Movers

Montana to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 801 mile interstate move from Montana to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Montana vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder temperatures), food & health (like Bison Steak vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (rustic, cabin-style vs victorian, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Bison Steak and Trout, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in Montana
  • Rent in Minnesota is 18.25% more expensive than in Montana
  • Moving from Montana to Minnesota will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended Montana to Minnesota movers is Metro Movers

Montana to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Montana to Minnesota

ConsMontana iconMontana
  • Harsh winters
  • Rural isolation
  • Limited job market
  • Scattered healthcare
  • Few entertainment options
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Milder temperatures
  • Urban amenities
  • Diverse economy
  • Advanced medical centers
  • Vibrant cultural scene

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Dense urban areas
  • Crowded living conditions
  • Higher taxes
  • Fewer natural parks
  • Fragmented communities
Montana iconMontana
  • Natural beauty
  • Open spaces
  • Lower cost of living
  • Outdoor activities
  • Community spirit

Pros of moving from Montana to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder temperatures
  • Look forward to moving away from rural isolation and moving to Minnesota with urban amenities
  • Swap the limited job market of Montana for a diverse economy in Minnesota
  • Get ready for advanced medical centers in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Montana to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Montana to live with dense urban areas in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of open spaces and have to settle for the con of crowded living conditions
  • Time to bid farewell to the lower cost of living and get used to higher taxes in Minnesota
  • Swap outdoor activities for fewer natural parks

Montana vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMontanaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemBison SteakHotdish
Most popular meat dishTroutWalleye
Most popular street food itemHuckleberry PieJucy Lucy
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice BowlBeet Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Buck's T-4 Lodge
  • Bozeman Trail Steakhouse
  • Casey's Whitefish
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Bachelor Farmer
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 Montana to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Bison Steak of Montana for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Montana rave about their flavorful Trout and sumptuous Huckleberry Pie, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Jucy Lucy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Bowl they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beet Burger of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Montana eateries like Buck's T-4 Lodge, Bozeman Trail Steakhouse, and Casey's Whitefish. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Matt's Bar, Spoon and Stable, and The Bachelor Farmer.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Montana and Minnesota

ComparisonMontanaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleRustic, Cabin-styleVictorian, 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 listingScenic views, privacyLake access, family-friendly neighborhoods
  • The Rustic and Cabin-style architecture that Montana is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Craftsman architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Montana's real estate listings that commonly reference scenic views and privacy, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and family-friendly neighborhoods.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Montana.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Montana.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Montana.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 27% less expensive than they are in Montana, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Montana’s $456,199.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 71% increase in Montana.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 18.25% more expensive than in Montana.

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

ComparisonMontanaMinnesota
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 DisastersWildfires, FloodsCold waves, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 45Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 10Β°F24Β°F / 7Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)1530
Annual Snowfall (Inches)4055
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Montana to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Montana.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Montana.
  • Say goodbye to the possible wildfires and floods in Montana, but be on the lookout for potential cold waves and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 1 degree warmer than in Montana.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Montana.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 15 more inches of rain compared to Montana.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Montana and Minnesota

ComparisonMontanaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$67,631$82,338
Cost of Living Index99.498.75
State Income Tax6.75%9.85%
Avg. Property Tax0.84%1.12%
Avg. Sales Tax0%7.31%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Tourism, MiningHealthcare, Manufacturing, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 22% more than those in Montana
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 1% lower than what you are used to living in Montana
  • The state income tax in MN is 9.85% compared to 6.75% in MT
  • The affluence in Minnesota is high compared to moderate in Montana
  • The poverty level is low in Minnesota compared to moderate in Montana
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Montana and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Montana vs. Minnesota

ComparisonMontanaMinnesota
Political Make-upLean ConservativeLean Liberal
Local PoliticsRural interests played upUrban and rural balance
ReligionChristianity dominatesDiverse religious landscape
  • Montana tends to lean Conservative in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Liberal
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as a diverse religious landscape
  • Montana's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as dominated by Christianity

Education Guide When Moving from Montana to Minnesota

ComparisonMontanaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Montana
Montana State University
Montana Tech
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
St. Cloud State University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsHawthorne Elementary (Bozeman)
Cold Springs Elementary (Missoula)
Arrowhead Elementary (Kalispell)
Deephaven Elementary (Minnetonka)
Greenwood (Plymouth)
Creek Valley Elementary (Edina)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWashington Middle School (Missoula)
Sacajawea Middle School (Bozeman)
C.R. Anderson Middle School (Helena)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Wayzata East Middle School (Plymouth)
Plymouth Middle School (Plymouth)
Top 3 High School SchoolsBozeman High School (Bozeman)
Hellgate High School (Missoula)
Sentinel High School (Missoula)
Edina High School (Edina)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Top 3 private high schoolsBillings Central Catholic High School (Billings)
Great Falls Central Catholic High School (Great Falls)
Missoula Loyola Sacred Heart High School (Missoula)
Breck School (Minneapolis)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsPetra Academy (Bozeman)
Missoula International School (Missoula)
Stillwater Christian School (Kalispell)
Breck School (Minneapolis)
Blake School (Minneapolis)
Mounds Park Academy (St. Paul)
Top 3 School DistrictsBozeman Public Schools
Billings Public Schools
Missoula County Public Schools
Edina Public Schools
Minnetonka Public Schools
Wayzata Public Schools

How Much Do Montana to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 801 miles from Montana to Minnesota 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 Montana to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

Best moving company overall for Montana to Minnesota

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
Moving On Up

Moving On Up

8.79/10