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Moving from Minnesota to Arizona

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

MN state flag
Living now

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

Median household income $84,313 · winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

AZ state flag
Moving to

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

Arizona has an overall price level 100.7 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Minnesota
98.6
Arizona
100.7
Arizona has 2.1% higher overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
Arizona
106.8
Arizona has 17% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Minnesota
100.5
Arizona
95.4
Arizona has 5.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
Arizona
100.1
Electricity rate
Minnesota
16.4 ¢/kWh
Arizona
15.5 ¢/kWh
Arizona has 5.6% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
Arizona
100.1
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
Arizona
$426,000
Arizona is 24% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,291/mo
Arizona
$1,672/mo
Arizona is 30% more expensive to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow · USGS (live) state-level

Summer high 105°F · Winter low 43°F · 211 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Minnesota
82°F
Arizona
105°F
Arizona is 28% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
Arizona
43°F
Arizona is 975% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
Arizona
62°F
Arizona is 47% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
Arizona
211
Arizona has 8.2% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
Arizona
13 in
Arizona is 54% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Minnesota
65
Arizona
43
Arizona has 34% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Minnesota
0
Arizona
1
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
Arizona
10 in
Arizona is 78% less annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaArizona report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, and a 90-day move timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Arizona than Minnesota?

Arizona's overall price level is roughly 100.7 (US avg = 100), vs about 97.3 for Minnesota, based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Minnesota tops out at 9.85% income tax. Arizona tops out at 2.5%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Arizona?

Most Arizona residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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