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Moving from Washington to Minnesota

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

WA state flag
Living now

Washington

Capital: Olympia

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

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

MN state flag
Moving to

Minnesota

Capital: Saint Paul

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

Twin Cities arts, brutal winters, top public schools.

Minnesota has an overall price level 98.6 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Washington
107.0
Minnesota
98.6
Minnesota has 7.8% lower overall price level
Housing index
Washington
126.0
Minnesota
91.3
Minnesota has 28% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Washington
101.8
Minnesota
99.7
Minnesota has 2.1% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Washington
101.1
Minnesota
99.8
Minnesota has 1.2% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Washington
14.4 ¢/kWh
Minnesota
15.1 ¢/kWh
Minnesota has 4.7% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Washington
101.4
Minnesota
99.7
Minnesota has 1.7% lower transportation
Median home value
Washington
$602,200
Minnesota
$344,600
Minnesota is 43% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Washington
$1,641/mo
Minnesota
$1,135/mo
Minnesota is 31% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 4°F · 195 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Washington
79°F
Minnesota
82°F
Minnesota is 3.8% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Washington
35°F
Minnesota
4°F
Minnesota is 89% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Washington
50°F
Minnesota
42°F
Minnesota is 15% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Washington
152
Minnesota
195
Minnesota has 28% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Washington
40 in
Minnesota
29 in
Minnesota is 26% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Washington
39
Minnesota
39
Snow / year
Washington
29 in
Minnesota
46 in
Minnesota is 59% more annual snowfall

Get the full WashingtonMinnesota 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 Minnesota than Washington?

Minnesota's overall price level is roughly 97.3 (US avg = 100), vs about 105.8 for Washington — 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?

Washington tops out at 0% income tax. Minnesota tops out at 9.85%.

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

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

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