Movers

Missouri to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 22, 2025

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Planning a 528 mile interstate move from Missouri to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Missouri vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like hot summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like St. Louis-style pizza vs Cheese curds), real estate & housing (craftsman, ranch vs prairie, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to St. Louis-style pizza and St. Louis-style ribs, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Missouri
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 6.32% more affordable than in Missouri
  • Moving from Missouri to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Missouri to Wisconsin movers is Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Missouri to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Missouri to Wisconsin

ConsMissouri iconMissouri
  • Hot summers
  • Frequent tornadoes
  • Less cheese variety
  • Flat landscapes
  • Shorter winters
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Cooler climate
  • Fewer tornadoes
  • Cheese paradise
  • Scenic hills
  • Winter activities

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less BBQ focus
  • Less central
  • Harsher winters
  • Fewer mountains
Missouri iconMissouri
  • Lower cost of living
  • Famous BBQ
  • Central location
  • Less extreme cold
  • Ozark Mountains

Pros of moving from Missouri to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to hot summers and hello to a cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from frequent tornadoes and moving to Wisconsin with fewer tornadoes
  • Swap the less cheese variety of Missouri for a cheese paradise in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for scenic hills in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Missouri to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a lower cost of living in Missouri to live with a higher cost of living in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of famous BBQ and have to settle with the con of less BBQ focus
  • Time to bid farewell to a central location and get used to being less central in Wisconsin
  • Swap less extreme cold for harsher winters

Missouri vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonMissouriWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemSt. Louis-style pizzaCheese curds
Most popular meat dishSt. Louis-style ribsBratwurst
Most popular street food itemToasted ravioliBeer brats
Most popular vegan foodBBQ jackfruitFried cheese curds (vegan version)
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Pappy's Smokehouse
  • Charlie Gitto's
  • Blueberry Hill
  • L'Etoile
  • Mader's
  • Cafe Carpe
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 Missouri to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic St. Louis-style pizza of Missouri for the equally delicious cheese curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Missouri rave about their flavorful St. Louis-style ribs and sumptuous toasted ravioli, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty bratwurst and beer brats to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the BBQ jackfruit they've grown to love, they can get ready for the fried cheese curds (vegan version) of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Missouri eateries like Pappy's Smokehouse, Charlie Gitto's, and Blueberry Hill. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like L'Etoile, Mader's, and Cafe Carpe.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Missouri and Wisconsin

ComparisonMissouriWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman, RanchPrairie, Cape Cod
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 listingSpacious yards, quiet neighborhoodsLakeside properties, energy efficiency
  • The Craftsman and Ranch architecture that Missouri is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Cape Cod architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Missouri's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and quiet neighborhoods, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside properties and energy efficiency.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Missouri.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Missouri.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Missouri.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 21% more expensive than they are in Missouri, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Missouri’s $243,216.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 49% increase in Missouri.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 6.32% more affordable than in Missouri.

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

ComparisonMissouriWisconsin
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 DisastersTornadoes, floodsSnowstorms, cold snaps
Air QualityGenerally goodGenerally good, varies seasonally
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)88Β°F / 67Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40Β°F / 21Β°F29Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4232
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1848
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Missouri to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Missouri.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Missouri.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Missouri, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold snaps in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 6 degrees colder than in Missouri.
  • The average winter lows are 8 degrees colder than they are in Missouri.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to Missouri.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Missouri and Wisconsin

ComparisonMissouriWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$64,811$70,996
Cost of Living Index91.895.65
State Income Tax5.4%6.27%
Avg. Property Tax0.97%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax8.35%5.44%
Top 3 IndustriesAgriculture, Manufacturing, AerospaceManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 10% more than in Missouri
  • The COLI in Wisconsin will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Missouri
  • The state income tax in WI is 6.27% compared to 5.4% in MO
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate affluence in Missouri
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to high in Missouri
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Missouri and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Missouri vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonMissouriWisconsin
Political Make-upLeans RepublicanSwing State
Local PoliticsConservative in rural areasLiberal in urban areas
ReligionChristian (Majorly Protestant)Christian (Catholic & Protestant)
  • Missouri tends to lean Republican in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as Christian (Catholic and Protestant)
  • Missouri's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian (majorly Protestant)

Education Guide When Moving from Missouri to Wisconsin

ComparisonMissouriWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Missouri
Missouri State University
Washington University in St. Louis
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsConway Elementary (Ladue)
Wilson School (Clayton)
Gotsch Intermediate School (Affton)
Randall Elementary (Madison)
Elm Lawn Elementary (Middleton)
Shorewood Hills Elementary (Shorewood)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLadue Middle School (Ladue)
Central Middle School (Clayton)
Wydown Middle School (Clayton)
Glacier Creek Middle School (Middleton)
Kromrey Middle School (Middleton)
Lake Shore Middle School (Mequon)
Top 3 High School SchoolsClayton High School (Clayton)
Ladue Horton Watkins High School (Ladue)
John Burroughs School (Ladue)
Madison West High School (Madison)
Middleton High School (Middleton)
Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Top 3 private high schoolsThomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
John Burroughs School (Ladue)
The Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Pembroke Hill School (Kansas City)
Thomas Jefferson School (St. Louis)
Christian Brothers College High School (St. Louis)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
St. John's Northwestern Academies (Delafield)
Top 3 School DistrictsLadue School District
Clayton School District
Parkway School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Whitefish Bay School District
Elmbrook School District

How Much Do Missouri to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 528 miles from Missouri to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8.5 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,502300 ft3$5.01
1 Bedroom$2,230450 ft3$4.96
2 Bedrooms$3,680750 ft3$4.91
3 Bedrooms$5,3421100 ft3$4.86
4 Bedrooms$7,6901600 ft3$4.81
5+ Bedrooms$8,5611800 ft3$4.76

Top Missouri to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC featured image

Sunrise Moving and Packing, LLC

Best moving company overall for Missouri to Wisconsin

9.62/10
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