Movers

Pennsylvania to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 1,175 mile interstate move from Pennsylvania to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Pennsylvania vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like higher taxes vs lower tax rates), food & health (like Philly Cheesesteak vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (colonial vs modern and cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes, politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Philly Cheesesteak and Pork and Sauerkraut, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania
  • Rent in Minnesota is 12.30% more expensive than in Pennsylvania
  • Moving from Pennsylvania to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Pennsylvania to Minnesota movers is Pittsburgh Moving

Pennsylvania to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Pennsylvania to Minnesota

ConsPennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Higher taxes
  • Middle-of-road education
  • Snowy winters
  • Urban congestion
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Lower tax rates
  • Top-quality schools
  • Winter activities
  • Spacious living

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Less historical depth
  • Less cultural variety
  • Flat landscapes
  • Distance from coasts
Pennsylvania iconPennsylvania
  • Rich history
  • Diverse culture
  • Scenic countryside
  • Close to NYC/DC

Pros of moving from Pennsylvania to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to higher taxes and hello to lower tax rates
  • Look forward to moving away from middle-of-the-road education and moving to Minnesota with top-quality schools
  • Swap the snowy winters of Pennsylvania for winter activities in Minnesota
  • Get ready for spacious living in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Pennsylvania to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from rich history in Pennsylvania to live with less historical depth in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of less cultural variety
  • Time to bid farewell to scenic countryside and get used to flat landscapes in Minnesota
  • Swap living close to NYC/DC for distance from the coasts

Pennsylvania vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemPhilly CheesesteakHotdish
Most popular meat dishPork and SauerkrautWalleye
Most popular street food itemSoft PretzelJucy Lucy
Most popular vegan foodMushroom SoupWild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
    • Reading Terminal Market
    • Pat's King of Steaks
    • Zahav
    • Matt's Bar
    • Spoon and Stable
    • The Bachelor Farmer (Closed)
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 Pennsylvania to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Philly Cheesesteak of Pennsylvania for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Pennsylvania rave about their flavorful Pork and Sauerkraut and sumptuous Soft Pretzel, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Jucy Lucy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Mushroom Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Soup of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Pennsylvania eateries like Reading Terminal Market, Pat's King of Steaks, and Zahav. 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 (Closed).

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Pennsylvania and Minnesota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleColonialModern and Cape Cod
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 listingHardwood floors, Granite countertopsLake access, Open floor plan
  • The Colonial architecture that Pennsylvania is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Cape Cod architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Pennsylvania's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and granite countertops, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and open floor plans.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Minnesota is less walkable than Pennsylvania.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Pennsylvania.
  • Minnesota has less of an urban feel than Pennsylvania.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 27% more expensive than they are in Pennsylvania, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Pennsylvania’s $261,312.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 43% increase in Pennsylvania.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 12.30% more expensive than in Pennsylvania.

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

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMinnesota
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 DisastersFlooding, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6283/60
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)36/2024/9
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4230
Annual Snowfall (Inches)3854
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Pennsylvania to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 11% more sunshine days than Pennsylvania.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Pennsylvania.
  • Say goodbye to the possible flooding and tornadoes in Pennsylvania, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 2 degrees colder than in Pennsylvania.
  • The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Pennsylvania.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Pennsylvania.

Political and Religious Climate in Pennsylvania vs. Minnesota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMinnesota
Political Make-upMixed, leans DemocraticLeans Democratic
Local PoliticsCompetitive in both urban and rural areasUrban areas more liberal, rural areas conservative
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity dominant, notable Muslim and Jewish communities
  • Pennsylvania tends to lean mixed and leans Democratic in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as Christianity dominant with notable Muslim and Jewish communities
  • Pennsylvania's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominant with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Pennsylvania to Minnesota

ComparisonPennsylvaniaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania State University
University of Pittsburgh
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsBradford Heights Elem.
Downingtown; Franklin El. School
Pittsburgh; Whitemarsh Elem.
Conshohocken
Scenic Heights Elem.
Minnetonka; Deephaven Elem.
Deephaven; Greenwood Elem.
Plymouth
Top 3 Middle SchoolsHaverford MS
Havertown; Radnor MS
Radnor; Wissahickon MS
Ambler
Wayzata Central MS
Plymouth; Minnetonka MS East
Minnetonka; Mahtomedi MS
Mahtomedi
Top 3 High SchoolsConestoga HS
Berwyn; Masterman HS
Philadelphia; Radnor HS
Radnor
Edina HS
Edina; Minnetonka HS
Minnetonka; Wayzata HS
Plymouth
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Haverford School
Haverford; Shady Side Academy
Pittsburgh; The Baldwin School
Bryn Mawr
Breck School
Golden Valley; The Blake School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy
St. Paul
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Agnes Irwin School
Rosemont; Friends' Central School
Wynnewood; Germantown Friends School
Philadelphia
The Blake School
Minneapolis; Breck School
Golden Valley; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul
Top 3 School DistrictsTredyffrin-Easttown School District
Wayne; Radnor Township School District
Radnor; Lower Merion School District
Ardmore
Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka; Edina Public School District
Edina; Wayzata Public School District
Plymouth

How Much Do Pennsylvania to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,175 miles from Pennsylvania to Minnesota 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$1,869300 ft3$6.23
1 Bedroom$2,780450 ft3$6.18
2 Bedrooms$4,597750 ft3$6.13
3 Bedrooms$6,6871100 ft3$6.08
4 Bedrooms$9,6461600 ft3$6.03
5+ Bedrooms$10,7621800 ft3$5.98

Top Pennsylvania to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pittsburgh Moving featured image

Pittsburgh Moving

Best moving company overall for Pennsylvania to Minnesota

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