Movers

Minnesota to Colorado Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 1,053 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Colorado? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Colorado across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Hotdish vs Green Chile), real estate & housing (craftsman, colonial vs ranch, modern mountain), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Colorado), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Green Chile & Bison
  • Colorado housing costs are 66% more expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Colorado is 21.61% more expensive than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Colorado will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Colorado movers is Movemasters, Inc.

Minnesota to Colorado Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Colorado

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • Flat terrain
  • High humidity
  • Limited skiing
  • Fewer sunny days
ProsColorado iconColorado
  • Milder winters
  • Mountainous landscape
  • Dry climate
  • World-class skiing
  • More sunny days

Colorado iconColorado
  • Less water access
  • Modernized cities
  • Higher altitude
  • More transient population
  • Different food scene
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Lakes and rivers
  • Rich history
  • Lower altitude
  • Friendly communities
  • Local cuisine

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Colorado

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from flat terrain and moving to Colorado with a mountainous landscape
  • Swap the high humidity of Minnesota for a dry climate in Colorado
  • Get ready for world-class skiing in Colorado

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Colorado

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lakes and rivers in Minnesota to live with less water access in Colorado
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of modernized cities
  • Time to bid farewell to lower altitude and get used to higher altitude in Colorado
  • Swap friendly communities for a more transient population

Minnesota vs. Colorado: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaColorado
Most iconic local food itemHotdishGreen Chile
Most popular meat dishWalleyeBison
Most popular street food itemJucy LucyBreakfast Burrito
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupQuinoa Salad
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Frasca Food and Wine
  • Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
  • Ophelia's Electric Soapbox
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 Colorado, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Green Chile of Colorado. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Jucy Lucy, Colorado residents know they have tasty Bison and Breakfast Burrito to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Quinoa Salad of Colorado. In the days before your move, make sure you take one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Spoon and Stable, Matt's Bar, and CafΓ© Alma. After the boxes are unpacked in Colorado, don't wait too long before making your way to Colorado's acclaimed eateries like Frasca Food and Wine, Snooze, an A.M. Eatery, and Ophelia's Electric Soapbox.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Colorado

ComparisonMinnesotaColorado
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, ColonialRanch, Modern Mountain
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 Views, Green SpacesMountain Views, Outdoor Recreation
  • The Craftsman and Colonial architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Ranch and Modern Mountain architecture typical of Colorado.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and green spaces, Colorado real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and outdoor recreation.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Colorado is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Colorado is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Colorado has an equally urban feel as Minnesota.
  • Colorado housing costs are 66% more expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $549,126 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Colorado have increased by 40% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Colorado is 21.61% more expensive than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaColorado
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, TornadoesWildfires, Flooding
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6386/55
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)23/-345/18
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3117
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5460
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to Colorado. Colorado gets 24% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Colorado 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 wildfires and flooding in Colorado.
  • The average summer high temperature in Colorado is 3 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 21 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Colorado, as it receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Colorado

ComparisonMinnesotaColorado
Avg. Household Income$82,338$89,302
Cost of Living Index98.7598.3
State Income Tax5.35% - 9.85%4.4%
Avg. Property Tax1.08%0.51%
Avg. Sales Tax7.43%7.65%
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Retail, ManufacturingAerospace, Technology, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Colorado tend to earn about 8% more than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Colorado is 0% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in Colorado is 4.4% compared to 5.35% - 9.85% in Minnesota
  • The affluence in Colorado is high compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Colorado compared to low in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and moderate in Colorado

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Colorado

ComparisonMinnesotaColorado
Political Make-upModerately LiberalSlightly Liberal
Local PoliticsInfluence of urban centersBalance between urban and rural interests
ReligionChristianity predominant, with diverse religious communitiesLess religiously affiliated, with a strong presence of spiritual but not religious beliefs
  • Minnesota tends to lean moderately Liberal in its political climate
  • Colorado, on the other hand, is often described as slightly Liberal
  • Colorado's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated with a strong presence of spiritual but not religious beliefs
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Colorado

ComparisonMinnesotaColorado
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
St. Olaf College
Carleton College
University of Colorado Boulder
Colorado State University
University of Denver
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)
Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven)
Creek Valley Elementary (Edina)
Bromwell Elementary (Denver)
Cory Elementary (Denver)
Bear Creek Elementary (Boulder)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Eden Prairie Central Middle School (Eden Prairie)
Summit Middle Charter (Boulder)
Denver School of the Arts (Denver)
Liberty Middle School (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 High SchoolsMinnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Edina High School (Edina)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village)
Fairview High School (Boulder)
Denver School of Science and Technology (Denver)
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School (Minneapolis)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy (St. Paul)
Kent Denver School (Englewood)
Colorado Academy (Denver)
Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Minneapolis)
Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul)
Colorado Academy (Denver)
Kent Denver School (Englewood)
Fountain Valley School (Colorado Springs)
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public Schools
Edina Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools
Boulder Valley School District
Cherry Creek School District
Denver Public Schools

How Much Do Minnesota to Colorado Movers Cost?

Moving 1,053 miles from Minnesota to Colorado 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$1,799300 ft3$6.00
1 Bedroom$2,677450 ft3$5.95
2 Bedrooms$4,424750 ft3$5.90
3 Bedrooms$6,4331100 ft3$5.85
4 Bedrooms$9,2771600 ft3$5.80
5+ Bedrooms$10,3471800 ft3$5.75

Top Minnesota to Colorado Movers

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

TOP PICK
Movemasters, Inc. featured image

Movemasters, Inc.

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Colorado

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