Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Philadelphia, PA
The drive from Minneapolis, MN to Philadelphia, PA runs 1169 mi β about 21h 40m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1169 mi Β· 21h 40m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, I 90, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Minneapolis (104.822) and Philadelphia (102.554) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically cheaper in Philadelphia: 2.2% below Minneapolis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 50.7" |
Climate warms by 11.9Β°F on the annual average β 45.8Β°F β 57.7Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.1 in of snowfall annually at Philadelphia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 33 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.36 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 2.2% between Minneapolis and Philadelphia (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (11.9Β°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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 2.2% lower than Minneapolis (102.554 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 29.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 24.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1169 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 Philadelphia compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1169 mi and the route typically takes 21h 40m via I 76 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 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· Philadelphia, PA.