Movers

Minnesota to Arizona Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

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

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Chimichanga & Carne Asada
  • Arizona housing costs are 30% more expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Arizona is 14.84% more expensive than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Arizona will cost on average between $2,000 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Arizona movers is Sterling Interstate LLC

Minnesota to Arizona Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Arizona

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Limited sunshine
  • Mosquitoes
ProsArizona iconArizona
  • Mild winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Abundant sunshine
  • Fewer insects

Arizona iconArizona
  • Arid landscape
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Hot summers
  • Less greenery
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Beautiful lakes
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Four seasons
  • Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Arizona

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to mild winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Arizona with lower taxes
  • Swap the limited sunshine of Minnesota for abundant sunshine in Arizona
  • Get ready for fewer insects in Arizona

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Arizona

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful lakes in Minnesota to live with an arid landscape in Arizona
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant arts scene and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to four seasons and get used to hot summers in Arizona
  • Swap friendly communities for less greenery

Minnesota vs. Arizona: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaArizona
Most iconic local food itemHotdishChimichanga
Most popular meat dishWalleyeCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemJuicy LucyElote
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlsTamales
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pizzeria Bianco
  • El Charro Cafe
  • Durant's
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 Minnesota to Arizona, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Chimichanga of Arizona. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Juicy Lucy, Arizona residents know they have tasty Carne Asada and Elote to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Tamales of Arizona. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Fitger's Brewhouse, and Mancini's Char House. After the boxes are unpacked in Arizona, don't wait too long before making your way to Arizona's acclaimed eateries like Pizzeria Bianco, El Charro Cafe, and Durant's.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Arizona

ComparisonMinnesotaArizona
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, Cape CodPueblo, Ranch
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 listingLakeside view, spacious yardsSwimming pools, air conditioning
  • The Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Pueblo and Ranch architecture typical of Arizona.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and spacious yards, Arizona real estate listings often highlight features like swimming pools and air conditioning.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Arizona is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Arizona is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Arizona has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Arizona housing costs are 30% more expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $430,827 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Arizona have increased by 63% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Arizona is 14.84% more expensive than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaArizona
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 DisastersBlizzards, FloodsDust Storms, Wildfires
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F / 63Β°F104Β°F / 81Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)23Β°F / 7Β°F67Β°F / 46Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)31.113.6
Annual Snowfall (Inches)540.3
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to Arizona. Arizona gets 51% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Arizona has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential dust storms and wildfires in Arizona.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Arizona is 21 degrees warmer than Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 39 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Arizona. Arizona receives 17.5 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Arizona

ComparisonMinnesotaArizona
Avg. Household Income$82,338$74,568
Cost of Living Index98.75101.2
State Income Tax5.35%4.54%
Avg. Property Tax1.08%0.72%
Avg. Sales Tax7.43%8.40%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailReal Estate, Healthcare, Tourism
AffluenceModerateVariable
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Arizona tend to earn about 9% less than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Arizona will be 2% higher than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in AZ is 4.54% compared to 5.35% in MN
  • The affluence in Arizona is variable compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is higher in Arizona compared to lower in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Minnesota and higher in Arizona

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Arizona

ComparisonMinnesotaArizona
Political Make-upLargely progressive, especially in urban areasMix of conservative and progressive, varies widely by area
Local PoliticsDemocratic strongholds in cities like MinneapolisSwing state dynamics, Phoenix leans conservative
ReligionPrimarily Christian, large Lutheran communityDiverse, significant Catholic and Evangelical communities
  • Minnesota tends to lean largely progressive in its political climate
  • Arizona, on the other hand, is often described as a mix of conservative and progressive, varying widely by area
  • Arizona's religious environment can be described as diverse with significant Catholic and Evangelical communities
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as primarily Christian with a large Lutheran community

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Arizona

ComparisonMinnesotaArizona
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
St. Cloud State University
Arizona State University
University of Arizona
Northern Arizona University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsDeephaven Elementary (Minnetonka)
Hale Community School (Minneapolis)
Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth)
Knox Gifted Academy (Chandler)
BASIS Scottsdale Primary – East Campus
Archway Classical Academy Veritas (Phoenix)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata East Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
South View Middle School (Edina)
BASIS Chandler
BASIS Peoria
BASIS Oro Valley
Top 3 High SchoolsEdina High School (Edina)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
BASIS Scottsdale
BASIS Chandler
BASIS Oro Valley
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul)
Brophy College Preparatory (Phoenix)
Xavier College Preparatory (Phoenix)
The Gregory School (Tucson)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
Veritas Preparatory Academy (Phoenix)
Chandler Preparatory Academy
Phoenix Country Day School (Paradise Valley)
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Edina Public School District
Wayzata Public School District
Chandler Unified School District
Scottsdale Unified School District
Gilbert Public School District

How Much Do Minnesota to Arizona Movers Cost?

Moving 1,768 miles from Minnesota to Arizona 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 Minnesota to Arizona Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sterling Interstate LLC featured image

Sterling Interstate LLC

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Arizona

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