Moving to Minnesota: Pros and Cons in 2025

Ryan Carrigan

Last Updated: Mar 27, 2025
10 min read

If you’re thinking about moving to Minnesota, you’re not alone. The North Star State atttacts newcomers for good reason! With bustling metropolitan areas like Minneapolis and quiet rural towns, there’s a place to match your desired pace of life.

As much as there is to love about Minnesota, it’s smart to weigh the good and the not-so-good before you buy a new home and pack up your belongings.

Here, we’ll walk you through what you need to know about moving to Minnesota to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.

Jump to the Minnesota information you are looking for:

Pros & cons
Attractions
Fun facts
Population & demographics
Weather
Income & cost of living
Top schools
Top movers to MN
Top car shippers to MN
FAQs

Pros & cons of living in Minnesota

Like any big move, relocating to Minnesota comes with its own upsides and potential downsides that are important to consider.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of living in the North Star State to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of living in MN

✓Ample economic opportunity
✓Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities
✓Multitudinous lakes
✓Diverse festivals
✓Friendly people

Cons of living in MN

✖Bland food
✖Cold snowy winters
✖Terrible traffic
✖High tax burden
✖Thick accents

Things to do in Minnesota

Whether you’re moving to Minnesota work, family, or just a fresh start, you’ll want to get the most out of your new home state — and that includes finding fun things to do. The good news is that, no matter your interests, Minnesota has lots of fun places to explore and things to do.

You can visit these places with your family or use them to meet new people if you’re alone. With so many choices, you’re sure to find something that suits you and makes you feel comfortable.

Popular Attractions in Minnesota

Mall of America
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
Cathedral of Saint Paul
North Shore Scenic Drive
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Minnehaha Falls
Munsinger Clemens Gardens
Itasca State Park
Valleyfair Amusement Park

Museums in Minnesota

Minneapolis Institute of Art
Science Museum of Minnesota
Mill City Museum
Minnesota History Center
Paisley Park
Red Wing Shoe Store & Museum
Minnesota Marine Art Museum
North American Bear Center
Pottery Museum of Red Wing
International Wolf Center

Parks in Minnesota

Minnehaha Park
Teddy Bear Park
Enger Park and Tower
Canal Park
Minnesota Valley State Recreation Area
Colvill Park
Elm Creek Park Reserve
Cleary Lake Regional Park
Lebanon Hills Regional Park
Centennial Lakes Park

Fun facts about Minnesota

Each state has a unique character molded by its history, culture, and residents. Learning about its small details and quirky traditions helps you understand what life there is truly like.

These fun facts about Minnesota, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.

The oldest human remains found in the region date back to 7,000 BC. These remains were found in 1933 near Browns Valley, east of the state of Minnesota; hence, the name of Man of Browns Valley. Human presence in the region could be before the date thanks to the discovery.
French nationals, Pierre Esprit Radisson and Médard Chouart were, in 1660, the first inhabitants of the old continent. In 1679, French explorer Daniel Greysolon claimed the entire region on behalf of France. French influence in the area declined after 1763 when France ceded part of Minnesota to the United Kingdom.
Minnesota state parks occupy more than 200 thousand hectares. Many of its lakes and rivers allow locals and visitors to enjoy various activities, including sailing, fishing, boating, swimming and walking on foot through forests, marshes, grasslands, rivers, and lakes. Practically since its creation as a state of the Union, Minnesota has paid special attention to education. MN is proudly one of the ten strongest states in education.
The state of Minnesota ranks first when it comes to the percentage of residents who exercise regularly. It is second in three key indices: low infant mortality, long life expectancy, and a low mortality rate.
An interesting fact about Minnesota is that the Minneapolis Skyway System stands out as the largest network of skyways globally. It links 80 blocks contiguously for a distance of up to 9.5 miles. The very first skyway, opened in 1962. People can move one building to another in a more convenient way even during bad weather.
This list of facts about Minnesota would not be complete unless the state’s important contributions are mentioned. Minnesota has contributed many inventions in various fields, including medicines and apparel. Its notable achievements include Scotch tape, Better Business Bureau, automatic pop-up toaster, in-the-ear Hearing Aid, and more
At 701 meters (2,301 feet), Eagle Mountain stands tall as Minnesota’s highest point. The mountain is located in Northern County and is a Minnesota State Historic Site.
Fort San Antonio (later called Fort Snelling) is Minnesota’s first military installation. It was built in 1819 and, Mendota, the first large settlement was developed in its vicinity. With the establishment in 1834 of the main commercial factory of the American Leather Company in Mendota, the fort became the main settlement of northwestern America.
Minnesota was one of the first states to support the Union during the Civil War. It is around this time that the state government and some railway companies were interested in attracting people to the state territories.
Valleyfair is the largest amusement park in the Midwest area of the United States. It has over 75 rides and attractions including eight roller coasters. There is also an area called “Route 76” dedicated to the classic attractions with which the park originally started in 1976.
The state is home to the world’s largest pelican, which was erected at base of of the Mill Pond dam. The concrete statue, which was built in 1957 is situated in Pelican Rapids.
Minnesota is a dream for anyone who loves shopping. It is home to the largest mall and entertainment center in the United States – Mall of America. Shoppers can take advantage of zero tax on the sale of clothing or footwear, so it is a shopping paradise.
To the north, you will find the largest lakes in Minnesota and the headwaters of the Mississippi River. Lake Leech is the third-largest in Minnesota. It is worth visiting, especially for its landscape. It has an irregular shape in addition to small and large bays. It comes as no surprise that the state is known as “the land of 10,000 lakes.”
Mystery Cave is the longest cave in the State of Minnesota is located in Forestville State Park and is open to the public. The interesting thing is to observe its natural formations of stalactites, stalagmites and underground pools. It is perfectly conditioned for tourism and children can enter.

Minnesota population and demographics

While you’re thinking about relocating to Minnesota, it’s important to look beyond facts and figures to get to the story they tell about the North Star State.

A state with more people might have more jobs, entertainment, and better infrastructure. On the other hand, a state with fewer people could mean a quieter lifestyle and close-knit communities.

Average education levels show the availability of job opportunities or access to local schools and colleges. Political breakdowns may indicate a state’s values and priorities.

Understanding who lives in Minnesota, how they live, and what they value can make it much easier to decide if it’s the kind of place where you’d feel comfortable and connected.

Metric	Minnesota
Population	5,737,915
Female	49.9%
Male	50.1%
College graduation rate	38.9%
Political leaning	Democratic 51.1-46.9
Crime index	22.47

Minnesota weather

Climate plays a huge role in shaping your day-to-day life, so it’s an important factor to consider when deciding whether Minnesota is right for you. Looking at seasonal highs and lows and average rain and snowfall can help you imagine how much time you’ll be spending outdoors, preparing for storms, and adjusting to temperature extremes.

Summer highs can influence your energy bills and how much time you spend away from the AC. Winter lows determine the type of wardrobe and heating system you’ll need. Annual snowfall can range from light flurries to major storms that affect travel and daily life.

Whether you love sunshine, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snow altogether, knowing the climate can help you decide if Minnesota aligns with your lifestyle and comfort level.

Metric	Minnesota
Summer high	81ºF
Winter low	2ºF
Annual rain	29″
Annual snow	47″

Income and cost of living in Minnesota

A look at major industries, average income, housing costs, and the overall cost of living gives you a clearer picture of how affordable and sustainable life will likely be in Minnesota.

Knowing which industries boost the economy can help you evaluate job prospects in your field or foresee job market stability. If you’re thinking about renting or buying a home, housing costs are probably a major factor when deciding whether to move.

The cost of living index shows how much your money is worth compared to the national average. A lower index usually means daily expenses such as groceries, transportation, and housing are cheaper.

These numbers are more than just statistics. They’re practical tools that help you compare your current lifestyle to what’s possible in Minnesota and make a confident, informed decision about your move.

The main economic industries in the state include:

Manufacturing ($52.2 billion)
Professional and business services ($48.5 billion)
Real estate and rental and leasing ($40.5 billion)
Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($39.6 billion)
Finance and insurance ($32.9 billion)
Wholesale trade ($25.5 billion)
Retail trade ($19.8 billion)
Construction ($14.5 billion)
Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($12.8 billion)
Information ($12.2 billion)

Metric	Minnesota
Average rent cost	$1,178
Average home cost	$334,119
Average income (per capita)	$84,313
Cost of living index*	94
Unemployment rate	3.4%
Average sales tax	Not available
State income tax	9.85%

*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.

Top schools in Minnesota

If education influences your decision to move, a state’s schools reflect its career opportunities and community resources.

Whether you’re planning to go back to school yourself, have kids nearing graduation, or just want to live in a state with strong academic options, it’s worth checking out what Minnesota has to offer.

Here are some of the top schools in Minnesota:

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
Carleton College
Rasmussen College
University of St. Thomas
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Macalester College l
St. Olaf College
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s University
St. Cloud State University
Gustavus Adolphus College
Hamline University
St. Catherine University
Augsburg University
Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Minnesota State University

Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Minnesota

We’ve reviewed hundreds of moving companies and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.

If you’re planning on moving to the North Star State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.

Cost of moving to Minnesota

Before you take the leap to Minnesota, it’s a good idea to get a handle on moving costs. On average, hiring professional movers will run you about $131 per hour. The total cost depends on how much stuff you have and how far you’re moving. Cross-country moves, for example, will definitely hit your wallet harder than a quick hop across state lines.

The type of move you choose can make a big difference in cost, too.

To keep costs down, choose one of the best moving container companies. You do the packing and loading and they handle the driving for you, so it’s kind of like a middle ground between DIY and full-service.

Want to save even more? The most affordable option is to get a rental truck. With this options, you’ll do all of the heavy lifting, including packing, loading, driving, and unloading.

But if you’d rather not break a sweat, professional interstate movers can do all the work for you. Just keep in mind that this convenience comes at a price. Be sure to get quotes from several different movers to find one that fits your budget and moving needs.

Company	Quote	Rating
Safeway Moving	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
Mayzlin Relocation	Get A Quote	4.9 / 5
BLVD Moving	Get A Quote	4.3 / 5
PODS	Get A Quote	4.8 / 5
American Van Lines	Get A Quote	4.5 / 5

Cost to bring your car to Minnesota

Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Minnesota.

Minnesota car insurance requirements

In Minnesota, drivers need to have minimum insurance coverage. This includes $30,000 per person and $60,000 per accident for bodily injury liability, and $10,000 for property damage liability. This ensures financial protection in accidents and follows state regulations for responsible driving.

Minnesota drivers license requirements

In Minnesota, you have 60 days after becoming a resident to get a Minnesota driver’s license or permit. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services is the agency that issues them.

FAQ

Is it worth it to move to Minnesota?

Moving to Minnesota is worth it if you’re interested in popular attractions the state has to offer, enjoy the local weather, and the cost of living fits your budget. You should spend some time weighing all the pros and cons to determine if Minnesota is a good fit for you and your lifestyle.

How much money should I have to move to Minnesota?

On the cost of living index, Minnesota has a score of 94. You can use the cost of living index, based on a 100-point scale, to determine a state’s relative affordability. This cost of living index uses 100 as the baseline, so states with a number under 100 are less expensive, and states scoring over 100 are more expensive.

What salary do I need to live comfortably in Minnesota?

The average income in MN is $84,313, and the an unemployment rate is 3.4. Home prices are $334,119, on average, and monthly rent is typically around $1,178.

What is the downside of living in Minnesota?

Like any place, Minnesota has its drawbacks to consider before moving there.

The most common downsides of living in North Star State include:

Bland food
Cold snowy winters
Terrible traffic
High tax burden
Thick accents

Minnesota Moving Resources

moveBuddha Migration Reports

With over 400,000 people utilizing our website to help plan their moves, we have up to date, deep insight into the most popular places people are moving to and from right now.