Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Hayward, CA
Cross-country relocations like Minneapolis, MN β Hayward, CA cover 1978 mi and about 34h 36m of driving through 6 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1978 mi Β· 34h 36m by car Β· MN β SD β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β SD β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, WY 789 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Sioux Falls, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Hayward | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Hayward is 10.3% higher than Minneapolis, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Hayward is 10.3% above Minneapolis β $330,882 vs $848,427 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Hayward -6.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 60Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 16.0" |
Climate warms by 13.9Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 59.7Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, HAYWARD AIR TERMINAL, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Hayward |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 159,201 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $113,775 |
| Median age | 33 | 38.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 23.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 3.22 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 10.3% between Minneapolis and Hayward (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Hayward MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- I-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Hayward?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $113,775 in Hayward vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 41.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Hayward?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1978 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Hayward, CA from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1978 mi and the route typically takes 34h 36m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Hayward compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $848,427 in Hayward vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 156.4% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Hayward compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the Hayward MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Hayward more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Hayward is 10.3% higher than Minneapolis (115.613 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· Hayward, CA.