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Massachusetts to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 13, 2025

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Planning a 1,142 mile interstate move from Massachusetts to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Massachusetts vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Clam Chowder vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs prairie, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Massachusetts), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Clam Chowder and Baked Beans and Ham, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 50.75% more affordable than in Massachusetts
  • Moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Massachusetts to Wisconsin movers is Paradise Moving & Storage

Massachusetts to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin

ConsMassachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Harsh winters
  • High taxes
  • Crowded cities
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less congestion
  • Slightly milder winters
  • Lower taxes
  • More open spaces

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Less diverse
  • Fewer historical sites
  • Fewer higher educational options
  • Landlocked state
  • No ocean shorelines
Massachusetts iconMassachusetts
  • Cultural diversity
  • Rich history
  • Renowned universities
  • Ocean access
  • Charming coastal towns

Pros of moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic and moving to Wisconsin with less congestion
  • Swap the harsh winters of Massachusetts for the slightly milder winters in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for lower taxes in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cultural diversity in Massachusetts to live with less diversity in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich history and have to settle for the con of fewer historical sites
  • Time to bid farewell to renowned universities and get used to fewer higher education options in Wisconsin
  • Swap ocean access for a landlocked state

Massachusetts vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMassachusettsWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemClam ChowderCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishBaked Beans and HamBratwurst
Most popular street food itemLobster RollFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodVegan Clam ChowderVegan Cheese Curds
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Union Oyster House
  • Legal Sea Foods
  • James Hook & Co
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Mader's
  • Cafe Hollander
Fitness/Health ConscientiousnessπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺπŸ’ͺ
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

If you're moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Clam Chowder of Massachusetts for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Massachusetts rave about their flavorful Baked Beans and Ham & sumptuous Lobster Roll, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Clam Chowder they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Massachusetts eateries like Union Oyster House, Legal Sea Foods, and James Hook & Co. 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 Cafe Hollander.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Massachusetts and Wisconsin

ComparisonMassachusettsWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodPrairie, Craftsman
WalkabilityπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘ŸπŸ‘Ÿ
Bikeability🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban LifestyleπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈπŸ›οΈ
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingNear public transit, waterfront viewsLarge yards, proximity to parks
  • The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Massachusetts is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Massachusetts's real estate listings that commonly reference near public transit and waterfront views, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like large yards and proximity to parks.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Wisconsin is less walkable than Massachusetts.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Massachusetts.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Massachusetts.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 52% less expensive than they are in Massachusetts, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Massachusetts’s $612,509.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 46% increase in Massachusetts.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 50.75% more affordable than in Massachusetts.

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

ComparisonMassachusettsWisconsin
Days of Sunshine per Yearβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈβ˜€οΈ
Avg. Annual HumidityπŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦πŸ’¦
Avg. UV IndexπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈπŸ•ΆοΈ
Natural DisastersNor'easters, BlizzardsBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodVariable
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)80Β°F / 60Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37Β°F / 22Β°F28Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)47.732.0
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5148
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Massachusetts to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Massachusetts.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Massachusetts.
  • Say goodbye to the possible nor'easters and blizzards in Massachusetts, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 2 degrees warmer than in Massachusetts.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees colder than they are in Massachusetts.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 15.7 fewer inches of rain compared to Massachusetts.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Massachusetts and Wisconsin

ComparisonMassachusettsWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$94,488$70,996
Cost of Living Index121.5595.65
State Income Tax5%6.27%
Avg. Property Tax1.28%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6.25%5.44%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Healthcare, EducationManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 25% less than in Massachusetts
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 21% lower than what you are used to living in Massachusetts
  • The state income tax in WI is 6.27% compared to 5% in MA
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to high in Massachusetts
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in Massachusetts
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Massachusetts and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Massachusetts vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonMassachusettsWisconsin
Political Make-upLean LiberalSwing State
Local PoliticsDemocratic Dominance in Urban AreasMixed, with Republican Strength in Rural Areas
ReligionHigher Catholic PresenceMixed Christian, with Lutheran Prominence
  • Massachusetts tends to lean Liberal in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing State
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as mixed Christian with Lutheran prominence
  • Massachusetts' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as having a higher Catholic presence

Education Guide When Moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin

ComparisonMassachusettsWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Harvard University
MIT
Boston College
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsJoseph E. Fiske (Wellesley)
Vinson-Owen (Winchester)
Schofield (Wellesley)
Randall (Madison)
Shorewood Hills (Madison)
Swallow (Hartland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWilliam Diamond (Lexington)
Jonas Clarke (Lexington)
Blanchard (Westford)
Waubesa (McFarland)
Lake Shore (Mequon)
Pilgrim Park (Elm Grove)
Top 3 High SchoolsLexington High (Lexington)
Boston Latin (Boston)
Brookline High (Brookline)
Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay)
Eau Claire Memorial (Eau Claire)
Arrowhead High (Hartland)
Top 3 private high schoolsPhillips Academy (Andover)
Groton School (Groton)
Noble and Greenough (Dedham)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsBuckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge)
Dexter Southfield (Brookline)
The Winsor School (Boston)
University Lake School (Hartland)
The Prairie School (Racine)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 School DistrictsWellesley
Lexington
Newton
Mequon-Thiensville
Whitefish Bay
Elmbrook

How Much Do Massachusetts to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 1,142 miles from Massachusetts to Wisconsin will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Centaur Moving
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,850300 ft3$6.17
1 Bedroom$2,752450 ft3$6.12
2 Bedrooms$4,550750 ft3$6.07
3 Bedrooms$6,6181100 ft3$6.02
4 Bedrooms$9,5461600 ft3$5.97
5+ Bedrooms$10,6491800 ft3$5.92

Top Massachusetts to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Paradise Moving & Storage featured image

Paradise Moving & Storage

Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Wisconsin

9.71/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Stairhopper Movers featured image

Stairhopper Movers

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Varsity Movers LLC featured image

Varsity Movers LLC

9.66/10
ExceptionalView details

Worcester to Wisconsin

Springfield to Wisconsin