Planning your move to the North Star State? You’re not alone! More than 9,900 people are moving to Minnesota annually. This is why its population has reached 5.7 million in 2024.
Minnesota is home to 17 Fortune 500 companies like General Mills and Hormel and has a thriving job market. The North Star State also has a low cost of living of $3,333. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Minnesota
Minnesota is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to MN:
| # | Reasons to Move to MN | Key Highlight |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Minnesota is 4% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The North Star State aims to add 170,000 jobs by 2030 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Quality of Life | Minnesota ranks as the 4th best state to live in for 2024. |
1. Cost of Living in MN
The cost of living in Minnesota is 4% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Minnesota’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Minneapolis | $324,750 | $2,535 | $123 | $164.52 | $676 |
| St. Paul | $295,000 | $1,346 | $71 | $164.52 | $633 |
| Rochester | $318,000 | $1,354 | $40.7 | $126.15 | $606 |
| Duluth | $281,000 | $1,308 | $49.1 | $164.52 | $602 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Minnesota
Minnesota’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The North Star State aims to add 170,000 new jobs by the end of 2030.
- Manufacturing: Minnesota’s manufacturing sector is expected to add about 3,990 jobs by 2030. The state is promoting manufacturing careers through initiatives like factory tours.
- Healthcare and Social Assistance: This sector is projected to add nearly 60,000 jobs by 2030, driven by increased demand for healthcare services. Major employers include Mayo Clinic and Allina Health, focusing on hiring nurses and allied health professionals.
- Information Technology: The IT sector is set to grow by around 600 jobs by 2030, fueled by telework and cybersecurity needs. Key companies include Thomson Reuters and Microsoft.
- Finance and Insurance: Financial services are projected to increase by 4,820 jobs by 2030, supported by strong demand and institutions like U.S. Bancorp and Wells Fargo.
3. High Quality of Life in Minnesota
Minnesota ranks as the 4th best state to live in for 2024. It is known for excellent healthcare, natural beauty, and a high life expectancy of 80.9 years—one of the longest in the U.S.
Minnesota also ranks 2nd in natural environment quality. The state has minimal pollution and more than 11,500 lakes, which supports year-round outdoor recreation. These health and environmental advantages promote a balanced and active lifestyle.
Cost of Moving to Minnesota 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to MN:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $381 to $3,446
Moving to Minnesota involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- MN moving service typically costs $105 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Minnesota.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $300 to $500 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Minnesota.
- When relocating to Minnesota, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in MN is around $380/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Minnesota. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in MN starts at $35. A standard title fee costs around $20.50.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the North Star State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Duluth the average rent ranges between $1,300 and $2,500.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Minnesota, home prices vary across the state. Cities situated on the lakeshores like Carver have a median home price of $485K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in inland cities like Hibbing is $182K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Minnesota ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to MN, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Minnesota neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
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