Moving to Minnesota? 2023 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Minnesota is a state situated in the Midwestern region of the United States. Known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes”, it is home to 11,842 lakes and offers a blend of vibrant urban centres like Minneapolis and St. Paul together with natural beauty.

If you are considering moving to Minnesota, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Minnesota Facts:

Population: 5.707 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $62,000 (2022)
Random Fact: Minnesota is known as the “Land of 10,000 Lakes,” but it actually has even more – about 11,842 lakes, to be precise.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of early 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Minnesota

State	Estimated Moving Cost to Minnesota
California	USD 3,000 – 5,000
Texas	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Florida	USD 3,000 – 5,000
New York	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Pennsylvania	USD 2,000 – 4,000
Illinois	USD 1,500 – 3,000
Ohio	USD 2,000 – 3,500
Georgia	USD 2,500 – 4,500
North Carolina	USD 2,500 – 4,000
Michigan	USD 1,500 – 3,000

These estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific requirements and services needed. For precise quotes, it’s best to contact moving companies directly.

2. Minnesota Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices can vary significantly between the trendy neighbourhood of Uptown and the bustling downtown areas. Uptown, known for its vibrant nightlife and trendy amenities, tends to have higher rental and housing prices, with upscale apartments and homes commanding a premium, while downtown areas offer a mix of luxury condos and more affordable options.

Monthly Rental Prices in Minnesota:

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,400+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,190+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $2,430+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,000+

Minnesota Home Purchase Prices:

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $3,200+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $2,150+

Minnesota Housing Cost Comparison:

This is how rents in Minnesota compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 43% more expensive
New York is 60.3% more expensive
Los Angeles is 44.4% more expensive
Toronto is 19.7% more expensive
Sydney is 33.1% more expensive
Paris is 4.1% more expensive
Dubai is 20.5% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs:

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: SpareRoom and iRoommates.
Different Areas – Different Prices: There’s a notable price difference between the popular neighbourhood of Uptown and the bustling downtown areas. Uptown, renowned for its vibrant nightlife, trendy shops, and desirable amenities, generally commands higher prices in both rental and housing markets. On the other hand, downtown areas in Minnesota offer a diverse range of options that cater to various budgets. This wider range of prices in the downtown areas provides a more accessible entry point to Minnesota.

3. Minnesota Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Minnesota embraces a diverse culinary scene, with a focus on farm-to-table and locally sourced ingredients. The state has seen a rise in craft breweries, distilleries, and artisanal food producers, reflecting a growing interest in unique flavours and sustainable practices. Minnesota is known for its iconic dishes such as the Juicy Lucy (a cheese-stuffed burger) and the Scandinavian-inspired lutefisk (a preserved fish dish), which have become famous regional specialities.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $13.50
Takeout Coffee: $5.75
Bottle of Coke: $2.30
1L of Milk: $0.90
Loaf of Bread: $3.30
12 Eggs: $5.30
1kg Chicken: $18.70
1kg Beef: $15.00
1kg Apples: $5.00
1kg White Rice: $4.20

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 27.5% more expensive and groceries are 34.4% cheaper than Minnesota.
New York restaurants are 30.3% more expensive and groceries are 19.9% more expensive than Minnesota.
Los Angeles restaurants are 27.2% more expensive and groceries are 0.1% cheaper than Minnesota.
Toronto restaurants are 6.3% more expensive and groceries are 16.4% cheaper than Minnesota.
Sydney restaurants are 10.6% more expensive and groceries are 2.6% cheaper than Minnesota.
Paris restaurants are 2% more expensive and groceries are 5.3% cheaper than Minnesota.
Dubai restaurants are 0.3% more expensive and groceries are 62.3% cheaper than Minnesota.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries:

Know Your Supermarkets: Minnesota boasts a thriving farmers’ market culture, with a wide range of markets throughout the state offering fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal products. In terms of supermarkets, Minnesota offers a mix of affordable and upscale options.
Find Cheap Eats: Minnesota has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Eater and Trip Advisor.

4. Minnesota Alcohol Costs

Minnesota, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.50
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $7.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $3.40
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $4.80
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $13.50

How To Drink For Less in Minnesota:

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Life in Minnesota for Happy Hours.

5. Minnesota Transportation Fares

Minnesota has a well-developed public transportation system, particularly in the Twin Cities metropolitan area. The Metro Transit operates an extensive network of buses and light rail, providing convenient and reliable transportation options for commuters and residents. Additionally, the state offers commuter rail services, paratransit services for individuals with disabilities, and bike-sharing programs to promote sustainable and multi-modal transportation choices.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.40
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $85.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport:

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Minnesota

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from early 2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Minnesota ranges from approximately -5°C (23°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer. The coldest month tends to be January, while the hottest month is typically July. The wettest month in Minnesota is usually June, with higher precipitation levels contributing to lush vegetation and vibrant landscapes during the summer season.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $38.00
Summer Dress: $41.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $87.00
Business Shoes: $140.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $50.00
Deodorant: $4.50
Shampoo: $3.50
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $43.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Minnesota

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Minnesota. The rush hour is nowhere near as long as bad as other cities around the world. If you’re moving to Minnesota from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Minnesota:

Volkswagen Golf: $32,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.94

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Minnesota:

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Minnesota

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

In Minnesota, the sales tax rate is 6.875% for most taxable goods and services. However, there are some exceptions and variations in specific areas, such as additional local sales taxes imposed by counties, cities, and special taxing districts. It is advisable to consult the Minnesota Department of Revenue or relevant authorities for more precise and up-to-date information on sales tax rates and exemptions.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Minnesota at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Minnesota you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Minnesota

If you do make the move to Minnesota, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $770
New York: $110
Los Angeles: $110
Toronto: $150
Vancouver: $180
Dubai: $850
Sydney: $750
Melbourne: $1,750
Cape Town: $1,390
Hong Kong: $1,000

Other Tips on Moving to Minnesota:

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Minnesota but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Minnesota Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Minnesota.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Minnesota always has something going on. Have a look at Explore Minnesota and Eventbrite.

12. Moving to Minnesota with a Family

Minnesota is generally considered a family-friendly location with a variety of amenities and attractions suitable for families. The state offers numerous recreational activities, family-oriented events, excellent educational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. As for the crime rate, Minnesota’s overall crime rate is lower compared to the national average, although crime rates can vary within different cities and neighbourhoods.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at Minnesota Parent.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: Some of the cities that are frequently recognized for being family-friendly in Minnesota include Edina, Minnetonka, Eden Prairie, Plymouth, and Woodbury. These cities offer a combination of good schools, family-oriented neighbourhoods, parks, and recreational facilities that cater to the needs of families.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Minnesota. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor and Family Destinations Guide.

13. Moving to Minnesota for Work

While it is possible to move to Minnesota without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. Minnesota’s economy thrives on a diverse range of industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, education, finance, agriculture, and technology. The state is known for its Fortune 500 companies, strong healthcare sector, agricultural production, and a growing presence in renewable energy and technology sectors. The unemployment rate in Minnesota was 3.9% in 2021.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Minnesota, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Minnesota from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Minnesota, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: Victoria has a land area of approximately 87,806 square miles, similar to Minnesota, and is known for its diverse landscapes, including stunning coastlines, mountains, and vibrant cities like Melbourne.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Minnesota that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Minnesota from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Minnesota. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Saskatchewan is close in size to Minnesota. It’s located in the prairie region of Canada and is known for its vast open spaces, agriculture, and natural resources.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Minnesota from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Minnesota. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Minnesota is larger than the entire area of England combined.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Minnesota, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Minnesota you can start by comparing moving quotes here.