Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Glendale, AZ
It is 1684 mi and 30h 16m from Minneapolis to Glendale β a cross-country move across 8 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1684 mi Β· 30h 16m by car Β· MN β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Des Moines, Independence, Kansas City, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Glendale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 104.822 vs 103.316 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 1.4% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $330,882 to $407,332 moving to Glendale.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Glendale -2.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 72Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 41Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 105Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 8.3" |
Expect 26.1Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Glendale gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, YOUNGTOWN, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Glendale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 250,193 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $70,139 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 15.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.88 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.4% lower in Glendale than Minneapolis.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Glendale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Glendale average 105Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Glendale sees only 8.3 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (26.1Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Glendale, AZ from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1684 mi and the route typically takes 30h 16m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Glendale more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Glendale is 1.4% lower than Minneapolis (103.316 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Glendale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1684 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Glendale compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Glendale MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Glendale compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $407,332 in Glendale vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 23.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Glendale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $70,139 in Glendale vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 12.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Glendale, AZ.