Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Worcester, MA
A move from Minneapolis, MN to Worcester, MA covers 1363 mi and around 25h 32m of driving through 10 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.
1363 mi Β· 25h 32m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| 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 | Worcester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 102.523 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 155.206 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 97.015 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 113.001 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Minneapolis (104.822) and Worcester (102.523) 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 Worcester: 2.2% above Minneapolis on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 48.3" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 72.9 in of snowfall annually at Worcester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.6 |
Median household income in Worcester is 2.2% below Minneapolis ($80,269 β $67,544, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Worcester averages 72.9 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1363 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Worcester, MA from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1363 mi and the route typically takes 25h 32m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 10 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Worcester more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 2.2% lower than Minneapolis (102.523 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 15.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Worcester compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $430,112 in Worcester vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 30.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Worcester, MA.