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New Jersey to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 981 mile interstate move from New Jersey to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in New Jersey vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower living expenses), food & health (like Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, victorian vs craftsman, ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in New Jersey), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) and Italian Hot Dog, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in New Jersey
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 49.00% more affordable than in New Jersey
  • Moving from New Jersey to Wisconsin will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended New Jersey to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

New Jersey to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from New Jersey to Wisconsin

ConsNew Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic congestion
  • Dense urban environment
  • Frequent storms
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lower living expenses
  • Smoother commutes
  • More nature access
  • Better weather stability

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Limited dining options
  • Fewer cultural activities
  • Far from major cities
  • Limited transit options
New Jersey iconNew Jersey
  • Diverse cuisine
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Proximity to NYC
  • Excellent public transport

Pros of moving from New Jersey to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to lower living expenses
  • Look forward to moving away from heavy traffic congestion and moving to Wisconsin with smoother commutes
  • Swap the dense urban environment of New Jersey for more nature access in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for better weather stability in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from New Jersey to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the diverse cuisine in New Jersey to live with limited dining options in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a rich cultural scene and have to settle with the con of fewer cultural activities
  • Time to bid farewell to proximity to NYC and get used to being far from major cities in Wisconsin
  • Swap excellent public transport for limited transit options

New Jersey vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonNew JerseyWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemPork Roll (Taylor Ham)Cheese Curds
Most popular meat dishItalian Hot DogBratwurst
Most popular street food itemSalt Water TaffyFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodVegetable SamosaBeer-battered Portobello Mushrooms
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • White House Sub Shop
  • Don's Deli
  • Arturo's Osteria & Pizzeria
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 New Jersey to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Pork Roll (Taylor Ham) of New Jersey for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in New Jersey rave about their flavorful Italian Hot Dog and sumptuous Salt Water Taffy, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegetable Samosa they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Beer-battered Portobello Mushrooms of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic New Jersey eateries like White House Sub Shop, Don's Deli, and Arturo's Osteria and Pizzeria. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Mader's, Clyde's Feed, and The Old Fashioned.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between New Jersey and Wisconsin

ComparisonNew JerseyWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, VictorianCraftsman, Ranch
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 listingProximity to NYC, Great schoolsLake access, Quiet neighborhoods
  • The Colonial and Victorian architecture that New Jersey is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Ranch architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to New Jersey's real estate listings, which commonly reference proximity to NYC and great schools, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and quiet neighborhoods.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Wisconsin is less walkable than New Jersey.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than New Jersey.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than New Jersey.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 43% less expensive than they are in New Jersey, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to New Jersey’s $512,908.
  • Over the prior five years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 50% increase in New Jersey.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 49.00% more affordable than in New Jersey.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between New Jersey and Wisconsin

ComparisonNew JerseyWisconsin
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 DisastersHurricanes, floodingSnowstorms, flooding
Air QualityGood to ModerateGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6682/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)40/2528/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4732
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2348
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from New Jersey to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 9% fewer sunshine days than New Jersey.
  • Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to New Jersey.
  • Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and flooding in New Jersey, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and flooding in Wisconsin.
  • The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 3 degrees colder than in New Jersey.
  • The average winter lows are 12 degrees colder than they are in New Jersey.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 15 fewer inches of rain compared to New Jersey.

Financial & Community Snapshot: New Jersey and Wisconsin

ComparisonNew JerseyWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$96,346$70,996
Cost of Living Index129.795.65
State Income Tax3% - 11.8%3.54% - 7.65%
Avg. Property Tax2.21%1.63%
Avg. Sales Tax6.63%5.44%
Top 3 IndustriesFinance, Pharmaceuticals, TechnologyManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessModerateLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 26% less than in New Jersey
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 26% lower than what you are used to living in New Jersey
  • The state income tax in WI is 3.54% - 7.65% compared to 3% - 11.8% in NJ
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to high in New Jersey
  • The poverty level is low in Wisconsin compared to moderate in New Jersey
  • In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in New Jersey and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in New Jersey vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonNew JerseyWisconsin
Political Make-upLean DemocraticSwing State
Local PoliticsLiberal urban centers with conservative rural areasMixture of progressive cities and conservative rural communities
ReligionCatholic majority, with a diverse religious landscapeLutheran and Catholic majorities, with Protestant diversity
  • New Jersey tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as Lutheran and Catholic majorities with Protestant diversity
  • New Jersey's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Catholic majority with a diverse religious landscape

Education Guide When Moving from New Jersey to Wisconsin

ComparisonNew JerseyWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Rutgers University
Princeton University
New Jersey Institute of Technology
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsLittlebrook Elementary School (Princeton)
Riverside Elementary School (Princeton)
Hoboken Charter School (Hoboken)
Randall Elementary School (Madison)
Shorewood Hills Elementary School (Shorewood)
Lake View Elementary School (Madison)
Top 3 Middle SchoolsPrinceton Charter School (Princeton)
Thomas Grover Middle School (West Windsor)
Millburn Middle School (Millburn)
Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Whitefish Bay Middle School (Whitefish Bay)
Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove)
Top 3 High School SchoolsHigh Technology High School (Lincroft)
Bergen County Academies (Hackensack)
Princeton High School (Princeton)
Whitefish Bay High School (Whitefish Bay)
Madison West High School (Madison)
Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Top 3 private high schoolsThe Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Waunakee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Lawrenceville School (Lawrenceville)
The Pingry School (Basking Ridge)
Newark Academy (Livingston)
University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Madison Country Day School (Waunakee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Top 3 School DistrictsPrinceton Public Schools
Millburn Township Schools
Summit Public Schools
Whitefish Bay School District
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District

How Much Do New Jersey to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 981 miles from New Jersey to Wisconsin will typically cost between $2,500 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,500 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-8 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,759300 ft3$5.86
1 Bedroom$2,615450 ft3$5.81
2 Bedrooms$4,322750 ft3$5.76
3 Bedrooms$6,2831100 ft3$5.71
4 Bedrooms$9,0591600 ft3$5.66
5+ Bedrooms$10,1021800 ft3$5.61

Top New Jersey to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for New Jersey to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Big G Movers, INC featured image

Big G Movers, INC

9.54/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details