Movers

Minnesota to Montana Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 801 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Hotdish vs Huckleberry Pie), real estate & housing (prairie, victorian vs rustic, mountain modern), 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 Huckleberry Pie & Bison Steak
  • Montana housing costs are 38% more expensive than those in Minnesota
  • Rent in Montana is 15.43% more affordable than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Montana will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Montana movers is Metro Movers

Minnesota to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Montana

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Urban congestion
  • Expensive housing
  • Lack of mountains
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • Milder winters
  • Lower taxes
  • Less crowded
  • Affordable housing
  • Mountainous scenery

Montana iconMontana
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Sparsely located schools
  • Fewer lakes
  • Fewer restaurants
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Vibrant economy
  • Rich culture
  • Good public schools
  • Extensive lake system
  • Diverse dining

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Montana

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from high taxes and moving to Montana with lower taxes
  • Swap the urban congestion of Minnesota for less crowded areas in Montana
  • Get ready for affordable housing in Montana

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a vibrant economy in Minnesota to live with a limited job market in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich culture and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to good public schools and get used to sparsely located schools in Montana
  • Swap an extensive lake system for fewer lakes

Minnesota vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaMontana
Most iconic local food itemHotdishHuckleberry Pie
Most popular meat dishWalleyeBison Steak
Most popular street food itemJuicy LucyElk Burgers
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupLentil Burgers
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Matt's Bar
  • Al's Breakfast
  • The Bachelor Farmer
  • The Huckleberry Patch
  • Montana Ale Works
  • Double Front Cafe
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)πŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Minnesota to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Juicy Lucy, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Elk Burgers 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 Lentil Burgers of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Al's Breakfast, and The Bachelor Farmer. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like The Huckleberry Patch, Montana Ale Works, and Double Front Cafe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Montana

ComparisonMinnesotaMontana
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, VictorianRustic, Mountain 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 listingLake access, Energy efficiencyMountain views, Proximity to outdoor recreation
  • The Prairie and Victorian architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Rustic and Mountain Modern architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and energy efficiency, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to outdoor recreation.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Montana is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Montana is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Montana housing costs are 38% more expensive than those in Minnesota, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Montana is 15.43% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaMontana
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, Floods
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6385/50
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)24/734/17
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3215
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5467
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Minnesota to Montana. Montana gets 4% more sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Montana 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 floods in Montana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Montana is 2 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows in Montana are 10 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana. Montana receives 17 fewer inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Montana

ComparisonMinnesotaMontana
Avg. Household Income$82,338$67,631
Cost of Living Index98.7599.4
State Income Tax5.35% - 9.85%No State Income Tax
Avg. Property Tax1.08%0.76%
Avg. Sales Tax7.47%0% - 3%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, RetailAgriculture, Mining, Healthcare
AffluenceProsperousModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 18% less than those in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Montana will be 1% higher than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in MT is no state income tax compared to 5.35% to 9.85% in MN
  • The affluence in Montana is moderate compared to prosperous in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is higher in Montana compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Montana

ComparisonMinnesotaMontana
Political Make-upModerately liberalConservative leaning
Local PoliticsDiverse, urban areas more liberalRural conservative, urban centers more mixed
ReligionMixed, with a strong Christian presenceLargely Christian, with notable local churches
  • Minnesota tends to lean moderately liberal in its political climate
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as conservative leaning
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with notable local churches
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed with a strong Christian presence

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Montana

ComparisonMinnesotaMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
Montana State University
University of Montana
Montana Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)
Creek Valley Elementary (Edina)
Deephaven Elementary (Minnetonka)
Hawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula)
Morning Star Elementary (Bozeman)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata West Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Eastview Middle School (Lakeville)
Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
C.S. Porter Middle School (Missoula)
Washington Middle School (Missoula)
Top 3 High SchoolsMinnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Edina High School (Edina)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Bozeman High School (Bozeman)
Hellgate High School (Missoula)
Sentinel High School (Missoula)
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School (Golden Valley)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Thomas Academy (Mendota Heights)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Bozeman Christian School (Bozeman)
Valley Christian School (Missoula)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMounds Park Academy (Saint Paul)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
Petty Creek School (Alberton)
Bozeman Field School (Bozeman)
Stillwater Christian School (Kalispell)
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Edina Public School District
Wayzata Public School District
Bozeman Public Schools
Missoula County Public Schools
Helena School District

How Much Do Minnesota to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 801 miles from Minnesota to Montana will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 5-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,657300 ft3$5.52
1 Bedroom$2,462450 ft3$5.47
2 Bedrooms$4,066750 ft3$5.42
3 Bedrooms$5,9091100 ft3$5.37
4 Bedrooms$8,5151600 ft3$5.32
5+ Bedrooms$9,4901800 ft3$5.27

Top Minnesota to Montana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Montana

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
Goal Line Moving featured image

Goal Line Moving

9.27/10
ExceptionalView details

Minneapolis to Montana

St. Paul to Montana