Michigan to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Michigan to Wisconsin

ConsMichigan

• Harsh winters
• Heavier traffic
• High auto insurance

ProsWisconsin

• Milder winters
• Less congestion
• Lower premium costs

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Wisconsin

• Fewer educational options
• Less cultural variety
• Limited water access

Michigan

• 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

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 Café. 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

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Michigan tends to lean toward a classic swing state with competitive statewide races and large urban centers such as Detroit, Ann Arbor, Flint, and Grand Rapids that lean Democratic, while many suburbs are mixed and rural and northern areas tend to be more conservative in its political climate
• Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as also a swing state with razor-thin statewide margins, where Madison and Milwaukee lean strongly Democratic and many suburbs and small towns are more conservative, while rural north and central regions lean Republican
• Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christian with strong Catholic and Lutheran traditions, alongside smaller Jewish and Muslim communities, while the religiously unaffiliated share is growing
• Michigan's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christian, including Catholic and various Protestant traditions, with notable Muslim communities in Metro Detroit, including Dearborn, and established Jewish communities, while the religiously unaffiliated share is growing

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.