Moving from Green Bay, WI to Minneapolis, MN
Moving from Green Bay, WI to Minneapolis, MN covers 281 mi and about 5h 27m by car through 2 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
281 mi Β· 5h 27m by car Β· MN β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | WI 29, US 12, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.086 in Green Bay to 104.822 in Minneapolis, a 12.6% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing step-up: Minneapolis at $330,882 is 12.6% above Green Bay at $278,024.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 46Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 8Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 34.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.26 |
Median household income in Minneapolis is 12.6% above Green Bay ($62,546 vs $80,269, ACS 5-year 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 Wisconsin 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.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 19.0% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 28.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 12.6% higher than Green Bay (104.822 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 281 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 281 mi and the route typically takes 5h 27m via WI 29 and US 12. The trip crosses 2 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Minneapolis, MN.