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Virginia to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 7, 2025

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Planning a 1,310 mile interstate move from Virginia to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs mild summers), food & health (like Ham vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Ham and BBQ Ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Virginia
  • Rent in Minnesota is 8.95% more affordable than in Virginia
  • Moving from Virginia to Minnesota will cost on average between $2,000 - $7,000
  • Our top recommended Virginia to Minnesota movers is ARS Movers

Virginia to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Minnesota

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • Humid summers
  • Hurricane threat
  • Dense traffic
  • High state taxes
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Mild summers
  • Lower natural disaster risk
  • Less crowded roads
  • More affordable living

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Fewer historic sites
  • Far from major cities
  • Harsh winters
  • Less cultural diversity
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Historic landmarks
  • Proximity to D.C.
  • Mild winters
  • Rich cultural scene

Pros of moving from Virginia to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to mild summers
  • Look forward to moving away from hurricane threat and moving to Minnesota with lower natural disaster risk
  • Swap the dense traffic of Virginia for less crowded roads in Minnesota
  • Get ready for more affordable living in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Virginia to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from historic landmarks in Virginia to live with fewer historic sites in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of proximity to D.C. and have to settle for the con of being far from major cities
  • Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to harsh winters in Minnesota
  • Swap the rich cultural scene for less cultural diversity

Virginia vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonVirginiaMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemHamHotdish
Most popular meat dishBBQ RibsWalleye
Most popular street food itemPeanutsJuicy Lucy Burger
Most popular vegan foodVegetable Stir FryWild Rice Soup
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Rappahannock Oyster Co.
  • Lee's Fried Chicken and Donuts
  • Matt's Bar
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Restaurant Alma
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 Virginia to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful BBQ Ribs and sumptuous Peanuts, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Juicy Lucy Burger to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Stir Fry 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 Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Rappahannock Oyster Co., and Lee's Fried Chicken and Donuts. 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 Restaurant Alma.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Minnesota

ComparisonVirginiaMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodCraftsman, Ranch
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 listingHistoric homes, proximity to DCLakeside properties, green spaces
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference historic homes and proximity to DC, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside properties and green spaces.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Virginia.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
  • Minnesota has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 14% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Virginia’s $385,780.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 8.95% more affordable than in Virginia.

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

ComparisonVirginiaMinnesota
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 DisastersHurricanes, FloodsBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/6683/63
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48/2923/-6
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4430
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1048
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 3% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
  • Minnesota has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 3 degrees colder than in Virginia.
  • The average winter lows are 35 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 14 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Minnesota

ComparisonVirginiaMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$85,873$82,338
Cost of Living Index96.698.75
State Income Tax2% - 5.75%5.35% - 9.85%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%1.15%
Avg. Sales Tax5.30%7.50%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Government, ServiceHealthcare, Manufacturing, Agriculture
AffluenceModerately AffluentModerately Affluent
PovertyLowLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 4% less than in Virginia
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 2% higher than what you are used to living in Virginia
  • The state income tax in MN is 5.35% - 9.85% compared to 2% - 5.75% in VA
  • The affluence in Minnesota is moderately affluent compared to moderately affluent in Virginia
  • The poverty level is low in Minnesota compared to low in Virginia
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Virginia and low in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Minnesota

ComparisonVirginiaMinnesota
Political Make-upSwing state, recently leaning DemocraticLeans Democratic, especially in urban areas
Local PoliticsMix of conservative and liberal, depending on the areaProgressive in urban regions, conservative in rural
ReligionChristianity predominates, diverse religious communitiesLargely Christian, significant Lutheran population
  • Virginia tends to lean swing state, recently leaning Democratic in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Democratic, especially in urban areas
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as largely Christian with a significant Lutheran population
  • Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity predominates with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Minnesota

ComparisonVirginiaMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
James Madison University
University of Minnesota
Minnesota State University
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsArlington Science Focus School (Arlington)
Stenwood Elementary School (Vienna)
Westbriar Elementary School (Vienna)
Deephaven Elementary School (Minnetonka)
Hale Elementary School (Minneapolis)
Scenic Heights Elementary School (Minnetonka)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle School (Falls Church)
Frost Middle School (Fairfax)
Cooper Middle School (McLean)
Wayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
Twin Oaks Middle School (Prior Lake)
Top 3 High School SchoolsThomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology (Alexandria)
McLean High School (McLean)
Langley High School (McLean)
Edina High School (Edina)
Minnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Potomac School (McLean)
St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School (Alexandria)
Episcopal High School (Alexandria)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
St. Paul Academy and Summit School (St. Paul)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsFlint Hill School (Oakton)
Norfolk Academy (Norfolk)
The Madeira School (McLean)
Breck School (Golden Valley)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
Top 3 School DistrictsFairfax County Public Schools
Loudoun County Public Schools
Arlington Public Schools
Minnetonka Public School District
Edina Public School District
Wayzata Public School District

How Much Do Virginia to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 1,310 miles from Virginia to Minnesota will typically cost between $3,000 and $7,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $7,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,945300 ft3$6.48
1 Bedroom$2,895450 ft3$6.43
2 Bedrooms$4,788750 ft3$6.38
3 Bedrooms$6,9671100 ft3$6.33
4 Bedrooms$10,0541600 ft3$6.28
5+ Bedrooms$11,2211800 ft3$6.23

Top Virginia to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Minnesota

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details