Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI
A move from Minneapolis, MN to Ann Arbor, MI covers 653 mi and around 12h 7m of driving through 5 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
653 mi Β· 12h 7m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Ann Arbor | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 100.88 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 98.184 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 125.3 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Minneapolis (104.822) and Ann Arbor (100.88) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Ann Arbor: 3.8% above Minneapolis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Ann Arbor +3.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 16Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 59.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 37.9" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 59.3 in of snowfall annually at Ann Arbor.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, ANN ARBOR SE, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Ann Arbor |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 121,179 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $81,089 |
| Median age | 33 | 27.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 30.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.43 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Ann Arbor MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 29,010 | $50,890 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 25,400 | $81,710 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 24,670 | $42,280 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 15,280 | $32,120 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 13,740 | $36,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Ann Arbor averages 59.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Ann Arbor compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $523,391 in Ann Arbor vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 58.2% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Ann Arbor?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 653 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Ann Arbor, MI from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 653 mi and the route typically takes 12h 7m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Ann Arbor compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 215,300 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Ann Arbor?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,089 in Ann Arbor vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 1.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Ann Arbor more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Ann Arbor is 3.8% lower than Minneapolis (100.88 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Ann Arbor, MI.