Movers

Michigan to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 207 mile interstate move from Michigan to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Michigan vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Pasties vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs cape cod, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pasties and Detroit-style Pizza, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 23% more expensive than they are in Michigan
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 13.80% more affordable than in Michigan
  • Moving from Michigan to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $4,500
  • Our top recommended Michigan to Wisconsin movers is Pro-Low Moving

Michigan to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Wisconsin

ConsMichigan iconMichigan
  • Harsh winters
  • Heavier traffic
  • High auto insurance
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Milder winters
  • Less congestion
  • Lower premium costs

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Fewer educational options
  • Less cultural variety
  • Limited water access
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Great schools
  • Vibrant arts scene
  • Beautiful coastline

Pros of moving from Michigan to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from heavier traffic and moving to Wisconsin with less congestion
  • Swap the high auto insurance of Michigan for lower premium costs in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Michigan to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from great schools in Michigan to live with fewer educational options in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant arts scene and have to settle for the con of less cultural variety
  • Time to bid farewell to a beautiful coastline and get used to limited water access in Wisconsin

Michigan vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMichiganWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemPastiesCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishDetroit-style PizzaBratwurst
Most popular street food itemConey DogFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodTempeh ReubenBeer-battered Cauliflower
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Zingerman’s Delicatessen
  • Slows Bar BQ
  • Bell’s Eccentric CafΓ©
  • AJ Bombers
  • The Farmstead
  • Mader’s German Restaurant
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 Michigan to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Pasties of Michigan for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Michigan rave about their flavorful Detroit-style Pizza and sumptuous Coney Dog, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Tempeh Reuben 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 Michigan eateries like Zingerman’s Delicatessen, Slows Bar BQ, and Bell’s Eccentric CafΓ©. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like AJ Bombers, The Farmstead, and Mader’s German Restaurant.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Michigan and Wisconsin

ComparisonMichiganWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCape Cod, 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 listingLake Access, Fenced YardsEnergy Efficiency, Proximity to Nature
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Michigan is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Craftsman architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Michigan's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and fenced yards, Wisconsin's real estate listings often highlight features like energy efficiency and proximity to nature.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wisconsin is less walkable than Michigan.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Michigan.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Michigan.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 23% more expensive than they are in Michigan, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Michigan’s $239,770.
  • Over the previous 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 45% increase in Michigan.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 13.80% more affordable than in Michigan.

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

ComparisonMichiganWisconsin
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)79/5882/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)31/1828/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)32.7634.63
Annual Snowfall (Inches)60.6648.19
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Michigan to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 11% more sunshine days than Michigan.
  • Wisconsin has similar humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Michigan.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Michigan, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees warmer than in Michigan.
  • The average winter lows are 5 degrees colder than they are in Michigan.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 1.9 more inches of rain compared to Michigan.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Michigan and Wisconsin

ComparisonMichiganWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$66,986$70,996
Cost of Living Index91.295.65
State Income Tax4.25%7.65%
Avg. Property Tax1.58%1.73%
Avg. Sales Tax6.00%5.44%
Top 3 IndustriesAutomotive, Tech, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate-High
PovertyAverageBelow Average
HomelessnessControlledLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 6% more than in Michigan
  • The COLI in Wisconsin will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Michigan
  • The state income tax in WI is 7.65% compared to 4.25% in MI
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate-high compared to moderate in Michigan
  • The poverty level is below average in Wisconsin compared to average in Michigan
  • In terms of homelessness, it is controlled in Michigan and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Michigan vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonMichiganWisconsin
Political Make-upBattleground state with swings in both directionsBattleground state, recently leaning more towards conservative victories
Local PoliticsDiverse, with strong Democratic presence in urban areasCombination of conservative rural areas and progressive urban centers
ReligionChristianity predominant; diverse religious communities in metropolitan areasChristianity predominant; similar diversity in religious communities
  • Michigan tends to lean as a battleground state with swings in both directions in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a battleground state, recently leaning more towards conservative victories
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity with similar diversity in religious communities
  • Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities in metropolitan areas

Education Guide When Moving from Michigan to Wisconsin

ComparisonMichiganWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Wayne State University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsRochester Adams High School
Ann Arbor; Bemis Elementary
Troy; Haisley Elementary
Ann Arbor
Randall Elementary
Madison; Shorewood Hills Elementary
Madison; Elm Lawn Elementary
Middleton
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWest Middle School
Rochester; Boulan Park Middle School
Troy; Clague Middle School
Ann Arbor
Hamilton Middle
Madison; Kromrey Middle
Middleton; Glacier Creek Middle
Cross Plains
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational Academy
Bloomfield Hills; City Middle/High School
Grand Rapids; Northville High School
Northville
Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay; Middleton High
Middleton; Brookfield East High
Brookfield
Top 3 private high schoolsDetroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; The Roeper School
Birmingham; Cranbrook Schools
Bloomfield Hills
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Marquette University High School
Milwaukee
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsGreenhills School
Ann Arbor; Detroit Country Day School
Beverly Hills; Roeper School
Birmingham
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Prairie School
Racine
Top 3 School DistrictsEast Grand Rapids Public Schools
Grand Rapids; Novi Community School District
Novi; Troy School District
Troy
Mequon-Thiensville School District
Mequon; Elmbrook School District
Brookfield; Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton

How Much Do Michigan to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 207 miles from Michigan to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $4,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-10 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,320300 ft3$4.40
1 Bedroom$1,957450 ft3$4.35
2 Bedrooms$3,225750 ft3$4.30
3 Bedrooms$4,6741100 ft3$4.25
4 Bedrooms$6,7191600 ft3$4.20
5+ Bedrooms$7,4691800 ft3$4.15

Top Michigan to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Pro-Low Moving featured image

Pro-Low Moving

Best moving company overall for Michigan to Wisconsin

9.69/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
Top Michigan to Wisconsin Routes

Grand Rapids to Wisconsin