Vulnerable to natural disasters
  • Tourist-heavy
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Affordable housing
  • Diverse job market
  • Central location in U.S.
  • Less natural disaster risk
  • More tranquil lifestyle

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • Severe weather changes
  • Faster pace
  • Less diversity
  • Limited outdoor winter activities
Hawaii iconHawaii
  • Beautiful beaches
  • Year-round warm climate
  • Laid-back lifestyle
  • Cultural diversity
  • Island adventures

Pros of moving from Hawaii to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
  • Look forward to moving away from limited job opportunities and moving to Minnesota with a diverse job market
  • Swap the remote location of Hawaii for a central location in the U.S. in Minnesota
  • Get ready for less natural disaster risk in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Hawaii to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the beautiful beaches in Hawaii to live with harsh winters in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a year-round warm climate and have to settle with the con of severe weather changes
  • Time to bid farewell to a laid-back lifestyle and get used to a faster pace in Minnesota
  • Swap cultural diversity for less diversity

Hawaii vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonHawaiiMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemPokeHotdish
Most popular meat dishKalua PigJuicy Lucy
Most popular street food itemSpam MusubiFood Truck Walleye
Most popular vegan foodAcai BowlVegan Hotdish
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Helena's Hawaiian Food
  • Ono Seafood
  • Leonard's Bakery
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The 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 Hawaii to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Poke of Hawaii for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Hawaii rave about their flavorful Kalua Pig and sumptuous Spam Musubi, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Juicy Lucy and Food Truck Walleye to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Acai Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Hotdish of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Hawaii eateries like Helena's Hawaiian Food, Ono Seafood, and Leonard's Bakery. 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 Smack Shack.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Hawaii and Minnesota

ComparisonHawaiiMinnesota
Typical Architecture StylePlantation, ModernColonial, Modern
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 listingOcean views, LanaisLakefront, Large yards
  • The Plantation and Modern architecture that Hawaii is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Modern architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Hawaii's real estate listings that commonly reference ocean views and lanais, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakefront properties and large yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Minnesota is less walkable than Hawaii.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Hawaii.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Hawaii.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 61% less expensive than they are in Hawaii, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Hawaii’s $858,106.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 38% increase in Hawaii.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 43.17% more affordable than in Hawaii.

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

ComparisonHawaiiMinnesota
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 DisastersVolcanoes, Tropical StormsTornadoes, Blizzards
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85Β°F / 70Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)78Β°F / 63Β°F24Β°F / 8Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)6328
Annual Snowfall (Inches)054
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Hawaii to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 29% fewer sunshine days than Hawaii.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Hawaii.
  • Say goodbye to the possible volcanoes and tropical storms in Hawaii, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and blizzards in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 2 degrees colder than in Hawaii.
  • The average winter lows in Minnesota are 55 degrees colder than they are in Hawaii.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 35 fewer inches of rain compared to Hawaii.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Hawaii and Minnesota

ComparisonHawaiiMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$92,458$82,338
Cost of Living Index165.798.75
State Income Tax11%9.85%
Avg. Property Tax0.30%1.15%
Avg. Sales Tax4.5%7.375%
Top 3 IndustriesTourism, Defense, AgricultureHealthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceHighAverage
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessSignificantModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 11% less than in Hawaii
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 40% lower than what you are used to living in Hawaii
  • The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 11% in HI
  • The affluence in Minnesota is average compared to high in Hawaii
  • The poverty level is moderate in Minnesota compared to moderate in Hawaii
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Hawaii and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Hawaii vs. Minnesota

ComparisonHawaiiMinnesota
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningDemocratic-leaning
Local PoliticsCommunity-orientedCommunity and Environmentally focused
ReligionMixed, with a significant Buddhist and Christian populationPrimarily Christian, with a strong Lutheran presence
  • Hawaii tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic-leaning
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian with a strong Lutheran presence
  • Hawaii's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a significant Buddhist and Christian population

Education Guide When Moving from Hawaii to Minnesota

ComparisonHawaiiMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Hawaii at Manoa
Honolulu; Hawaii Pacific University
Honolulu; Chaminade University of Honolulu
Honolulu
University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Minneapolis; Minnesota State University
Mankato; University of St. Thomas
Saint Paul
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMaemae Elementary School
Honolulu; Aina Haina Elementary School
Honolulu; Manoa Elementary School
Honolulu
Deephaven Elementary School
Wayzata; Greenwood Elementary School
Plymouth; Countryside Elementary School
Edina
Top 3 Middle SchoolsKaimuki Middle School
Honolulu; Iolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu
Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka; Wayzata East Middle School
Plymouth; Wayzata Central Middle School
Plymouth
Top 3 High SchoolsPresident Theodore Roosevelt High School
Honolulu; President William McKinley High School
Honolulu; Moanalua High School
Honolulu
Edina High School
Edina; Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka; Wayzata High School
Plymouth
Top 3 private high schoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
Breck School
Golden Valley; Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Saint Paul
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsIolani School
Honolulu; Punahou School
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools Kapalama Campus
Honolulu
Breck School
Golden Valley; Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
Saint Paul
Top 3 School DistrictsHawaii Department of Education
Honolulu; Kamehameha Schools
Statewide; Le Jardin Academy
Kailua
Edina Public Schools
Edina; Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka; Wayzata Public Schools
Wayzata

Top Hawaii to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Hawaii to Minnesota

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
General Expert Moving Service LLC featured image

General Expert Moving Service LLC

9.29/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Ewa Moving Co. featured image

Ewa Moving Co.

8.28/10
Very GoodView details