MN → TX · Twin Cities to Big Country

Moving from Minnesota to Texas?

Minneapolis to Austin, St. Paul to Dallas — Minnesotans heading south for Texas's no income tax and warmer winters.

  • 1,220 mi Distance
  • 18 hr Drive time
  • 101 → 94 Cost of living
The Story

Minnesota's high income tax (top 9.85%) combined with Texas's zero makes MN-to-TX one of the most financially compelling interstate moves for high earners. Target executives, Best Buy senior management, and UnitedHealth Group directors have populated Dallas and Austin suburbs since the 2010s — corporate relocations and early retirements drive much of this migration.

Why This Move

Why people move from Minnesota to Texas.

  • Texas has no state income tax (MN's 9.85% top eliminated)
  • Austin tech, Dallas corporate, Houston energy
  • Escape Minnesota winters (6+ months cold)
  • Home prices similar in both states (~$345K median)
  • TX economy 6x larger than MN's
  • Warmer year-round climate
Cost Comparison

The money side of MN → TX.

Minnesota

  • Median home price$335,000
  • Income tax5.35%-9.85% progressive
  • Sales tax6.875% + local up to 8.875%
  • Cost index101

Texas

  • Median home price$345,000
  • Income taxNone
  • Sales tax6.25% + local up to 8.25%
  • Cost index94
Popular City Pairings

Where Minnesota residents usually land in Texas.

Common origin-to-destination city pairs along this route.

Driving Routes

How to drive Minnesota to Texas.

  • I-35 South

    Primary Minneapolis-Austin/Dallas: I-35 south directly through Iowa, Missouri, OK, Texas. 950-1,225 miles, 15-19 hours. Most direct N-S route.

  • I-35 + I-10 East

    For Houston: I-35 south to Austin, I-10 east to Houston. Or I-35 south to Dallas, I-45 south to Houston. 1,210 miles, 19 hours.

  • I-94 + I-29 South

    Alternative via Iowa/Nebraska: different scenery, similar distance. I-35 is typically fastest and cheapest.

What To Know

Planning your MN → TX move.

  • TX property tax 1.6% vs MN's 1.12% — meaningful increase
  • Texas summer heat extreme (100°F+ for months)
  • 18-hour drive makes MN family visits fly-only
  • Hurricane risk in Houston Gulf Coast
  • Austin home prices now exceed Minneapolis
  • Cost of living 94 vs MN's 101 — slight savings
Common Questions

Moving from Minnesota to Texas: FAQ.

How dramatic is the MN-to-TX tax savings?

Enormous. MN 9.85% on $200K = $19,700/year; TX zero. Save $20K/year income tax alone. Partially offset by TX property tax (1.6% vs MN's 1.12% — adds $2,400 on $500K home). Net tax savings $15-18K/year for typical household. Over 10 years, $150K+. One of America's biggest tax arbitrage moves.

Will Minneapolis kids handle Texas summer?

Adjustment required. MN summer 75-85°F; TX 95-110°F with humidity. AC runs 8+ months/year in TX vs 2-3 in MN. Children particularly affected by outdoor time limitations. Most families adapt within one summer. Pool access and proper hydration essential. Pick a school district with good AC and indoor facilities.

MN-TX move cost?

Long interstate — 950-1,225 miles. Full-service 3-bedroom $5,500-12,000. Delivery 3-6 days. Summer peak adds 25-35%. Minneapolis and Texas movers both specialize in this corridor. Get 3-5 quotes; binding estimates strongly preferred for long-haul moves.

Moving MN → TX?

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