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Washington to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Updated June 17, 2025

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Planning a 1,851 mile interstate move from Washington to Wisconsin? This moving guide will help you compare living in Washington vs Wisconsin across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like high cost of living vs lower cost of living), food & health (like Salmon vs Cheese Curds), real estate & housing (modern and craftsman vs cape cod and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Washington), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Salmon and Pho, but get your taste buds ready for Cheese Curds & Bratwurst
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Washington
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 36.59% more affordable than in Washington
  • Moving from Washington to Wisconsin will cost on average between $2,500 - $8,000
  • Our top recommended Washington to Wisconsin movers is Elite Movers

Washington to Wisconsin Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington to Wisconsin

ConsWashington iconWashington
  • High cost of living
  • Traffic congestion
  • Rainy weather
  • High real estate prices
  • Earthquake risk
ProsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less traffic
  • Clearer seasons
  • Affordable housing
  • Minimal earthquake risk

Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Limited tech jobs
  • Less diverse terrain
  • Smaller city size
  • Humid summers
  • More traditional views
Washington iconWashington
  • Vibrant tech scene
  • Natural beauty
  • Culture-rich cities
  • Mild summers
  • Progressive community

Pros of moving from Washington to Wisconsin

  • Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to the lower cost of living
  • Look forward to moving away from traffic congestion and moving to Wisconsin with less traffic
  • Swap the rainy weather of Washington for clearer seasons in Wisconsin
  • Get ready for affordable housing in Wisconsin

Cons of moving from Washington to Wisconsin

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the vibrant tech scene in Washington to live with limited tech jobs in Wisconsin
  • You'll lose out on the pro of natural beauty and have to settle for the con of less diverse terrain
  • Time to bid farewell to culture-rich cities and get used to the smaller city size in Wisconsin
  • Swap mild summers for humid summers

Washington vs. Wisconsin: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWashingtonWisconsin
Most iconic local food itemSalmonCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishPhoBratwurst
Most popular street food itemTacosFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodQuinoa SaladVegetable Pasties
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • The Herb Farm
  • Salumi
  • Mader's
  • Culver's
  • The Old Fashioned
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 Washington to Wisconsin, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Washington for the equally delicious Cheese Curds of Wisconsin. And while the locals in Washington rave about their flavorful Pho and sumptuous Tacos, Wisconsin residents know they have tasty Bratwurst and Fried Cheese Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad 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 Washington eateries like Canlis, The Herb Farm, and Salumi. After the boxes are unpacked in Wisconsin, don't wait too long before making your way to Wisconsin's acclaimed eateries like Mader's, Culver's, and The Old Fashioned.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington and Wisconsin

ComparisonWashingtonWisconsin
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanCape Cod and 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 listingGreen space, Proximity to tech jobsFamily-friendly, Proximity to natural water bodies
  • The Modern and Craftsman architecture that Washington is known for will be replaced with the Cape Cod and Ranch architecture typical of Wisconsin.
  • Compared to Washington's real estate listings that commonly reference green space and proximity to tech jobs, Wisconsin real estate listings often highlight features like family-friendly amenities and proximity to natural water bodies.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Wisconsin is less walkable than Washington.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Wisconsin is less bike-friendly than Washington.
  • Wisconsin has less of an urban feel than Washington.
  • Wisconsin housing costs are 50% less expensive than they are in Washington with a median home price of $294,909 compared to Washington’s $591,148.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Wisconsin have increased by 47% compared to a 49% increase in Washington.
  • Rent in Wisconsin is 36.59% more affordable than in Washington.

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

ComparisonWashingtonWisconsin
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 DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)75Β°F / 55Β°F82Β°F / 62Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)47Β°F / 37Β°F28Β°F / 13Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)3834
Annual Snowfall (Inches)548
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Washington to Wisconsin. Wisconsin gets 24% more sunshine days than Washington.
  • Wisconsin has similar humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Washington.
  • Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Washington, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin.
  • Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Wisconsin is 7 degrees warmer than Washington.
  • The average winter lows are 24 degrees colder than they are in Washington.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Wisconsin. Wisconsin receives 4 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington and Wisconsin

ComparisonWashingtonWisconsin
Avg. Household Income$91,306$70,996
Cost of Living Index104.195.65
State Income Tax0%3.54%-7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.93%1.68%
Avg. Sales Tax6.5%-10.4%5.00%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Aerospace, AgricultureManufacturing, Agriculture, Healthcare
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigher
HomelessnessSignificantLess notable
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Wisconsin tend to earn about 22% less than those in Washington
  • The COLI in Wisconsin is 8% lower than what you are used to living in Washington
  • Bummer... By moving from WA to WI, you'll now have a state income tax of 3.54% to 7.65%
  • The affluence in Wisconsin is moderate compared to high in Washington
  • The poverty level is higher in Wisconsin compared to moderate in Washington
  • In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Washington and less notable in Wisconsin

Political and Religious Climate in Washington vs. Wisconsin

ComparisonWashingtonWisconsin
Political Make-upLiberal-leaning, especially in urban areasMixed, with a balance between liberal and conservative areas
Local PoliticsDominance of Democratic elected officials in major citiesA blend of Democratic and Republican leadership depending on the area
ReligionLess religiously affiliated population overallHigher prevalence of religious affiliation, significant Catholic and Lutheran communities
  • Washington tends to lean Liberal-leaning in its political climate
  • Wisconsin, on the other hand, is often described as mixed with a balance between liberal and conservative areas
  • Wisconsin's religious environment can be described as having a higher prevalence of religious affiliation with significant Catholic and Lutheran communities
  • Washington's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a less religiously affiliated population overall

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to Wisconsin

ComparisonWashingtonWisconsin
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Washington
Seattle; Washington State University
Pullman; Western Washington University
Bellingham
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison; University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Marquette University
Milwaukee
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsCascade Ridge Elementary
Sammamish; Discovery Elementary
Gig Harbor; Sunrise Elementary
Kent
Swallow Elementary
Hartland; Richmond Elementary
Appleton; Shorewood Hills Elementary
Madison
Top 3 Middle SchoolsInternational School
Bellevue; Pine Lake Middle
Sammamish; Washington Middle
Seattle
Kromrey Middle
Middleton; Longfellow Middle
Wauwatosa; Lake Shore Middle
Mequon
Top 3 High School SchoolsInternational School
Bellevue; Newport High
Bellevue; Tesla STEM High
Redmond
Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay; Middleton High
Middleton; Brookfield East High
Brookfield
Top 3 private high schoolsLakeside School
Seattle; The Overlake School
Redmond; Seattle Preparatory School
Seattle
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Marquette University High School
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsThe Bear Creek School
Redmond; Charles Wright Academy
Tacoma; Seattle Academy
Seattle
University School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Wayland Academy
Beaver Dam; Prairie School
Racine
Top 3 School DistrictsBellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
Lake Washington School District
Elmbrook School District
Mequon-Thiensville School District
Whitefish Bay School District

How Much Do Washington to Wisconsin Movers Cost?

Moving 1,851 miles from Washington to Wisconsin will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,500 - $8,000
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-4 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$2,252300 ft3$7.51
1 Bedroom$3,355450 ft3$7.46
2 Bedrooms$5,555750 ft3$7.41
3 Bedrooms$8,0921100 ft3$7.36
4 Bedrooms$11,6901600 ft3$7.31
5+ Bedrooms$13,0611800 ft3$7.26

Top Washington to Wisconsin Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Washington to Wisconsin

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Seattle Moves & More

Seattle Moves & More

9.55/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details

Tacoma to Wisconsin

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