Nebraska to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Updated June 10, 2025

Planning a 742 mile interstate move from Nebraska to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Nebraska vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs gentler winters), food & health (like Runza (Beef and Cabbage Pie) vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (ranch vs cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Runza (Beef and Cabbage Pie) and Reuben Sandwich, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
- Wisconsin housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Nebraska
- Rent in Wisconsin is 2.08% more affordable than in Nebraska
- Moving from Nebraska to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Nebraska to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers
Nebraska to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Nebraska to Wisconsin
- Harsh winters
- Limited job market
- Flat landscapes
- Higher property taxes
- Gentler winters
- Diverse job opportunities
- Scenic lakes and forests
- More affordable homes
- Higher living expenses
- Heavier congestion
- More transient population
- Longer travel times
- Low cost of living
- Less traffic
- Close-knit communities
- Shorter commutes
Pros of moving from Nebraska to Wisconsin
- Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to gentler winters
- Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Wisconsin with diverse job opportunities
- Swap the flat landscapes of Nebraska for scenic lakes and forests in Wisconsin
- Get ready for more affordable homes in Wisconsin
Cons of moving from Nebraska to Wisconsin
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a low cost of living in Nebraska to live with higher living expenses in Wisconsin
- You'll lose out on the pro of less traffic and have to settle for the con of heavier congestion
- Time to bid farewell to close-knit communities and get used to a more transient population in Wisconsin
- Swap shorter commutes for longer travel times
Nebraska vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Nebraska | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Runza (Beef and Cabbage Pie) | Cheese Curds |
Most popular meat dish | Reuben Sandwich | Bratwurst |
Most popular street food item | Corn Dogs | Fried Cheese Curds |
Most popular vegan food | Black Bean Burgers | Vegetable Pasties |
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 Nebraska to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Runza (Beef and Cabbage Pie) of Nebraska for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Nebraska rave about their flavorful Reuben Sandwich and sumptuous Corn Dogs, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Black Bean Burgers they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegetable Pasties of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Nebraska eateries like Misty's Steakhouse, Runza Restaurants, and The Oven. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Culver's, The Old Fashioned, and Mader's.
When comparing lifestyles, Wisconsin shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Nebraska. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Wisconsin compared to what you are used to in Nebraska. Also, the overall foodie scene is more bustling in Wisconsin.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Nebraska and Wisconsin
Comparison | Nebraska | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Cape Cod |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, garages | Lakeside properties, energy efficiency |
- The Ranch architecture that Nebraska is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod architecture typical of Wisconsin.
- Compared to Nebraska's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and garages, 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 Nebraska.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Nebraska.
- Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Nebraska.
- Wisconsin housing costs are 15% more expensive than they are in Nebraska with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Nebraskaβs $257,167.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 47% increase in Nebraska.
- Rent in Wisconsin is 2.08% more affordable than in Nebraska.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Nebraska and Wisconsin
Comparison | Nebraska | 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 | Tornadoes, Severe Storms | Snowstorms, Cold Waves |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 85Β°F/63Β°F | 82Β°F/60Β°F |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 35Β°F/13Β°F | 28Β°F/10Β°F |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 30" | 32" |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 28" | 48" |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Nebraska to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 15% fewer sunshine days than Nebraska.
- Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Nebraska.
- Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and severe storms in Nebraska, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin.
- The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than in Nebraska.
- The average winter lows are 3 degrees colder than they are in Nebraska.
- Your umbrella might be more overworked in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Nebraska.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Nebraska and Wisconsin
Comparison | Nebraska | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $69,597 | $70,996 |
Cost of Living Index | 90.85 | 95.65 |
State Income Tax | 6.84 | 7.65 |
Avg. Property Tax | 1.83 | 1.76 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.51 | 5.43 |
Top 3 Industries | Agriculture, Insurance, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Tourism |
Affluence | Moderate | Moderate |
Poverty | Low | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 2% more than in Nebraska
- The COLI in Wisconsin will be 5% higher than what you are used to living in Nebraska
- The state income tax in WI is 7.65 compared to 6.84 in NE
- The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to moderate in Nebraska
- The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to low in Nebraska
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Nebraska and moderate in Wisconsin
Political and Religious Climate in Nebraska vs. Wisconsin
Comparison | Nebraska | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Primarily Republican | Swing State |
Local Politics | Conservative in rural areas | Mixed, liberal in cities |
Religion | Christian-majority, diverse denominations | Christian-majority, with a notable Catholic presence |
- Nebraska tends to lean primarily 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-majority, with a notable Catholic presence
- Nebraska's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian-majority with diverse denominations
Education Guide When Moving from Nebraska to Wisconsin
Comparison | Nebraska | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Nebraska-Lincoln Creighton University University of Nebraska-Omaha | University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Marquette University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Paddock Road Elementary (Omaha) Maxey Elementary (Lincoln) Reagan Elementary (Omaha) | Shorewood Hills Elementary (Madison) Lake Shore Middle (Mequon) Bayside Middle (Bayside) |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Elkhorn Ridge Middle School (Elkhorn) Russell Middle School (Omaha) Scott Middle School (Lincoln) | Whitefish Bay Middle (Whitefish Bay) Lake Shore Middle (Mequon) Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove) |
Top 3 High Schools | Elkhorn South High School (Elkhorn) Millard North High School (Omaha) Lincoln East High School (Lincoln) | Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay) Arrowhead High (Hartland) Middleton High (Middleton) |
Top 3 private high schools | Brownell Talbot School (Omaha) Marian High School (Omaha) Mount Michael Benedictine School (Elkhorn) | University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Marquette University High School (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | Brownell Talbot School (Omaha) Omaha Christian Academy (Omaha) Concordia Lutheran Schools of Omaha (Omaha) | University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee) Brookfield Academy (Brookfield) St. John's Northwestern Academies (Delafield) |
Top 3 School Districts | Elkhorn Public Schools Millard Public Schools Lincoln Public Schools | Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District Elmbrook School District Verona Area School District |
How Much Do Nebraska to Wisconsin Movers Cost?
Moving 742 miles from Nebraska to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,000
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,623 | 300 ft3 | $5.41 |
1 Bedroom | $2,412 | 450 ft3 | $5.36 |
2 Bedrooms | $3,983 | 750 ft3 | $5.31 |
3 Bedrooms | $5,787 | 1100 ft3 | $5.26 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,337 | 1600 ft3 | $5.21 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,289 | 1800 ft3 | $5.16 |
Top Nebraska to Wisconsin Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Nebraska to Wisconsin movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.