Wisconsin to California Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to California

ConsWisconsin

• Harsh winters
• Limited diversity
• Slower job market
• Fewer attractions

ProsCalifornia

• Mild year-round climate
• Cultural melting pot
• Thriving tech industry
• Beach and city life

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California

• High housing costs
• Traffic congestion
• High living expenses
• Earthquake risks

Wisconsin

• Lower cost of housing
• Family-friendly suburbs
• Quiet lifestyle
• Friendly communities

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to California

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to a mild year-round climate
• Look forward to moving away from limited diversity and moving to California with a cultural melting pot
• Swap the slower job market of Wisconsin for a thriving tech industry in California
• Get ready for beach and city life in California

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to California

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the lower cost of housing in Wisconsin to live with high housing costs in California
• You'll lose out on the pro of family-friendly suburbs and have to settle for the con of traffic congestion
• Time to bid farewell to a quiet lifestyle and get used to high living expenses in California
• Swap friendly communities for earthquake risks

Wisconsin vs. California: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Wisconsin to California, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious California Roll of California. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, California residents know they have tasty Tri-Tip BBQ and Fish Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Deep Fried Cauliflower they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Avocado Toast of California. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like The Old Fashioned, Maderas Steak & Ribs, and Culver's. After the boxes are unpacked in California, don't wait too long before making your way to California's acclaimed eateries like Chez Panisse, Gjelina, and In-N-Out Burger.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and California

• The Prairie and Cape Cod architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Spanish and Modern architecture typical of California.
• Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lakeside views and large yards, California real estate listings often highlight features like ocean views and sustainability features.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; California is more walkable than Wisconsin.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; California is more bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
• California has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
• California housing costs are 166% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $783,666 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in California have increased 42% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
• Rent in California is 118.05% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to California. California gets 52% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
• California has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and wildfires in California.
• The average summer high temperature in California is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
• The average winter lows in California are 32 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in California. California receives 12 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and California

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in California tend to earn about 29% more than those in Wisconsin
• The COLI in California will be 43% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
• The state income tax in CA is 13.3 compared to 6.27 in WI
• The affluence in California is high compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
• The poverty level is concerning in California compared to moderate poverty in Wisconsin
• In terms of homelessness, it is lower in Wisconsin and high in California

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. California

• Wisconsin tends to lean mixed and leans slightly conservative in its political climate
• California, on the other hand, is often described as liberal, especially in urban areas
• California's religious environment can be described as diverse with a higher percentage of unaffiliated individuals
• Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity dominates, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to California

How Much Do Wisconsin to California Movers Cost?

Moving 2,175 miles from Wisconsin to California will typically cost between $3,500 and $9,000 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.