Movers

Virginia to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 14, 2025

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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

ConsVirginia iconVirginia
  • High living costs
  • Hot, humid summers
  • Traffic congestion
  • Hurricane risks
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lower living costs
  • Cooler summers
  • Less traffic
  • No hurricanes

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Fewer historical sites
  • No ocean access
  • Harsh winters
  • Less friendly culture
Virginia iconVirginia
  • 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

ComparisonVirginiaWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemVirginia HamCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishBarbecueBratwurst
Most popular street food itemFood TrucksFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegan Bratwurst
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Mama J's Kitchen
  • Zynodoa
  • The Larder
  • Lombardino's
  • San Julian
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 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

ComparisonVirginiaWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleColonial, Cape CodPrairie, Craftsman
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 listingHistoric Properties, Luxury AmenitiesLakeside 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 Virginia’s $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

ComparisonVirginiaWisconsin
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, FloodsSnowstorms, Cold Waves
Air QualityGoodGood
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)86/6682/62
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)48/2928/13
Annual Rainfall (Inches)4232
Annual Snowfall (Inches)1448
  • 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

ComparisonVirginiaWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$85,873$70,996
Cost of Living Index96.695.65
State Income Tax2% - 5.75%3.54% - 7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.80%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax5.3%5%
Top 3 IndustriesDefense, Technology, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceWealthyModerate
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • 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

ComparisonVirginiaWisconsin
Political Make-upMixed; swings between Democratic and RepublicanSwing state with a slight lean towards Democratic in recent elections
Local PoliticsVaries strongly between urban (liberal) and rural (conservative) areasLiberal in cities like Madison and Milwaukee, conservative in rural areas
ReligionChristianity is predominant, followed by other faithsLargely 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

ComparisonVirginiaWisconsin
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 SchoolsArlington 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 SchoolsLongfellow 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 SchoolsThomas 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 schoolsThomas 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 schoolsThe 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 DistrictsArlington 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 - $6,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Estes SureMove
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,719300 ft3$5.73
1 Bedroom$2,556450 ft3$5.68
2 Bedrooms$4,222750 ft3$5.63
3 Bedrooms$6,1381100 ft3$5.58
4 Bedrooms$8,8481600 ft3$5.53
5+ Bedrooms$9,8641800 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.

TOP PICK
ARS Movers featured image

ARS Movers

Best moving company overall for Virginia to Wisconsin

9.64/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
A Change of Place Movers

A Change of Place Movers

9.59/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details