Movers

Minnesota to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 21, 2025

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Planning a 425 mile interstate move from Minnesota to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Minnesota vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Hotdish vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (prairie school, modern vs craftsman, farmhouse), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Minnesota), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Hotdish and Walleye, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Minnesota
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 24.97% more affordable than in Minnesota
  • Moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,000
  • Our top recommended Minnesota to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Minnesota to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin

ConsMinnesota iconMinnesota
  • Harsh winters
  • Higher cost of living
  • Limited job market
  • Traffic congestion
  • High state taxes
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Milder winters
  • More affordable housing
  • Growing job opportunities
  • Less traffic
  • Lower state taxes

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lack of top-ranked schools
  • Fewer urban amenities
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Fewer water bodies
  • Limited restaurant variety
Minnesota iconMinnesota
  • Great education system
  • Vibrant Twin Cities
  • Rich cultural scenes
  • Gratifying lake activities
  • Diverse dining options

Pros of moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a higher cost of living and moving to Wisconsin with more affordable housing
  • Swap the limited job market of Minnesota for growing job opportunities in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for less traffic in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a great education system in Minnesota to live with a lack of top-ranked schools in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a vibrant Twin Cities and have to settle with the con of fewer urban amenities
  • Time to bid farewell to rich cultural scenes and get used to less cultural diversity in Wisconsin
  • Swap gratifying lake activities for fewer water bodies

Minnesota vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMinnesotaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemHotdishCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishWalleyeBratwurst
Most popular street food itemMini DonutsFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodWild Rice SoupBeer-Battered Mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Spoon and Stable
  • The Bachelor Farmer
  • Matt's Bar
  • Mader's
  • SafeHouse
  • Alchemy
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 Minnesota to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Hotdish of Minnesota for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Minnesota rave about their flavorful Walleye and sumptuous Mini Donuts, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Wild Rice Soup they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beer-Battered Mushrooms of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Minnesota eateries like Spoon and Stable, The Bachelor Farmer, and Matt's Bar. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Mader's, SafeHouse, and Alchemy.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Minnesota and Wisconsin

ComparisonMinnesotaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StylePrairie School, ModernCraftsman, Farmhouse
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 listingLakeside properties, Open floor plansHardwood floors, Large yards
  • The Prairie School and Modern architecture that Minnesota is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Farmhouse architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Minnesota's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside properties and open floor plans, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like hardwood floors and large yards.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Wisconsin is less walkable than Minnesota.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Minnesota.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Minnesota.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 11% less expensive than they are in Minnesota, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Minnesota’s $331,117.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 33% increase in Minnesota.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 24.97% more affordable than in Minnesota.

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

ComparisonMinnesotaWisconsin
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 DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)83/6382/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)23/-327/9
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3234
Annual Snowfall (Inches)5448
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Minnesota to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 5% fewer sunshine days than Minnesota.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Minnesota.
  • Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Minnesota, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 1 degree colder than in Minnesota.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees warmer than they are in Minnesota.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Minnesota.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Minnesota and Wisconsin

ComparisonMinnesotaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$82,338$70,996
Cost of Living Index98.7595.65
State Income Tax7%6.27%
Avg. Property Tax1.12%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax7.125%5.6%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, Health ServicesManufacturing, Agriculture, Tourism
AffluenceModerateAverage
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 14% less than in Minnesota
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Minnesota
  • The state income tax in WI is 6.27% compared to 7% in MN
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is average compared to moderate in Minnesota
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in Minnesota
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Minnesota and moderate in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Minnesota vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonMinnesotaWisconsin
Political Make-upSlightly leans DemocraticSwing state, historically unpredictable
Local PoliticsProgressive in urban areas, conservative in ruralMixed; varies significantly from area to area
ReligionChristianity predominant, diverse religious communitiesChristianity predominant, with a notable presence of other faiths
  • Minnesota tends to lean slightly Democratic in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state, historically unpredictable
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as predominantly Christianity, with a notable presence of other faiths
  • Minnesota's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as predominantly Christianity with diverse religious communities

Education Guide When Moving from Minnesota to Wisconsin

ComparisonMinnesotaWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Minnesota
St. Olaf College
Carleton College
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsScenic Heights Elementary (Minnetonka)
Greenwood Elementary (Plymouth)
Deephaven Elementary (Deephaven)
Swallow School (Hartland)
Richmond School (Sussex)
Lake Country School (Hartland)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsWayzata Central Middle School (Plymouth)
Minnetonka Middle School East (Minnetonka)
South View Middle School (Edina)
Kromrey Middle School (Middleton)
Glacier Creek Middle School (Cross Plains)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Top 3 High SchoolsMinnetonka High School (Minnetonka)
Edina High School (Edina)
Wayzata High School (Plymouth)
Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Middleton High School (Middleton)
Cedarburg High School (Cedarburg)
Top 3 private high schoolsBreck School (Minneapolis)
The Blake School (Minneapolis)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Blake School (Minneapolis)
Breck School (Minneapolis)
Minnehaha Academy (Minneapolis)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Prairie School (Racine)
Top 3 School DistrictsMinnetonka Public School District
Eden Prairie Schools
Edina Public Schools
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Elmbrook School District
Mequon-Thiensville School District

How Much Do Minnesota to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 425 miles from Minnesota to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-6 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Metro Movers
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,443300 ft3$4.81
1 Bedroom$2,143450 ft3$4.76
2 Bedrooms$3,534750 ft3$4.71
3 Bedrooms$5,1281100 ft3$4.66
4 Bedrooms$7,3781600 ft3$4.61
5+ Bedrooms$8,2111800 ft3$4.56

Top Minnesota to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Minnesota to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Metro Movers featured image

Metro Movers

9.51/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details