Skip to content

Free comparison

Moving from Minnesota to Washington

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools. vs. Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

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.

WA state flag
Moving to

Washington

Capital: Olympia

Median household income $90,325 · winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days

Tech (Amazon, MS), no income tax, rainy West side.

Washington has an overall price level 107.0 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Minnesota
98.6
Washington
107.0
Washington has 8.5% higher overall price level
Housing index
Minnesota
91.3
Washington
126.0
Washington has 38% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
Washington
101.8
Washington has 2.1% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.8
Washington
101.1
Washington has 1.3% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Washington has 4.5% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Minnesota
99.7
Washington
101.4
Washington has 1.7% higher transportation
Median home value
Minnesota
$344,600
Washington
$602,200
Washington is 75% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
Washington
$1,641/mo
Washington is 45% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 79°F · Winter low 35°F · 152 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Minnesota
82°F
Washington
79°F
Washington is 3.7% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Minnesota
4°F
Washington
35°F
Washington is 775% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Minnesota
42°F
Washington
50°F
Washington is 18% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Minnesota
195
Washington
152
Washington has 22% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Minnesota
29 in
Washington
40 in
Washington is 36% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Minnesota
39
Washington
39
Snow / year
Minnesota
46 in
Washington
29 in
Washington is 37% less annual snowfall

Get the full MinnesotaWashington report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Washington than Minnesota?

Washington's overall price level is roughly 105.8 (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. Washington tops out at 0%.

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

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

Related comparisons