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Minnesota to Washington Moving Guide

Updated June 23, 2025

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Planning a 1,472 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Washington? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Washington across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like severe winter cold vs mild winter climate), food & health (like Hotdish vs Seafood (Salmon)), real estate & housing (cape cod, ranch vs northwest contemporary, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Seafood (Salmon) & Applewood Smoked Salmon
  • Washington housing costs are 79% more expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Washington is 18.32% more expensive than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Washington will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,500
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Washington movers is Seattle Moves & More

Minnesota to Washington Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Washington

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Severe winter cold
  • Limited mountain landscape
  • Fewer seafood options
  • Less cultural diversity
ProsWashington iconWashington
  • Mild winter climate
  • Abundant mountainous terrain
  • Fresh seafood availability
  • Rich cultural scene

Washington iconWashington
  • Frequent rainfall
  • Higher cost of living
  • Heavy urban traffic
  • Expensive property prices
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Beautiful lakes
  • Friendly communities
  • Low traffic congestion
  • Affordable housing

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Washington

  • Say goodbye to severe winter cold and hello to a mild winter climate
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited mountain landscape and moving to Washington with abundant mountainous terrain
  • Swap the fewer seafood options of Minnesota for fresh seafood availability in Washington
  • Get ready for a rich cultural scene in Washington

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Washington

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful lakes in Minnesota to live with frequent rainfall in Washington
  • You'll lose out on the pro of friendly communities and have to settle for the con of a higher cost of living
  • Time to bid farewell to low traffic congestion and get used to heavy urban traffic in Washington
  • Swap affordable housing for expensive property prices

Minnesota vs. Washington: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaWashington
Most iconic local food itemHotdishSeafood (Salmon)
Most popular meat dishWalleyeApplewood Smoked Salmon
Most popular street food itemJucy LucyTeriyaki
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupForaged Mushrooms Dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herbfarm
  • Salumi
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 Washington, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Seafood (Salmon) of Washington. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Jucy Lucy, Washington residents know they have tasty Applewood Smoked Salmon and Teriyaki 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 Foraged Mushroom Dishes of Washington. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Matt's Bar, Manny's Steakhouse, and Cafe Alma. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington's acclaimed eateries like Canlis, The Herbfarm, and Salumi.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Washington

ComparisonMinnesotaWashington
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, RanchNorthwest Contemporary, Craftsman
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, Large yardsEco-friendly features, Proximity to tech hubs
  • The Cape Cod and Ranch architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Northwest Contemporary and Craftsman architecture typical of Washington.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and large yards, Washington real estate listings often highlight features like eco-friendly elements and proximity to tech hubs.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Washington is more walkable than Minnesota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Washington is more bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Washington has more of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Washington housing costs are 79% more expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $591,148 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington have increased by 49% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Washington is 18.32% more expensive than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaWashington
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, TornadoesEarthquakes, Volcanoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83Β°F / 63Β°F75Β°F / 55Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)24Β°F / 7Β°F47Β°F / 37Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)30.16"38.19"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)54"16"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minnesota to Washington. Washington gets 23% fewer sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Washington has higher humidity and a similar 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 volcanoes in Washington.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington is 8 degrees colder than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 30 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington. Washington receives 8.0 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Washington

ComparisonMinnesotaWashington
Avg. Household Income$82,338$91,306
Cost of Living Index98.75104.1
State Income Tax5.35%0%
Avg. Property Tax1.05%0.93%
Avg. Sales Tax7.13%9.23%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Retail, HealthcareTech, Aerospace, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessMinimalNotable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington tend to earn about 11% more than those in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Washington is 5% higher than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
  • The affluence in Washington is high compared to moderate affluence in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Washington compared to low in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is minimal in Minnesota and notable in Washington

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Washington

ComparisonMinnesotaWashington
Political Make-upMixed, with a tendency towards liberal in urban areasLargely liberal, especially in metropolitan areas
Local PoliticsLocal government has varying political leanings based on region<a href="https://wa.gov/" rel="noopener nofollow" target="_blank">Local government</a> generally supports progressive policies
ReligionDiverse, Christianity predominantReligiously diverse, with a higher percentage of unaffiliated individuals
  • Minnesota tends to lean mixed, with a tendency towards liberal in urban areas in its political climate
  • Washington, on the other hand, is often described as largely liberal, especially in metropolitan areas
  • Washington's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse, with a higher percentage of unaffiliated individuals
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with Christianity being predominant

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Washington

ComparisonMinnesotaWashington
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
Twin Cities; Minnesota State University
Mankato; University of St. Thomas
University of Washington
Seattle; Washington State University
Pullman; Western Washington University
Bellingham
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCreekside Elementary
Chanhassen; Excelsior Elementary
Excelsior; Scenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka
Cascade Ridge Elementary
Sammamish; Endeavour Elementary
Issaquah; Medina Elementary
Medina
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata Central Middle School
Plymouth; Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka; Eastern Middle School
Maplewood
International School
Bellevue; Pine Lake Middle School
Sammamish; Islander Middle School
Mercer Island
Top 3 High School SchoolsEdina High School
Edina; Minnetonka High School
Minnetonka; Wayzata High School
Plymouth
Bellevue High School
Bellevue; Interlake Senior High School
Bellevue; Redmond High School
Redmond
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy
Saint Paul; The Blake School
Minneapolis
Lakeside School
Seattle; The Overlake School
Redmond; Seattle Academy
Seattle
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Blake School
Minneapolis; Breck School
Minneapolis; Minnehaha Academy
Minneapolis
Bear Creek School
Redmond; Seattle Country Day School
Seattle; Lakeside School
Seattle
Top 3 School DistrictsEden Prairie School District; Minnetonka Public School District; Edina Public School DistrictIssaquah School District; Lake Washington School District; Bellevue School District

How Much Do Minnesota to Washington Movers Cost?

Moving 1,472 miles from Minnesota to Washington will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 3-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,037300 ft3$6.79
1 Bedroom$3,033450 ft3$6.74
2 Bedrooms$5,018750 ft3$6.69
3 Bedrooms$7,3041100 ft3$6.64
4 Bedrooms$10,5441600 ft3$6.59
5+ Bedrooms$11,7721800 ft3$6.54

Top Minnesota to Washington Movers

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

TOP PICK
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Washington

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
John Volken Academy Movers featured image

John Volken Academy Movers

9.34/10
ExceptionalView details