Moving from St. Paul, MN to Worcester, MA
It is 1355 mi between St. Paul and Worcester β roughly 25h 22m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 9 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.
1355 mi Β· 25h 22m by car Β· MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis, Madison, Rockford, Elgin, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| St. Paul | 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 |
Overall price level is comparable β 104.822 vs 102.523 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
YoY change: St. Paul β, Worcester +1.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 72.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 48.3" |
Annual average temperatures in St. Paul (46.5Β°F) and Worcester (48.1Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Worcester averages 72.9 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Worcester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 205,501 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $67,544 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 34.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 20.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.6 |
Households in Worcester earn about 2.2% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 St. Paul to Worcester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1355 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Worcester more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Worcester is 2.2% lower than St. Paul (102.523 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Worcester, MA from St. Paul, MN?
The driving distance is 1355 mi and the route typically takes 25h 22m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in St. Paul vs Worcester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,544 in Worcester vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 7.5% lower 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 St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Worcester, MA.