Compare states / California / to Minnesota
CA → MN
Moving from California to Minnesota
Taxes, housing, and other important data at a glance
California vs Minnesota using the same fields as the all-states table. Green and red mark the destination figure when it differs.
| California | Minnesota | |
|---|---|---|
| Top state income-tax rate | 13.3% | 9.85% |
| Average sales tax (state + local) | 8.99% | 8.14% |
| Average property tax (real estate) | 0.76% | 1.12% |
| Personal property tax (vehicles) | Yes — 0.65% effective | Yes — 1.58% effective |
| Median home value | $778,217 | $354,374 |
| Tax when you title a car | 7.25% | 6.88% |
| State parks | 280 | 64 |
| National parks | 9 | 1 |
| Population density | 253.0/sq mi | 74.0/sq mi |
| Violent crime per 100,000 | 486.0 | 256.6 |
| Demographics | 34.3% White (non-Hispanic) 40.2% Hispanic 5.4% Black 15.5% Asian | 76.9% White (non-Hispanic) 6.1% Hispanic 7.0% Black 5.2% Asian |
| Days to get a license | 10 | 30 |
| Days to title a car | 20 | 60 |
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from California to Minnesota?
California: 1%–12.3%, plus 1% over $1M (13.3% top). Minnesota: Top listed rate 9.85%. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $7,599 in California vs $7,788 in Minnesota. If you earned in both states this year, see CA tax agency and MN tax agency.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from California to Minnesota?
This uses 2026 single-filer brackets (top listed 13.3% vs 9.85%), minus a $4,300 exemption per dependent. It is not your actual tax bill.
Vehicle title, registration, and tax in Minnesota
New Minnesota residents typically have 60 days to title and register. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally. The title-tax rate used here is 6.88%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,953.25 (tax $1,925.00 + title $8.25 + registration $10.00 + plate $10.00). County and weight fees are omitted on purpose.
Estimate what you’ll pay to title the car in Minnesota
Title fee + plate + base registration + 6.88% tax. County extras are not included.
Driver’s license in Minnesota
After you become a Minnesota resident, you typically have 30 days to get a Minnesota driver license. Bring your California license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Minnesota. Agencies often ask for two proofs; the exact list is on the official Minnesota DMV. California plates are not a substitute for Minnesota registration once the title clock runs out.
Checklist for new Minnesota residents from California
- Get a MN driver license within 30 days. Bring your CA license, Social Security number, and proof you live in Minnesota (agencies often ask for two proofs; use the official Minnesota DMV list).
- Title and register the car within 60 days. Inspection: Varies by county — confirm locally.
- Make sure car insurance meets 25/50/25.
- Register to vote. Typical close: 15 days before an election. Minnesota elections site.
- If you earned money in both states this year, you may need to file in both. CA tax agency · MN tax agency.
- Neither is in the compact. Treat this as a new MN license.
Biggest differences in moving from California to Minnesota
- Top listed income-tax rate: 13.3% in California vs 9.85% in Minnesota (lower in Minnesota).
- Title the car in Minnesota within 60 days. California plates are not a substitute once that clock runs.
- New Minnesota residents typically have 30 days to get a driver license (10 days is the California window in this file).
- Effective real-estate property tax: 0.76% in California vs 1.12% in Minnesota.
- Minnesota title-tax rate used here is 6.88%. On a $28,000 vehicle, state charges in the sketch are $1,953.25 (county extras omitted).
Common questions
How does sales tax in Minnesota compare to California?
Average combined sales tax (state + local) is 8.99% in California vs 8.14% in Minnesota. City and county add-ons vary; this is a statewide average.
Will my state income tax go up or down if I move from California to Minnesota?
The top listed rate goes down: 13.3% in California vs 9.85% in Minnesota. At $120,000 yearly income and 0 dependents, the bracket sketch is $7,599 in California vs $7,788 in Minnesota. Actual bills depend on income, filing status, local tax, credits, and residency timing. This uses 2026 single-filer brackets after a $4,300 exemption per dependent.
How many state and national parks are in California vs Minnesota?
California has 280 state parks and 9 national parks in this file. Minnesota has 64 state parks and 1 national parks. State-park counts follow each agency’s own list; national parks are NPS units titled National Park.
How does population density in Minnesota compare to California?
Population density is 253.0 people per square mile in California vs 74.0 in Minnesota.
How do California and Minnesota compare on demographics?
California: 34.3% White (non-Hispanic), 40.2% Hispanic, 5.4% Black, 15.5% Asian. Minnesota: 76.9% White (non-Hispanic), 6.1% Hispanic, 7.0% Black, 5.2% Asian. These are statewide estimates; cities and counties differ.
Related moves
Also see moving to Minnesota and the reverse route, Minnesota → California.
California → Texas · California → Arizona · California → Nevada · California → Washington · California → Oregon · Minnesota → Wisconsin
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