California to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from California to Wisconsin

ConsCalifornia

• High cost of living
• Traffic congestion
• Wildfire risk
• Drought conditions

ProsWisconsin

• Affordable housing
• Less traffic
• Safer environment
• Richer water resources

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Wisconsin

• Cold winters
• Limited beaches
• Less diversity
• Lower salaries

California

• Mild climate
• Beach access
• Cultural diversity
• High salaries

Pros of moving from California to Wisconsin

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Wisconsin with less traffic
• Swap the wildfire risk of California for a safer environment in Wisconsin
• Get ready for richer water resources in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from California to Wisconsin

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the mild climate in California to live with cold winters in Wisconsin
• You'll lose out on the pro of beach access and have to settle for the con of limited beaches
• Time to bid farewell to cultural diversity and get used to less diversity in Wisconsin
• Swap high salaries for lower salaries

California vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from California to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Sushi of California for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in California rave about their flavorful Tri-tip barbecue and sumptuous Tacos, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beer-battered Cauliflower of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic California eateries like The French Laundry, Chez Panisse, and Inko Nito. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Old Fashioned, Mader's, and L'Etoile.

When comparing lifestyles, Wisconsin shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than California. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Wisconsin compared to what you are used to in California. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Wisconsin.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between California and Wisconsin

• The Modern and Spanish architecture that California is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Colonial architecture typical of Wisconsin.
• Compared to California's real estate listings that commonly reference pools and outdoor living, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly environments and large yards.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than California.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than California.
• Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than California.
• Wisconsin housing costs are 62% less expensive than they are in California, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to California’s $783,666.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 42% increase in California.
• Rent in Wisconsin is 54.14% more affordable than in California.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between California and Wisconsin

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from California to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 34% fewer sunshine days than California.
• Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to California.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and wildfires in California, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
• The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than in California.
• The average winter lows are 35 degrees colder than they are in California.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin, as it receives 12 more inches of rain compared to California.

Financial & Community Snapshot: California and Wisconsin

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 22% less than in California
• The COLI in Wisconsin is 30% lower than what you are used to living in California
• The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 13.3% in CA
• The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to high in California
• The poverty level is present in Wisconsin compared to notable in California
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in California and moderate in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in California vs. Wisconsin

• California tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as mixed and leans slightly Conservative/Republican
• Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as having a higher prevalence of Christianity
• California's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as more diverse and less religious overall

Education Guide When Moving from California to Wisconsin

How Much Do California to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 2,177 miles from California to Wisconsin will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.