Movers

DC to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 20, 2025

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Planning a 867 mile interstate move from DC to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in DC vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons, food & health (like Half-smoke vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (victorian & federal vs prairie & craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in DC), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Half-smoke and Mumbo Sauce with Chicken Wings, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in DC
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 47.89% more affordable than in DC
  • Moving from DC to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
  • Our top recommended DC to Wisconsin movers is Bookstore Movers

DC vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonDCWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishMumbo Sauce with Chicken WingsBratwurst
Most popular street food itemFood Trucks offering a variety of international cuisineBeer Brats
Most popular vegan foodPlant-based Soul FoodCauliflower Wings
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rosa's Thai Cafe
  • Monk's Bar & Grill
  • Mader's
  • The Old Fashioned
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’ŖšŸ’Ŗ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie ScenešŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“šŸ“
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from DC to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Half-smoke of DC for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce with Chicken Wings and sumptuous Food Trucks offering a variety of international cuisine, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Beer Brats to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Plant-based Soul Food they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Cauliflower Wings of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rosa's Thai Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Monk's Bar & Grill, Mader's, and The Old Fashioned.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between DC and Wisconsin

ComparisonDCWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian & FederalPrairie & Craftsman
WalkabilityšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘ŸšŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestylešŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļøšŸ›ļø
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Metro, Historical LandmarksLake Access, Large Yards
  • The Victorian and Federal architecture that DC is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to metro and historical landmarks, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and large yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Wisconsin is less walkable than DC.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Wisconsin is less bike-friendly than DC.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than DC.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in DC, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to DC’s $619,320.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47%, compared to an 8% increase in DC.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 47.89% more affordable than in DC.

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

ComparisonDCWisconsin
Days of Sunshine per Yearā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļøā˜€ļø
Avg. Annual HumidityšŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦šŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļøšŸ•¶ļø
Natural DisastersHurricanes, FloodsSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (°F)87/7182/62
Average Winter High/Low (°F)47/2928/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)40.7432.76
Annual Snowfall (Inches)15.548
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from DC to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 8% fewer sunshine days than DC.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to DC.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in DC, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 5 degrees colder than in DC.
  • The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in DC.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 8.0 fewer inches of rain compared to DC.

Financial & Community Snapshot: DC and Wisconsin

ComparisonDCWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$101,027$70,996
Cost of Living Index140.195.65
State Income Tax6.0%7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.85%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6.0%5.6%
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Public Education, Professional ServicesManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessSignificantLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 30% less than in DC
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 32% lower than what you are used to living in DC
  • The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 6.0% in DC
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to high in DC
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in DC
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in DC and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in DC vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonDCWisconsin
Political Make-upHeavily DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsLocal government with significant federal impactState government with mixed control
ReligionDiverse, with no single majorityPrimarily Christian, but diverse
  • DC tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian but diverse
  • DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with no single majority

Education Guide When Moving from DC to Wisconsin

ComparisonDCWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsMann Elementary (Washington)
Eaton Elementary (Washington)
Janney Elementary (Washington)
Swallow School (Hartland)
North Lake School (North Lake)
Richmond School (Sussex)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsDeal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
McKinley Middle School (Washington)
Whitefish Bay Middle (Whitefish Bay)
Lake Shore Middle (Mequon)
Pilgrim Park Middle (Elm Grove)
Top 3 High School SchoolsWilson High School (Washington)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Cedarburg High (Cedarburg)
Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay)
Brookfield East High (Brookfield)
Top 3 private high schoolsSidwell Friends (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)
St. Albans School (Washington)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsMaret School (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)
St. Anselm's Abbey School (Washington)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Prairie School (Racine)
Wayland Academy (Beaver Dam)
Top 3 School DistrictsDistrict of Columbia Public Schools (Washington)Elmbrook School District (Brookfield)
Whitefish Bay School District (Whitefish Bay)
Shorewood School District (Shorewood)

How Much Do DC to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 867 miles from DC to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,694300 ft3$5.65
1 Bedroom$2,519450 ft3$5.60
2 Bedrooms$4,160750 ft3$5.55
3 Bedrooms$6,0461100 ft3$5.50
4 Bedrooms$8,7151600 ft3$5.45
5+ Bedrooms$9,7141800 ft3$5.40

Top DC to Wisconsin Movers

Read our in-depth analysis of the best DC to Wisconsin movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.

TOP PICK
Bookstore Movers featured image

Bookstore Movers

Best moving company overall for DC to Wisconsin

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Mic's Moving featured image

Mic's Moving

9.60/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details