Moving from Spokane, WA to Minneapolis, MN
It is 1382 mi between Spokane and Minneapolis β roughly 23h 20m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 5 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1382 mi Β· 23h 20m by car Β· MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Fargo, Billings, Spokane Valley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Spokane | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.346 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.196 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 105.028 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.059 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.346 vs 104.822 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 around 4.5% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Spokane 0.0%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Spokane | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 50Β°F | 46Β°F |
| January avg low | 26Β°F | 8Β°F |
| July avg high | 87Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 17.4" | 34.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Spokane (49.8Β°F) and Minneapolis (45.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: SPOKANE FELTS FLD, WA US, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Spokane | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 229,228 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $65,745 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 37.2 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.5% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.37 | 2.26 |
Minneapolis households earn about 4.5% more than Spokane at the median β $65,745 β $80,269 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Minneapolis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Washington and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Spokane, WA?
The driving distance is 1382 mi and the route typically takes 23h 20m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Spokane?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $395,325 in Spokane β a 16.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Spokane vs Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $65,745 in Spokane β a 22.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Spokane?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 4.5% higher than Spokane (104.822 vs 100.346, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Spokane?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $48,920 in the Spokane MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 255,160 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Spokane to Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1382 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Spokane.
City profiles: Spokane, WA Β· Minneapolis, MN.