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Wisconsin to Minnesota Moving Guide

Updated June 19, 2025

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Planning a 430 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Minnesota? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Minnesota across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Hotdish), real estate & housing (craftsman and farmhouse vs victorian and modern), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Hotdish & Walleye
  • Minnesota housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Minnesota is 33.28% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Minnesota movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to Minnesota Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • Lack of cultural diversity
  • Limited public transport
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Less outdoor recreation
ProsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Milder winters
  • Vibrant cities like Minneapolis
  • Efficient public transit
  • Thriving job market
  • Vast outdoor activities

Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Busier urban life
  • Higher living expenses
  • Possibly less community feel
  • More crowded spaces
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Cherished rural charm
  • Lower cost of living
  • Strong community ties
  • Spacious landscapes
  • Calm small-town life

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a lack of cultural diversity and moving to Minnesota with vibrant cities like Minneapolis
  • Swap the limited public transport of Wisconsin for efficient public transit in Minnesota
  • Get ready for a thriving job market in Minnesota

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cherished rural charm in Wisconsin to live with a busier urban life in Minnesota
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a lower cost of living and have to settle for the con of higher living expenses
  • Time to bid farewell to strong community ties and get used to possibly less of a community feel in Minnesota
  • Swap spacious landscapes for more crowded spaces

Wisconsin vs. Minnesota: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinMinnesota
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsHotdish
Most popular meat dishBratwurstWalleye
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsJucy Lucy
Most popular vegan foodGrain BowlsWild Rice Dishes
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lake Geneva Country Meats
  • Mader's
  • The Farmhouse
  • Spoon and Stable
  • Matt's Bar
  • CafΓ© 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 Wisconsin to Minnesota, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Hotdish of Minnesota. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Minnesota residents know they have tasty Walleye and Jucy Lucy to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Grain Bowls they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Wild Rice Dishes of Minnesota. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like Lake Geneva Country Meats, Mader's, and The Farmhouse. After the boxes are unpacked in Minnesota, don't wait too long before making your way to Minnesota's acclaimed eateries like Spoon and Stable, Matt's Bar, and CafΓ© Alma.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Minnesota

ComparisonWisconsinMinnesota
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman and FarmhouseVictorian and Modern
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 listingLand, Lake AccessGreen Spaces, Proximity to Parks
  • The Craftsman and Farmhouse architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Modern architecture typical of Minnesota.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference land and lake access, Minnesota real estate listings often highlight features like green spaces and proximity to parks.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Minnesota is more walkable than Wisconsin.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Minnesota is more bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Minnesota has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Minnesota housing costs are 12% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $331,117 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Minnesota have increased by 33% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Minnesota is 33.28% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinMinnesota
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, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityModerateGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F83Β°F / 63Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F24Β°F / 7Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"30"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"55"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Minnesota. Minnesota gets 5% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Minnesota has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota.
  • The average summer high temperature in Minnesota is 1 degree warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows in Minnesota are 6 degrees colder than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Minnesota. Minnesota receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Minnesota

ComparisonWisconsinMinnesota
Avg. Household Income$70,996$82,338
Cost of Living Index95.6598.75
State Income Tax6.27%6.80%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%1.15%
Avg. Sales Tax5.44%7.49%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareHealthcare, Manufacturing, Technology
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertyLowerLower
HomelessnessModerateModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Minnesota tend to earn about 16% more than those in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Minnesota is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in MN is 6.80% compared to 6.27% in WI
  • The affluence in Minnesota is higher compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is lower in Minnesota compared to lower poverty in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Wisconsin and moderate in Minnesota

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Minnesota

ComparisonWisconsinMinnesota
Political Make-upMixed; Lean towards swing state in national electionsSlightly more Democratic-leaning
Local PoliticsVaried; rural areas tend to lean Republican, urban areas lean DemocraticSimilar pattern, but with stronger Democratic strongholds in cities like Minneapolis
ReligionChristian majority; Diverse religious communitiesChristian majority; Notable diversity including larger Muslim communities
  • Wisconsin tends to lean mixed and leans towards being a swing state in national elections in its political climate
  • Minnesota, on the other hand, is often described as slightly more Democratic-leaning
  • Minnesota's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with notable diversity including larger Muslim communities
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Minnesota

ComparisonWisconsinMinnesota
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Minnesota State University-Mankato
University of St. Thomas
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwallow School
Hartland; Elm Lawn Elementary
Middleton; Lakeview Elementary
Neenah
Scenic Heights Elementary
Minnetonka; Deephaven Elementary
Minnetonka; St. Croix Preparatory Academy Lower
Stillwater
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWhitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay; Kromrey Middle
Middleton; Lake Shore Middle
Mequon
Minnetonka Middle School East
Minnetonka; Wayzata East Middle School
Plymouth; St. Croix Preparatory Academy Middle
Stillwater
Top 3 High SchoolsBrookfield East High
Brookfield; Cedarburg High
Cedarburg; Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay
Minnetonka High
Minnetonka; Eden Prairie High
Eden Prairie; Edina High
Edina
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Marquette University High
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Breck School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy
St. Paul; The Blake School
Minneapolis
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Prairie School
Racine
The Blake School
Minneapolis; Breck School
Minneapolis; St. Paul Academy and Summit School
St. Paul
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield; Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay; Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton
Minnetonka Public School District
Minnetonka; Eden Prairie School District
Eden Prairie; Edina Public School District
Edina

How Much Do Wisconsin to Minnesota Movers Cost?

Moving 430 miles from Wisconsin to Minnesota will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,446300 ft3$4.82
1 Bedroom$2,147450 ft3$4.77
2 Bedrooms$3,541750 ft3$4.72
3 Bedrooms$5,1381100 ft3$4.67
4 Bedrooms$7,3931600 ft3$4.62
5+ Bedrooms$8,2281800 ft3$4.57

Top Wisconsin to Minnesota Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Minnesota

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details