Moving from San Francisco, CA to Minneapolis, MN

Many gladly endure months of snow to live in the Mill City

Minneapolis, MN was known as the Flour Milling Capital of the World in the early 20th century. In 1958, a future Rock and Roll Hall of Famer named Prince Rogers Nelson was born there. Today, Minneapolis is known for many more things, most notably a thriving corporate and cultural center surrounded by more than 200 parks and 22 lakes.  

What else can you expect from life in Minneapolis? Learn how it compares to living in San Francisco, then find out how easy and affordable it is to make the nearly 2,000-mile move — without having to drive a rental truck! 

Winter is serious business in the Upper Midwest

While the winds coming off the San Francisco Bay have a bite to them, it’s nothing like experiencing winter in Minneapolis, where the average daily high in the winter is 19 degrees. The Twin Cities (Minneapolis and St. Paul) get an annual average of 45 inches of snowfall, with at least an inch of snow covering the ground for four months out of the year.  

Fortunately, you can escape some of that winter weather by using a series of climate-controlled skyways in the downtown area. Residents enjoy pleasant weather the rest of the year, with summer highs averaging 71 degrees (compared to 64 in San Francisco).  

Both cities are easy to navigate

With San Francisco’s walkability and expansive public transit system, having a car there isn’t a requirement. Minneapolis also offers robust public transportation options, but with a large portion of the population living in suburban areas, many choose to drive to work.  

The Minneapolis city center is walkable and bike-friendly. If you prefer to leave your car at home — or avoid driving in winter weather — the Metro Transit bus system runs throughout downtown and the suburbs. The Metro light rail system connects downtown Minneapolis with the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (a hub for Delta Air Lines) and the Mall of America in nearby Bloomington. The Northstar commuter rail runs to the northern suburbs. 

Job opportunities are plentiful and diverse 

With 16 Fortune 500 companies calling Minnesota home, job seekers can find opportunities across a range of sectors, such as life sciences, manufacturing, retail and marketing. Some of the city’s largest employers include United Health Group, Target, 3M, Cargill, Best Buy and General Mills. 

Enjoy the tastes of San Francisco? You’ll find lots of treats Minneapolis

Along with its distinctive neighborhoods and epic views, San Francisco is also known for delicious food — especially Asian and fusion. Minneapolis offers its own special flavors. Missing the sights and tastes of San Francisco’s Pier 39 and Chinatown? Check out Eat Street, a 17-block area of Minneapolis with more than 50 dining options. 

Try a Juicy Lucy (a cheese-stuffed hamburger) or level up with The Jiffy — a Juicy Lucy with peanut butter and bacon. Check out another favorite, a casserole known as tater tot hotdish. Craving seafood? Walleye is the state’s most popular fish and widely prepared in many delicious ways. And of course, there’s always a wealth of authentic Scandinavian food available in every part of the city. 

Let U-Pack help with your cross-country move

With U-Pack®, you simply load your belongings into our equipment, either delivered to your residence or at one of our nearby service centers. Then, we’ll transport them from San Francisco to your new home in Minneapolis in less than a week. The price is comparable to a rental truck without stress of driving it yourself. Get a free quote today and see how easy and affordable it can be!