Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Minneapolistoggle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Minneapolis can be as low as $1,145 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,852.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $448 to $1,087. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Minneapolis

Chicago Minneapolis
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,484
Average home value $295,743 $312,602
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $70,099
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $3,900
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $4,710
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.5%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.03%
State income tax 4.95% 9.85%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Minneapolis are 27% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Minneapolis are 5.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Minneapolis is 2.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Minneapolis is 204.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family is the same in Minneapolis and Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Minneapolis is 50.00% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Minneapolis are 11.90% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Minneapolis are 98.99% higher than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $9,140.63 in Minneapolis to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Minneapolis

Minneapolis Chicago
Population 425,115 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 71 77
Bike friendliness score 83 72
Crime Index 56.06 35.19
Safety Index 43.94 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Minneapolis's population is about 85% less than Chicago.
  • Minneapolis's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Minneapolis is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Minneapolis's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 56.06 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Minneapolis is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 43.94 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Minneapolis is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Minneapolis move

  • Weather: Minneapolis has cold, snowy winters and hot, humid summers. Minneapolis experiences a full range of precipitation and related weather events, including snow, sleet, ice, rain, thunderstorms, and fog. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Minnesota moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Minnesota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Minneapolis. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Minneapolis

Now that you've decided to make the move to "City of Lakes", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Minneapolis.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Linden Hills
  • Loring Park
  • Northeast Minneapolis
  • North Loop (Warehouse District)
  • Uptown
  • Whittier

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Diamond Lake
  • Fulton
  • Kenny
  • Linden Hills
  • Minnehaha

Things to do in Minneapolistoggle

After settling into your new Minnesota home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Minneapolis has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Minneapolis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, The Museum of Russian Art, and Foshay Tower.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA), Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), Minnesota Twins (MLB), or Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Minneapolis?

The best time to move from Chicago to Minneapolis is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Minneapolis?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Minneapolis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Minneapolis take?

The 408-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Minneapolis, MN, takes one to four days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Minneapolis.

Helpful moving resources

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