Virginia to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Updated June 14, 2025

Planning a 911 mile interstate move from Virginia to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Virginia vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high living costs vs lower living costs), food & health (like Virginia Ham vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (colonial, cape cod vs prairie, craftsman), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Virginia), politics & religion, and education.
Key Takeaways:
- Say goodbye to Virginia Ham and Barbecue, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
- Wisconsin housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Virginia
- Rent in Wisconsin is 31.69% more affordable than in Virginia
- Moving from Virginia to Wisconsin will cost on average between $1,500 - $6,000
- Our top recommended Virginia to Wisconsin movers is ARS Movers
Virginia to Wisconsin Moving Guide
Pros and Cons of Moving from Virginia to Wisconsin
- High living costs
- Hot, humid summers
- Traffic congestion
- Hurricane risks
- Lower living costs
- Cooler summers
- Less traffic
- No hurricanes
- Fewer historical sites
- No ocean access
- Harsh winters
- Less friendly culture
- Rich history
- Charming coastal cities
- Mild winters
- Southern hospitality
Pros of moving from Virginia to Wisconsin
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
- Look forward to moving away from hot, humid summers and moving to Wisconsin with cooler summers
- Swap the traffic congestion of Virginia for less traffic in Wisconsin
- Get ready for no hurricanes in Wisconsin
Cons of moving from Virginia to Wisconsin
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Virginia to live with fewer historical sites in Wisconsin
- You'll lose out on the pro of charming coastal cities and have to settle for the con of no ocean access
- Time to bid farewell to mild winters and get used to harsh winters in Wisconsin
- Swap southern hospitality for a less friendly culture
Virginia vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
Comparison | Virginia | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Virginia Ham | Cheese Curds |
Most popular meat dish | Barbecue | Bratwurst |
Most popular street food item | Food Trucks | Fried Cheese Curds |
Most popular vegan food | Avocado Toast | Vegan Bratwurst |
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 Virginia to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Virginia Ham of Virginia for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Virginia rave about their flavorful Barbecue and sumptuous Food Trucks, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Avocado Toast they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Bratwurst of Wisconsin. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Virginia eateries like The Inn at Little Washington, Mama J's Kitchen, and Zynodoa. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like The Larder, Lombardino's, and San Julian.
When comparing lifestyles, Wisconsin shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Virginia. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Wisconsin, compared to what you are used to in Virginia. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Wisconsin.
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Virginia and Wisconsin
Comparison | Virginia | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Cape Cod | Prairie, Craftsman |
Walkability | ππππππππππ | ππππππππππ |
Bikeability | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² | π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π²π² |
Urban Lifestyle | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ | ποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈποΈ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Historic Properties, Luxury Amenities | Lakeside Properties, Eco-Friendly Features |
- The Colonial and Cape Cod architecture that Virginia is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Craftsman architecture typical of Wisconsin.
- Compared to Virginia's real estate listings that commonly reference historic properties and luxury amenities, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like lakeside properties and eco-friendly features.
- Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Wisconsin is more walkable than Virginia.
- Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Wisconsin is more bike-friendly than Virginia.
- Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Virginia.
- Wisconsin housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Virginia, with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Virginiaβs $385,780.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 42% increase in Virginia.
- Rent in Wisconsin is 31.69% more affordable than in Virginia.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Virginia and Wisconsin
Comparison | Virginia | 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 | Hurricanes, Floods | Snowstorms, Cold Waves |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F) | 86/66 | 82/62 |
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F) | 48/29 | 28/13 |
Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 42 | 32 |
Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 14 | 48 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Virginia to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 8% fewer sunshine days than Virginia.
- Wisconsin has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Virginia.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Virginia, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin.
- Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 4 degrees colder than in Virginia.
- The average winter lows are 16 degrees colder than they are in Virginia.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 10 fewer inches of rain compared to Virginia.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Virginia and Wisconsin
Comparison | Virginia | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $85,873 | $70,996 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 95.65 |
State Income Tax | 2% - 5.75% | 3.54% - 7.65% |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.80% | 1.68% |
Avg. Sales Tax | 5.3% | 5% |
Top 3 Industries | Defense, Technology, Agriculture | Manufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare |
Affluence | Wealthy | Moderate |
Poverty | Moderate | Moderate |
Homelessness | Low | Moderate |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 17% less than in Virginia
- The COLI in Wisconsin will be 1% lower than what you are used to living in Virginia
- The state income tax in WI is 3.54% - 7.65% compared to 2% - 5.75% in VA
- The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to wealthy in Virginia
- The poverty level is moderate in Wisconsin compared to moderate in Virginia
- In terms of homelessness, it is low in Virginia and moderate in Wisconsin
Political and Religious Climate in Virginia vs. Wisconsin
Comparison | Virginia | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Mixed; swings between Democratic and Republican | Swing state with a slight lean towards Democratic in recent elections |
Local Politics | Varies strongly between urban (liberal) and rural (conservative) areas | Liberal in cities like Madison and Milwaukee, conservative in rural areas |
Religion | Christianity is predominant, followed by other faiths | Largely Christian, with a significant population of other religions |
- Virginia tends to lean mixed and swings between Democratic and Republican in its political climate
- Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a slight lean towards Democratic in recent elections
- Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as largely Christian, with a significant population of other religions
- Virginia's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity being predominant, followed by other faiths
Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to Wisconsin
Comparison | Virginia | Wisconsin |
---|---|---|
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3) | University of Virginia Virginia Tech College of William & Mary | University of Wisconsin-Madison University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Marquette University |
Top 3 Elementary Schools | Arlington Science Focus School Arlington; Stenwood Elementary School Vienna; Nottingham Elementary School Arlington | Swan School Madison; Lake Shore Middle School Mequon; Elm Lawn Elementary Middleton |
Top 3 Middle Schools | Longfellow Middle School Falls Church; Frost Middle School Fairfax; Henley Middle School Crozet | Whitefish Bay Middle School Whitefish Bay; Lake Shore Middle School Mequon; Pilgrim Park Middle School Elm Grove |
Top 3 High Schools | Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology Alexandria; McLean High School McLean; Langley High School McLean | Madison West High School Madison; Brookfield East High School Brookfield; Whitefish Bay High School Whitefish Bay |
Top 3 private high schools | Thomas Jefferson School Alexandria; The Potomac School McLean; Episcopal High School Alexandria | University School of Milwaukee Milwaukee; Marquette University High School Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy Brookfield |
Top 3 private K-12 schools | The Madeira School McLean; Flint Hill School Oakton; The Potomac School McLean | University School of Milwaukee Milwaukee; The Prairie School Racine; Brookfield Academy Brookfield |
Top 3 School Districts | Arlington Public Schools Fairfax County Public Schools Loudoun County Public Schools | Mequon-Thiensville School District Elmbrook School District Whitefish Bay School District |
How Much Do Virginia to Wisconsin Movers Cost?
Moving 911 miles from Virginia 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: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,719 | 300 ft3 | $5.73 |
1 Bedroom | $2,556 | 450 ft3 | $5.68 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,222 | 750 ft3 | $5.63 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,138 | 1100 ft3 | $5.58 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,848 | 1600 ft3 | $5.53 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,864 | 1800 ft3 | $5.48 |
Top Virginia to Wisconsin Movers
Read our in-depth analysis of the best Virginia to Wisconsin movers with detailed rankings, cost breakdowns, and reviews.