Movers

Minnesota to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Updated June 5, 2025

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Planning a 1,171 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Pennsylvania? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Pennsylvania across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs milder climate), food & health (like Hotdish vs Philly Cheesesteak), real estate & housing (prairie style/rambler vs colonial/stone farmhouses), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Pennsylvania), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Philly Cheesesteak & Pork and Sauerkraut
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 10.95% more affordable than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Pennsylvania will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Pennsylvania movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Minnesota to Pennsylvania Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Pennsylvania

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Cold winters
  • Limited job market
  • Higher state income tax
  • Landlocked scenery
  • Isolated rural areas
ProsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Milder climate
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Lower state tax rates
  • Varied landscape
  • Dense urban centers

Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Lack of lakes
  • Less community bonding
  • Fewer cultural resources
  • Higher crime rates
  • Variable school quality
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Lakes and nature
  • Friendly communities
  • Cultural activities
  • Low crime rates
  • Good public schools

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Pennsylvania

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to milder climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Pennsylvania with diverse job opportunities
  • Swap the higher state income tax of Minnesota for lower state tax rates in Pennsylvania
  • Get ready for a varied landscape in Pennsylvania

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Pennsylvania

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lakes and nature in Minnesota to live with a lack of lakes in Pennsylvania
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of less community bonding
  • Time to bid farewell to cultural activities and get used to fewer cultural resources in Pennsylvania
  • Swap low crime rates for higher crime rates

Minnesota vs. Pennsylvania: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaPennsylvania
Most iconic local food itemHotdishPhilly Cheesesteak
Most popular meat dishWalleyePork and Sauerkraut
Most popular street food itemJucy LucySoft Pretzel
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BurgerMushroom Cheesesteak
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Matt's Bar
  • Hell's Kitchen
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Pat's King of Steaks
  • Reading Terminal Market
  • Zahav
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 Pennsylvania, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Jucy Lucy, Pennsylvania residents know they have tasty Pork and Sauerkraut and Soft Pretzel to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Mushroom Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Hell's Kitchen, and Spoon and Stable. After the boxes are unpacked in Pennsylvania, don't wait too long before making your way to Pennsylvania's acclaimed eateries like Pat's King of Steaks, Reading Terminal Market, and Zahav.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Pennsylvania

ComparisonMinnesotaPennsylvania
Typical Architecture StylePrairie Style/RamblerColonial/Stone Farmhouses
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, Open concept, Natural lightHistoric details, Hardwood floors, Large yards
  • The Prairie Style and Rambler architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Stone Farmhouses architecture typical of Pennsylvania.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access, open concept, and natural light, Pennsylvania real estate listings often highlight features like historic details, hardwood floors, and large yards.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Pennsylvania is more walkable than Minnesota.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Pennsylvania is less bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Pennsylvania has more of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Pennsylvania housing costs are 21% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $261,312 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Pennsylvania have increased by 43% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Pennsylvania is 10.95% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaPennsylvania
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesFloods, Hurricanes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F / 63Β°F85Β°F / 65Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)23Β°F / 7Β°F33Β°F / 20Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30.6142
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5438
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minnesota to Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania gets 10% fewer sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Pennsylvania has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential floods and hurricanes in Pennsylvania.
  • The average summer high temperature in Pennsylvania is 2 degrees warmer than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 13 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania receives 11.4 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Pennsylvania

ComparisonMinnesotaPennsylvania
Avg. Household Income$82,338$71,798
Cost of Living Index98.7599.7
State Income Tax5.35-9.853.07
Avg. Property Tax1.081.58
Avg. Sales Tax7.426.34
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Health CareFinance, Manufacturing, Health Care
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Pennsylvania tend to earn about 13% less than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Pennsylvania is 1% higher than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in PA is 3.07 compared to 5.35 to 9.85 in MN
  • The affluence in Pennsylvania is moderate compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Pennsylvania compared to low in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and low in Pennsylvania

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Pennsylvania

ComparisonMinnesotaPennsylvania
Political Make-upModerately liberal, tends to vote Democratic in national electionsSwing state, with a mix of liberal urban centers and conservative rural areas
Local PoliticsProgressive cities like MinneapolisConservative areas contrast with liberal cities such as Philadelphia
ReligionLutheran and Catholic are predominantCatholic, with significant Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant communities
  • Minnesota tends to lean moderately liberal and tends to vote Democratic in its political climate
  • Pennsylvania, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a mix of liberal urban centers and conservative rural areas
  • Pennsylvania's religious environment can be described as Catholic with significant Jewish, Muslim, and Protestant communities
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Lutheran and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Pennsylvania

ComparisonMinnesotaPennsylvania
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
St. Olaf College
University of Pennsylvania
Penn State University
Temple University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)
Creek Valley Elementary (Edina)
Deephaven Elementary (Minnetonka)
Adlai Stevenson Elementary (Pittsburgh)
Hillside Elementary (Berwyn)
Marshall Elementary (Wexford)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
South View Middle School (Edina)
Welsh Valley Middle School (Narberth)
Haverford Middle School (Haverford)
Fort Couch Middle School (Pittsburgh)
Top 3 High SchoolsMinnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Edina High School (Edina)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Conestoga High School (Berwyn)
Harriton High School (Bryn Mawr)
North Allegheny Senior High School (Wexford)
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School (Minneapolis)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy (St. Paul)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
The Baldwin School (Bryn Mawr)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBreck School (Minneapolis)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul)
The Haverford School (Haverford)
Shady Side Academy (Pittsburgh)
Germantown Friends School (Philadelphia)
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Edina Public School District
Wayzata Public School District
Tredyffrin-Easttown School District
Radnor Township School District
North Allegheny School District

How Much Do Minnesota to Pennsylvania Movers Cost?

Moving 1,171 miles from Minnesota to Pennsylvania will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,866300 ft3$6.22
1 Bedroom$2,777450 ft3$6.17
2 Bedrooms$4,591750 ft3$6.12
3 Bedrooms$6,6781100 ft3$6.07
4 Bedrooms$9,6341600 ft3$6.02
5+ Bedrooms$10,7481800 ft3$5.97

Top Minnesota to Pennsylvania Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Pennsylvania

9.63/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
EverSafe Moving Co. featured image

EverSafe Moving Co.

9.50/10
ExceptionalView details