Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Miami Gardens, FL

Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Miami Gardens, FL is a 1753 mi cross-country relocation β€” about 32h 14m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.

1753 mi Β· 32h 14m by car Β· MN β†’ WI β†’ IL β†’ KY β†’ TN β†’ GA β†’ FL

COL +8.9% Home values +41.9% Ξ” +30.2Β°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
1753 mi
Drive time
32h 14m
States
7
Fuel (25 mpg)
70 gal
Route throughMN β†’ WI β†’ IL β†’ KY β†’ TN β†’ GA β†’ FL
Primary highwaysI 75, I 24, GA 540
Major cities en routeSt Paul, Madison, Rockford, Clarksville, Murfreesboro

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

MinneapolisMiami GardensU.S. avg
All items (RPP)104.822114.155100.0
Rents93.49397.235100.0
Goods103.065103.556100.0
Services111.838155.551100.0

Moderate COL step-up: 8.9% pricier overall in Miami Gardens than Minneapolis on the 2024 BEA RPP.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Minneapolis β€” typical home
$330,882
Miami Gardens β€” typical home
$469,434
Minneapolis β€” typical rent
$1,650/mo
Miami Gardens β€” typical rent
$2,806/mo

Housing gap is large: Miami Gardens typical home at $469,434 is 8.9% above Minneapolis at $330,882 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Miami Gardens -2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsMinneapolisMiami Gardens
Annual avg temperature46Β°F76Β°F
January avg low8Β°F59Β°F
July avg high83Β°F90Β°F
Annual snowfallβ€”β€”
Annual precipitation34.4"68.3"

NOAA normals show Miami Gardens running 30.2Β°F above Minneapolis on the annual mean.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, N MIAMI BEACH #2, FL US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023MinneapolisMiami Gardens
Population426,845111,264
Median household income$80,269$60,979
Median age3338.1
Bachelor's degree or higher32.7%11.6%
Avg household size2.263.22

Median household income in Miami Gardens is 8.9% below Minneapolis ($80,269 vs $60,979, ACS 5-year 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Minneapolis MSA β€” median wage
$54,850
Miami Gardens MSA β€” median wage
$46,510
Minneapolis MSA β€” employment
1,911,030
Miami Gardens MSA β€” employment
2,721,490

Top occupations in Miami Gardens MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 393,730 $41,640
Sales and Related Occupations 306,440 $37,640
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 261,940 $30,720
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 239,610 $37,610
Business and Financial Operations Occupations 194,910 $77,760

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

Moving between Minnesota and Florida

Minnesota income tax
9.85% top marginal
Florida income tax
no state income tax

State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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 20–30% 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.
  • I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
  • I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.

State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.

Packing & arrival checklist

  • Pack rain gear on top: Miami Gardens averages 68.3 in of annual precipitation β€” waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
  • You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (30.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
  • Hurricane season runs June through November β€” stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) 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 Florida after establishing residency.

Frequently asked

When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Miami Gardens?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1753 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β€” see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Miami Gardens more expensive than Minneapolis?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Miami Gardens is 8.9% higher than Minneapolis (114.155 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How much do homes cost in Miami Gardens compared to Minneapolis?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,434 in Miami Gardens vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β€” a 41.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Miami Gardens compare to Minneapolis?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Miami Gardens MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 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 Miami Gardens?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,979 in Miami Gardens vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β€” a 24.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

How far is Miami Gardens, FL from Minneapolis, MN?

The driving distance is 1753 mi and the route typically takes 32h 14m via I 75 and I 24. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.

City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Miami Gardens, FL.

Related routes