Michigan to Minnesota Moving Guide
Updated June 22, 2025

Planning a 607 mile interstate move from Michigan to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs less humidity), food & health (like Pasties vs Walleye), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs prairie, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Pasties and Coney Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Walleye & Hotdish
- Minnesota housing costs are 38% more expensive than they are in Michigan
- Rent in Minnesota is 14.88% more expensive than in Michigan
- Moving from Michigan to Minnesota will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our top recommended Michigan to Minnesota movers is Pro-Low Moving
Michigan to Minnesota Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Minnesota
- Harsh winters
- High state taxes
- Lack of public transit
- Few job opportunities
- Less humidity
- Lower property taxes
- Better public transit
- Robust job market
- Higher cost of living
- Fewer lakes and shores
- Less automotive presence
- Shorter fall season
- Strong education system
- Beautiful Great Lakes
- Rich automotive history
- Vibrant fall colors
Pros of moving from Michigan to Minnesota
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to less humidity
- Look forward to moving away from high state taxes and moving to Minnesota with lower property taxes
- Swap the lack of public transit of Michigan for better public transit in Minnesota
- Get ready for a robust job market in Minnesota
Cons of moving from Michigan to Minnesota
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong education system in Michigan to live with a higher cost of living in Minnesota
- You'll lose out on the pro of beautiful Great Lakes and have to settle with the con of fewer lakes and shores
- Time to bid farewell to rich automotive history and get used to a less automotive presence in Minnesota
- Swap vibrant fall colors for a shorter fall season
Michigan vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Michigan | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Pasties | Walleye |
Most popular meat dish | Coney Dog | Hotdish |
Most popular street food item | Food Trucks | Juicy Lucy Burger |
Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Wild Rice Burger |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
If you're moving from Michigan to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Walleye of Minnesota. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Coney Dog and sumptuous Food Trucks, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Hotdish and Juicy Lucy Burger to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Burger of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Michigan eateries like Selden Standard, Slows Bar BQ, and Zingerman's Delicatessen. 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 Alma.
When comparing lifestyles, Minnesota shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Michigan. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Minnesota compared to what you are used to in Michigan. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Minnesota.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Minnesota
Comparison | Michigan | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Ranch | Prairie, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakeshore, Woods | Lake view, Eco-friendly features |
- The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Minnesota.
- Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeshores and woods, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and eco-friendly features.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Michigan.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
- Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Michigan.
- Minnesota housing costs are 38% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Michigan's $239,770.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
- Rent in Minnesota is 14.88% more expensive than in Michigan.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Michigan and Minnesota
Comparison | Michigan | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 79/58 | 83/63 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 31/17 | 23/7 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 32.8 | 30.2 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 60 | 54 |
- Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 16% more sunshine days than Michigan.
- Minnesota has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
- Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
- Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 4 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
- The average winter lows in Minnesota are 10 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 2.6 fewer inches of rain compared to Michigan.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Minnesota
Comparison | Michigan | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $66,986 | $82,338 |
Cost of Living Index | 91.2 | 98.75 |
State Income Tax | 4.25% | 5.35% - 9.85% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.64% | 1.08% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.0% | 6.88% |
Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Automotive, Agriculture | Healthcare, Retail, Manufacturing |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to High |
Poverty | Moderate | Low to Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 23% more than those in Michigan
- The COLI in Minnesota is 8% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
- The state income tax in MN is 5.35% to 9.85% compared to 4.25% in MI
- The affluence in Minnesota is moderate to high compared to moderate in Michigan
- The poverty level is low to moderate in Minnesota compared to moderate in Michigan
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Michigan and low in Minnesota
Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Minnesota
Comparison | Michigan | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Moderately Democratic | Lean Democratic |
Local Politics | Mixed urban and rural support | Urban areas lean liberal, rural areas more conservative |
Religion | Christian majority, diverse religious communities | Christian majority, strong Lutheran presence |
- Michigan tends to lean moderately Democratic in its political climate
- Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
- Minnesota's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a strong Lutheran presence
- Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities
Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Minnesota
Comparison | Michigan | Minnesota |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Michigan Michigan State University Wayne State University | University of Minnesota Minnesota State University University of St. Thomas |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Bates Elementary (Dexter) Meadow Ridge Elementary (Grand Rapids) Musson Elementary (Rochester) | Deephaven Elementary (Minnetonka) Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth) Hale Elementary (Minneapolis) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | East Middle School (Farmington Hills) Mill Creek Middle School (Dexter) Northern Hills Middle School (Grand Rapids) | Wayzata East Middle School (Plymouth) Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka) Eden Prairie Central Middle School (Eden Prairie) |
Top 3 High School Schools | International Academy (Bloomfield Hills) Troy High School (Troy) Grand Rapids City High Middle School (Grand Rapids) | Edina High School (Edina) Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka) Wayzata High School (Plymouth) |
Top 3 private high schools | Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Greenhills School (Ann Arbor) | Breck School (Minneapolis) Blake School (Minneapolis) St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Roeper School (Bloomfield Hills) Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills) Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills) | Breck School (Minneapolis) Blake School (Minneapolis) Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis) |
Top 3 School Districts | Okemos Public Schools East Grand Rapids Public Schools Novi Community School District | Minnetonka Public School District Edina Public Schools Wayzata Public School District |
How Much Do Michigan to Minnesota Movers Cost?
Moving 607 miles from Michigan to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 5-10 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,547 | 300 ft3 | $5.16 |
1 Bedroom | $2,297 | 450 ft3 | $5.11 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,792 | 750 ft3 | $5.06 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,506 | 1100 ft3 | $5.01 |
4 Bedrooms | $7,929 | 1600 ft3 | $4.96 |
5+ Bedrooms | $8,830 | 1800 ft3 | $4.91 |
Top Michigan to Minnesota Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Michigan to Minnesota movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.