Minnesota to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to California

ConsMinnesota

• Harsh winters
• Limited beaches
• Fewer big cities
• Shorter summer
• Remote from west coast

ProsCalifornia

• Sunny climate
• Beautiful coastline
• Vibrant urban life
• Extended outdoor season
• Proximity to tech hubs

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California

• Higher cost of living
• Frequent congestion
• Wildfires risk
• Constant sunshine
• Drought concerns

Minnesota

• Friendly communities
• Lower traffic
• Alpine sports
• Seasonal beauty
• Amazing lakes

Pros of moving from Minnesota to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to sunny climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited beaches and moving to California with beautiful coastline
• Swap the fewer big cities of Minnesota for vibrant urban life in California
• Get ready for an extended outdoor season in California

Cons of moving from Minnesota to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from friendly communities in Minnesota to live with a higher cost of living in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of lower traffic and have to settle with the con of frequent congestion
• Time to bid farewell to alpine sports and get used to the risk of wildfires in California
• Swap seasonal beauty for constant sunshine

Minnesota vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Minnesota to California, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Wild Rice Burger and sumptuous Fried Pickles, California residents know they have tasty Tri-Tip BBQ and Fish Tacos 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 Acai Bowl of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Spoon and Stable, Matt's Bar, and Café Alma. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, The French Laundry, and Nobu Malibu.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and California

• The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Spanish Revival architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings, which commonly reference spacious layouts and natural scenery, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and proximity to tech hubs.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Minnesota.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Minnesota.
• California has more of an urban feel than Minnesota.
• California housing costs are 137% more expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased by 42% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
• Rent in California is 63.60% more expensive than in Minnesota.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to California. California gets 43% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 2 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
• The average winter lows are 48 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 6 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 11% more than those in Minnesota
• The COLI in California will be 38% higher than what you are used to living in Minnesota
• The state income tax in CA is 1% to 13.3% compared to 5.35% to 9.85% in MN
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Minnesota
• The poverty level is moderate in California compared to low in Minnesota
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. California

• Minnesota tends to lean Democratic-leaning in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a higher percentage of non-religious individuals
• Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity, with a mix of other faiths

How Much Do Minnesota to California Movers Cost?

Moving 1,996 miles from Minnesota to California 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.