Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Santa Clara, CA
It is 1995 mi and 34h 58m from Minneapolis to Santa Clara β a cross-country move across 6 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1995 mi Β· 34h 58m by car Β· MN β SD β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β SD β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, WY 789 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul, Sioux Falls, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Santa Clara | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 110.423 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 156.659 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 105.168 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 211.901 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 5.3% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 5.3% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $330,882 to $1,782,192 moving to Santa Clara.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Santa Clara -1.1%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 61Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 42Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 13.5" |
Expect 14.9Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, SAN JOSE, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Santa Clara |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 129,239 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $173,670 |
| Median age | 33 | 34.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.66 |
Expect median household income to rise 5.3% β $80,269 β $173,670 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Santa Clara MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 161,790 | $175,110 |
| Management Occupations | 119,300 | $206,650 |
| Software Developers | 96,590 | $199,100 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 93,740 | $59,850 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 90,500 | $120,970 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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-90 across western South Dakota can close in ground blizzards β check SD 511 November through April.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Dry climate: Santa Clara sees only 13.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.9Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts during unpack.
- 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Santa Clara more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Santa Clara is 5.3% higher than Minneapolis (110.423 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Santa Clara, CA from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 1995 mi and the route typically takes 34h 58m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Santa Clara?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1995 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Santa Clara compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,782,192 in Santa Clara vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 438.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Santa Clara compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $81,470 in the Santa Clara MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 1,141,820 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Santa Clara?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $173,670 in Santa Clara vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 116.4% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Santa Clara, CA.