Massachusetts to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Updated June 13, 2025

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
- High cost of living
- Heavy traffic
- Harsh winters
- High taxes
- Crowded cities
- Lower cost of living
- Less congestion
- Slightly milder winters
- Lower taxes
- More open spaces
- Less diverse
- Fewer historical sites
- Fewer higher educational options
- Landlocked state
- No ocean shorelines
- 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Clam Chowder | Cheese Curds |
Most popular meat dish | Baked Beans and Ham | Bratwurst |
Most popular street food item | Lobster Roll | Fried Cheese Curds |
Most popular vegan food | Vegan Clam Chowder | Vegan Cheese Curds |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state |
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Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ | πͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺπͺ |
Abundance of Food Trucks | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Foodie Scene | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ | π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄π΄ |
Vegan Friendly | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± | π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π±π± |
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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Prairie, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Near public transit, waterfront views | Large 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 Massachusettsβs $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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Days of Sunshine per Year | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ | βοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈβοΈ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ | π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦π¦ |
Avg. UV Index | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ | πΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈπΆοΈ |
Natural Disasters | Nor'easters, Blizzards | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
Air Quality | Good | Variable |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 80Β°F / 60Β°F | 82Β°F / 62Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 37Β°F / 22Β°F | 28Β°F / 13Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 47.7 | 32.0 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 51 | 48 |
- 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $94,488 | $70,996 |
Cost of Living Index | 121.55 | 95.65 |
State Income Tax | 5% | 6.27% |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.28% | 1.68% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 6.25% | 5.44% |
Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Education | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
Affluence | High | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Moderate | Low |
- 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Lean Liberal | Swing State |
Local Politics | Democratic Dominance in Urban Areas | Mixed, with Republican Strength in Rural Areas |
Religion | Higher Catholic Presence | Mixed 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
Comparison | Massachusetts | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
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 Schools | Joseph E. Fiske (Wellesley) Vinson-Owen (Winchester) Schofield (Wellesley) | Randall (Madison) Shorewood Hills (Madison) Swallow (Hartland) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | William Diamond (Lexington) Jonas Clarke (Lexington) Blanchard (Westford) | Waubesa (McFarland) Lake Shore (Mequon) Pilgrim Park (Elm Grove) |
Top 3 High Schools | Lexington 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 schools | Phillips 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 schools | Buckingham Browne & Nichols (Cambridge) Dexter Southfield (Brookline) The Winsor School (Boston) | University Lake School (Hartland) The Prairie School (Racine) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) |
Top 3 School Districts | Wellesley 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 SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,850 | 300 ft3 | $6.17 |
1 Bedroom | $2,752 | 450 ft3 | $6.12 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,550 | 750 ft3 | $6.07 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,618 | 1100 ft3 | $6.02 |
4 Bedrooms | $9,546 | 1600 ft3 | $5.97 |
5+ Bedrooms | $10,649 | 1800 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.

Paradise Moving & Storage
Best moving company overall for Massachusetts to Wisconsin