Factors affecting the cost of moving from MN to VA
There are many factors that influence
Minnesota moving costs.
The cost to move from Minnesota to Virginia will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Minnesota is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from MN to VA
If you’re moving to Virginia from Minnesota, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Minnesota vs. Virginia
|
Minnesota |
Virginia |
| Average rent cost |
$1,178 |
$1,440 |
| Average home cost |
$334,119 |
$392,682 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$84,313 |
$87,249 |
| Cost of Living Index |
94 |
0 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
8.03% |
5.73% |
| State Income Tax |
9.85% |
5.75% |
-
Rent is about 22% more expensive in Virginia than in Minnesota.
-
Home prices are about 18% higher in Virginia than in Minnesota.
-
The average income is about 3% higher in Virginia than in Minnesota.
-
Cost of living is 100% lower in Virginia than in Minnesota.
-
Virginia has a lower unemployment rate than Minnesota by about 15%.
-
Sales taxes are 29% lower in Virginia than in Minnesota.
-
Income taxes are 42% lower in Virginia than in Minnesota.
How life is different in Virginia vs. Minnesota
|
Virginia |
Minnesota |
| Population |
8,715,698 |
5,737,915 |
| Political leaning |
Democratic 52-48 |
Democratic 51.1-46.9 |
| Summer high |
87ºF |
81ºF |
| Winter low |
25ºF |
2ºF |
| Annual rain |
44" |
29" |
| Annual snow |
14" |
47" |
| Crime index |
19.3 |
22.47 |
-
The population of Virginia is approximately 52% greater than the population of Minnesota.
-
In the last presidential election, Virginia voted Democratic and Minnesota voted Democratic.
-
The average high in the summertime in Virginia is 87ºF
and in Minnesota, it’s 81ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Virginia reaches the temperature of 25ºF
and Minnesota gets down to 2ºF.
-
You can expect about 44 inches of annual rainfall in Virginia versus 29 inches of rainfall in Minnesota.
-
In Virginia, it snows about 14 inches annually
versus 47 inches of snow in Minnesota.
-
Virginia has a lower crime rate than Minnesota with a crime index
of 19.3 vs. 22.47.
Comparing the pros of Minnesota vs. Virginia
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Virginia compared to Minnesota.
| Pros of living in Minnesota |
Pros of living in Virginia |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Strong economy |
| Bountiful recreational outdoor opportunities |
Beautiful scenery |
| Multitudinous lakes |
Abundance of outdoor activities |
| Diverse festivals |
Enjoyable four season weather |
| Friendly people |
Strong military presence |
Comparing the cons of living in Minnesota vs. Virginia
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Minnesota for Virginia.
| Cons of living in Minnesota |
Cons of living in Virginia |
| Bland food |
High cost of living |
| Cold snowy winters |
Unpredictable weather |
| Terrible traffic |
Bad traffic congestion |
| High tax burden |
Lack of public transportation |
| Thick accents |
Air noise pollution |
Other things to consider for your Minnesota to Virginia move
- Weather: Virginia has humid hot and humid summers and cool to mild winters. The Atlantic Ocean and Gulf Stream have a strong effect on eastern and southeastern coastal areas of the Commonwealth, making the climate there warmer and more constant.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
State licensing:
In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Virginia moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
-
Moving permits:
Virginia 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 so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Virginia.
Get started here.
-
Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
-
Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Virginia
While you’re in Virginia, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Virginia Beach
- Colonial Williamsburg
- Arlington National Cemetery
- Busch Gardens
- The Natural Bridge
- Manassas National Battlefield Park
- Thomas Jefferson's Monticello
- George Washington's Mount Vernon
- Shenandoah National Park / Skyline Drive
- Richmond Canal Walk
- Luray Caverns
- Chincoteague and Assateague Islands
- Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center
- Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center
- Historic Jamestowne
- Maymont Park
- Nauticus
- Virginia Museum of Fine Arts
- Military Aviation Museum
- Virginia State Capitol
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Minnesota to Virginia?
Do movers transport your car from Minnesota to Virginia?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Minnesota to Virginia
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Minnesota to Virginia?
The main reasons people are moving from Minnesota to Virginia are the amazing upsides of living in Virginia such as
strong economy and beautiful scenery.
Is it cheaper to live in Minnesota or Virginia?
It is generally cheaper to live in Minnesota than in Virginia.
Housing
is more affordable in Minnesota,
with average rent about 18% less
and home prices 15% lower than in Virginia.
However, taxes are lower in Virginia, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 40% less than those paid by
Minnesota residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Virginia?
You should make approximately $72,647 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Virginia.
The cost of living in Virginia is approximately $3,208 per month for an individual and $4,783 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Virginia you live
For example, larger cities like Virginia Beach and Chesapeake will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Minnesota moving services
Best overall value
