OH to WI Moving Specialists

Ohio to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 8, 2025

Hero background image

Planning a 485 mile interstate move from Ohio to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Ohio vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like humid summers vs cooler climate), food & health (like Buckeye candies vs Cheese curds), real estate & housing (colonial, ranch vs craftsman, cape cod), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Buckeye candies and Cincinnati chili, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 32% more expensive than they are in Ohio
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 13.63% more affordable than in Ohio
  • Moving from Ohio to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Ohio to Wisconsin movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Top Ohio to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Ohio to Wisconsin

9.81/10
Exceptional
RUNNER-UP
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
Exceptional
ALSO GREAT
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
Exceptional

Ohio to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Ohio to Wisconsin

ConsOhio iconOhio
  • Humid summers
  • Higher taxes
  • Limited outdoor activities
  • Crowded metropolitan areas
  • Flat terrain
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Cooler climate
  • Lower taxes
  • Abundant natural parks
  • Less crowded cities
  • Scenic landscapes

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Less cultural diversity
  • Limited arts offerings
  • Fewer sports teams
  • Smaller job market
  • Farther from coast
Ohio iconOhio
  • Diverse culture
  • Lively arts scene
  • Major league sports
  • Thriving economy
  • Proximity to East Coast

Pros of moving from Ohio to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to humid summers and hello to a cooler climate
  • Look forward to moving away from higher taxes and moving to Wisconsin with lower taxes
  • Swap the limited outdoor activities of Ohio for abundant natural parks in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for less crowded cities in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Ohio to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a diverse culture in Ohio to live with less cultural diversity in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of a lively arts scene and have to settle for the con of limited arts offerings
  • Time to bid farewell to major league sports and get used to fewer sports teams in Wisconsin
  • Swap a thriving economy for a smaller job market

Ohio vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonOhioWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemBuckeye candiesCheese curds
Most popular meat dishCincinnati chiliBratwurst
Most popular street food itemPolish BoyFried cheese curds
Most popular vegan foodBlack bean burgerVegan cheese platter
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Skyline Chili
  • Melt Bar and Grilled
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 Ohio to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye candies of Ohio for the equally delicious cheese curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Ohio rave about their flavorful Cincinnati chili and sumptuous Polish Boy, 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 burger they've grown to love, they can get ready for the vegan cheese platter of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Ohio eateries like Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, Skyline Chili, and Melt Bar and Grilled. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Carr Valley Cheese, The Modern Tea Room, and The Fish Guys.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Ohio and Wisconsin

ComparisonOhioWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, RanchCraftsman, 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 backyards, finished basementsLake access, energy-efficient features
Ohio
Wisconsin
Nationwide
$355k$355k$284k$284k$213k$213k$142k$142k$71k$71k0020152015201620162017201720182018201920192020202020212021202220222023202320242024
source: zillow.com
Ohio
Wisconsin
Nationwide
$2k$2k$1.6k$1.6k$1.2k$1.2k8008004004000020152015201620162017201720182018201920192020202020212021202220222023202320242024
source: zillow.com
  • The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Ohio is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Ohio's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious backyards and finished basements, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lake access and energy-efficient features.
  • Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Ohio.
  • Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Ohio.
  • Wisconsin has more of an urban feel than Ohio.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 32% more expensive than they are in Ohio, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Ohio’s $223,135.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 49% increase in Ohio.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 13.63% more affordable than in Ohio.

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

ComparisonOhioWisconsin
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 waves
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)85/6482/60
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)37/2228/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3934
Annual Snowfall (Inches)2848
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Ohio to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 6% more sunshine days than Ohio.
  • Wisconsin has lower humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Ohio.
  • Say goodbye to the possible tornadoes and floods in Ohio, 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 Ohio.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees colder than they are in Ohio.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 5 fewer inches of rain compared to Ohio.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Ohio and Wisconsin

ComparisonOhioWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$65,720$70,996
Cost of Living Index92.8595.65
State Income Tax2.765% - 4.797%3.54% - 7.65%
Avg. Property Tax1.56%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax7.23%5.44%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Finance, AgricultureManufacturing, Healthcare, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateAbove Average
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessManageableLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 8% more than in Ohio
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 3% higher than what you are used to living in Ohio
  • The state income tax in WI is 3.54% - 7.65% compared to 2.765% - 4.797% in OH
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is above average compared to moderate in Ohio
  • The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to significant in Ohio
  • In terms of homelessness, it is manageable in Ohio and low in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Ohio vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonOhioWisconsin
Political Make-upSwing StateSwing State
Local PoliticsMix of urban liberal & rural conservativeMix of urban liberal & rural conservative
ReligionChristian dominates, variety of other faiths presentChristian dominates, variety of other faiths present
  • Ohio tends to lean swing state 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 dominant with a variety of other faiths present
  • Ohio's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christian dominant with a variety of other faiths present

Education Guide When Moving from Ohio to Wisconsin

ComparisonOhioWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)Ohio State University
University of Cincinnati
Ohio University
University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Marquette University
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsIndian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati; Ottawa Hills Elementary
Toledo; Wyoming Elementary
Cincinnati
Swan School
Madison; Lake Country School
Hartland; Northside Elementary
Monroe
Top 3 Middle SchoolsBexley Middle School
Bexley; Granville Middle School
Granville; Bay Middle School
Bay Village
Glacier Creek Middle School
Verona; Pilgrim Park Middle School
Elm Grove; Whitefish Bay Middle
Whitefish Bay
Top 3 High School SchoolsBexley High School
Bexley; Walnut Hills High School
Cincinnati; Ottawa Hills High School
Toledo
Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay; Middleton High
Middleton; Brookfield East High
Brookfield
Top 3 private high schoolsHawken School
Gates Mills; University School
Hunting Valley; Columbus Academy
Gahanna
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Wayland Academy
Beaver Dam
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsColumbus Academy
Gahanna; Hawken School
Gates Mills; Cincinnati Country Day School
Cincinnati
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield; Prairie School
Racine
Top 3 School DistrictsIndian Hill Exempted Village School District
Solon City School District
Ottawa Hills Local School District
Elmbrook School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Whitefish Bay School District

How Much Do Ohio to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 485 miles from Ohio 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 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,477300 ft3$4.92
1 Bedroom$2,194450 ft3$4.87
2 Bedrooms$3,619750 ft3$4.82
3 Bedrooms$5,2521100 ft3$4.77
4 Bedrooms$7,5601600 ft3$4.72
5+ Bedrooms$8,4151800 ft3$4.67