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Relocation Guide

Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis

Chicago and Minneapolis share a lot: Midwestern roots, big lakes, serious winters and a strong food scene. The biggest financial difference is property taxes. Here is the full picture.

State Income Tax
5.35% to 9.85%
Minnesota vs.
4.95% flat
Property Tax (effective, 2024)
1.00%
Minnesota vs.
1.88%
Median Home Value (county, 2024)
$392,900
Minnesota vs.
$324,500
Avg January Low
8.8°F
Minnesota vs.
18.8°F
The Real Comparison

Chicago vs. the Twin Cities, Honestly

The property tax gap is the headline.

Illinois ranked second in the nation for effective property tax rate in 2024 at 1.88%, according to the Tax Foundation's analysis of Census data. Minnesota came in at 1.00%. On a $400,000 home, that gap works out to roughly $3,500 a year. Your actual bill depends on the city, county and school district, but the direction is clear. The home price is not the headline: Cook County's median home value is lower than Hennepin County's, so the savings story here is about taxes more than sticker price.

CategoryChicago areaMinnesota (Twin Cities)Advantage
State income tax4.95% flat5.35% to 9.85%, graduated✓ Illinois
Effective property tax rate (2024)1.88%1.00%✓ Minnesota
Median home value (county, 2024)$324,500 (Cook County)$392,900 (Hennepin County)✓ Illinois
January avg high / low31.6°F / 18.8°F23.6°F / 8.8°F✓ Chicago
Average annual snowfall38.4 in (O'Hare)51.2 in✓ Chicago
July avg high84.5°F83.4°F~ About equal

Sources: Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets (as of January 1, 2026); Tax Foundation, Property Taxes by State and County (effective rates for 2024, from Census ACS data); U.S. Census Bureau 2024 American Community Survey 5-year county median housing values; NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals. County values are not metro averages, and your actual bill or price depends on the city, school district and home. See also our Illinois relocation guide and why Illinois residents are moving to the Twin Cities.

Lifestyle Comparison

What Chicago-Area Buyers Weigh When They Look at Minnesota

What Often Stands Out

A lower property tax rate. The effective rate difference is the most concrete financial reason to look north, especially for owners of larger homes.
Lakes and trails close to home. Lake Michigan is replaced by a chain of city lakes in Minneapolis and lake towns like White Bear Lake and Excelsior.
Familiar Midwest rhythms. Both metros have strong neighborhood restaurant scenes, big-league sports and a lot of summer festivals.
Easy visits home. Minneapolis-St. Paul is a Delta hub and lists nonstop flights from both O'Hare and Midway, so a trip back is short.

Real Trade-offs

Winters are colder and snowier. Minneapolis averages about 51 inches of snow a year versus about 38 at O'Hare, and January lows average about 9°F versus about 19°F. See our winter guide.
Income tax runs higher at the top. Minnesota's top bracket is 9.85%, starting at $203,150 for single filers, compared with Illinois' flat 4.95%. Higher earners should model the net effect.
Commuter rail is not the pattern here. Northstar commuter rail ended in January 2026, and most suburbs are built around driving. Green Line light rail to Hopkins and St. Louis Park is announced to open June 12, 2027.
A smaller city. The Twin Cities has fewer neighborhoods to choose from than Chicago, so a short tour of several suburbs helps.
Where to Look

Twin Cities Suburbs Chicago-Area Buyers Often Shortlist

Start with a mix of close-in neighborhoods and classic suburbs, then narrow by commute and school district.

St. Louis Park
Close-In and Urban-Feel
Borders Minneapolis, with a strong restaurant scene and quick access to the core. Median about $410,000, about 12 min to Minneapolis. Read the St. Louis Park guide.
Roseville
Central and Convenient
A central Ramsey County hub with retail, quick access to both downtowns and a lower price than many close-in options. Median about $380,000, about 15 min to Minneapolis. Read the Roseville guide.
Edina
Established and Walkable
Established neighborhoods and a walkable 50th and France district close to Minneapolis. Median about $799,000, about 12 min to Minneapolis. Read the Edina guide.
Eagan
Corporate Hub
A major employer base, close to the airport, with a mix of established neighborhoods. Median about $380,000, about 20-30 min to Minneapolis. Read the Eagan guide.
Woodbury
Master-Planned and Newer
Newer neighborhoods and extensive amenities with an easy St. Paul commute. Median about $450,000, about 28 min to Minneapolis. Read the Woodbury guide.
Stillwater
Historic Rivertown
A historic downtown on the St. Croix River with a boutique feel. Median about $480,000, about 38 min to Minneapolis. Read the Stillwater guide.
Browse All 45 City Guides Take the Suburb Quiz Full Cost Comparison Compare School Districts
Common Questions

FAQ: Moving from Chicago to Minnesota

How much could I save on property taxes? +
Tax Foundation data show Illinois' effective property tax rate at 1.88% in 2024, ranking second in the nation, and Minnesota's at 1.00%. On a $400,000 home, the 0.88-point gap is about $3,500 a year. Individual bills vary by city, county and school district, so compare actual tax statements for homes you are considering.
Will I pay more income tax in Minnesota? +
It depends on income. Illinois charges a flat 4.95%. Minnesota uses brackets from 5.35% to 9.85%, with 9.85% starting at $203,150 for single filers. Lower and middle incomes see a smaller gap than higher incomes. A tax professional can model your situation.
Is Minnesota much colder than Chicago? +
Yes, somewhat. Minneapolis-St. Paul averages about 51 inches of snow a year versus about 38 at O'Hare, and the average January low is about 9°F versus about 19°F, per NOAA 1991 to 2020 normals.
Can I buy a home in the Twin Cities before I move? +
Yes. Many buyers purchase from out of state with video tours, inspections and a local agent. Our guide on buying a Minnesota home without visiting explains how.

Sources: Tax Foundation, State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets (as of January 1, 2026); Tax Foundation, Property Taxes by State and County (effective rates for 2024, from Census ACS data); U.S. Census Bureau 2024 American Community Survey 5-year county median housing values; NOAA 1991 to 2020 climate normals. County values are not metro averages, and your actual bill or price depends on the city, school district and home.

City Guides

City Guides to Explore Next

Once you know the numbers work, these city guides show where your budget goes furthest.

Eden PrairieTop-tier schools, outdoor paradise, corporate HQ hubMedian $470,000 · about 22 min to Minneapolis EdinaUpscale, walkable 50th & France, established neighborhoodsMedian $799,000 · about 12 min to Minneapolis LakevilleTop schools, active recreation programming, fast-growing new constructionMedian $500,000 · about 35 min to Minneapolis WoodburyMaster-planned, extensive amenities, newer constructionMedian $450,000 · about 28 min to Minneapolis EaganCorporate hub, major employers, close to MSP airportMedian $380,000 · about 20-30 min to Minneapolis Maple GrovePremier NW suburb, extensive amenities, master-planned neighborhoodsMedian $450,000 · about 25 min to Minneapolis PlymouthLargest suburb, excellent schools, complete communityMedian $490,000 · about 18-30 min to Minneapolis MinnetonkaUpscale, top schools, Lake Minnetonka accessMedian $490,000 · about 20 min to Minneapolis

Browse all 45 city guides by area · Best suburbs of Minneapolis

Moving from a specific city? See our guides for Boston, Chicago and Houston.

Thinking About Moving from Chicago to Minneapolis?

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