Movers

Wisconsin to Montana Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 1,180 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Montana? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Montana across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like harsh winters vs more sunshine), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Huckleberry Pie), real estate & housing (cape cod, ranch vs mountain rustic, log cabin), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Montana), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Huckleberry Pie & Bison Steak
  • Montana housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Montana is 12.72% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Montana will cost on average between $2,000 - $6,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Montana movers is Elite Movers

Wisconsin to Montana Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Montana

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Harsh winters
  • High property taxes
  • Heavy traffic in cities
  • Flat landscapes
  • Limited outdoor activities
ProsMontana iconMontana
  • More sunshine
  • Lower property taxes
  • Less crowded roads
  • Mountain views
  • Extensive outdoor pursuits

Montana iconMontana
  • Limited urban amenities
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Fewer corporate jobs
  • Less nightlife variety
  • Fewer educational institutions
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Strong agricultural sector
  • Rich culture and history
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Good public schools

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Montana

  • Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to more sunshine
  • Look forward to moving away from high property taxes and moving to Montana with lower property taxes
  • Swap the heavy traffic in cities of Wisconsin for less crowded roads in Montana
  • Get ready for mountain views in Montana

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Montana

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from a strong agricultural sector in Wisconsin to live with limited urban amenities in Montana
  • You'll lose out on the pro of rich culture and history and have to settle for the con of fewer cultural events
  • Time to bid farewell to diverse job opportunities and get used to fewer corporate jobs in Montana
  • Swap a vibrant music scene for less nightlife variety

Wisconsin vs. Montana: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinMontana
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsHuckleberry Pie
Most popular meat dishBratwurstBison Steak
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsElk Burgers
Most popular vegan foodBeer-battered cauliflowerLentil Stew
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Mader’s
  • Ardent
  • La Merenda
  • The Polebridge Mercantile
  • Buck's T-4 Lodge
  • 2nd St. Sushi
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 Wisconsin to Montana, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Huckleberry Pie of Montana. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Montana residents know they have tasty Bison Steak and Elk Burgers to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Beer-battered Cauliflower they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Lentil Stew of Montana. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like Mader’s, Ardent, and La Merenda. After the boxes are unpacked in Montana, don't wait too long before making your way to Montana's acclaimed eateries like The Polebridge Mercantile, Buck's T-4 Lodge, and 2nd St. Sushi.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Montana

ComparisonWisconsinMontana
Typical Architecture StyleCape Cod, RanchMountain Rustic, Log Cabin
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 listingLake access, Green spaceMountain views, Proximity to outdoor activities
  • The Cape Cod and Ranch architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Mountain Rustic and Log Cabin architecture typical of Montana.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and green space, Montana real estate listings often highlight features like mountain views and proximity to outdoor activities.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Montana is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Montana is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Montana has less of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Montana housing costs are 55% more expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $456,199 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Montana have increased by 71% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Montana is 12.72% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinMontana
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 DisastersSnowstorms, TornadoesWildfires, Earthquakes
Air QualityGoodVariable, region-specific
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F / 62Β°F85Β°F / 50Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F / 13Β°F34Β°F / 16Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"15"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"67"
  • Break out the sunglasses for your move from Wisconsin to Montana. Montana gets 9% more sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Montana has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and tornadoes in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential wildfires and earthquakes in Montana.
  • The average summer high temperature in Montana is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 3 degrees warmer than they are in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be neglected in Montana, as Montana receives 19 fewer inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Montana

ComparisonWisconsinMontana
Avg. Household Income$70,996$67,631
Cost of Living Index95.6599.4
State Income Tax3.54% - 7.65%No state income tax
Avg. Property Tax1.68%0.84%
Avg. Sales Tax5.44%0%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, AgricultureTourism, Agriculture, Mining
AffluenceModerateModest
PovertyModerateModerate
HomelessnessLowLow
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Montana tend to earn about 5% less than those in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Montana will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in MT is no state income tax compared to 3.54% - 7.65% in WI
  • The affluence in Montana is modest compared to moderate affluence in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is moderate in Montana compared to moderate poverty in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and low in Montana

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Montana

ComparisonWisconsinMontana
Political Make-upBattleground state with closely split political affiliationsLeans Republican, especially in state-wide elections
Local PoliticsLiberal strongholds in Madison and MilwaukeeConservative strongholds in rural areas, with liberal pockets in Missoula and Bozeman
ReligionChristianity predominantly, with a mix of Protestant and Catholic majorityPrimarily Christian, with a higher proportion of Protestants
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a battleground state with closely split political affiliations in its political climate
  • Montana, on the other hand, is often described as leaning Republican, especially in state-wide elections
  • Montana's religious environment can be described as primarily Christian, with a higher proportion of Protestants
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as Christianity, predominantly with a mix of Protestant and Catholic majorities

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Montana

ComparisonWisconsinMontana
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
Montana State University
University of Montana
Montana Tech
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsPrairie View Elementary
Burlington; Swallow School
Hartland; Richmond School
Sussex
Chief Joseph Elementary
Bozeman; Hawthorne Elementary
Bozeman; Cold Springs Elementary
Missoula
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLake Shore Middle
Mequon; Pilgrim Park Middle School
Elm Grove; Kromrey Middle
Middleton
Sacajawea Middle School
Bozeman; Washington Middle School
Missoula; Lewis and Clark Middle School
Billings
Top 3 High School SchoolsBrookfield Central High School
Brookfield; Cedarburg High School
Cedarburg; Whitefish Bay High School
Whitefish Bay
Bozeman High School
Bozeman; Sentinel High School
Missoula; Hellgate High School
Missoula
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee; Marquette University High School
Milwaukee; Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Missoula International School
Missoula; Billings Central Catholic High School
Billings; Petra Academy
Bozeman
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity Lake School
Hartland; Madison Country Day School
Waunakee; Prairie School
Racine
Montana Academy
Marion; Stillwater Christian School
Kalispell; Heritage Christian School
Bozeman
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook School District
Brookfield; Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Middleton; Mequon-Thiensville School District
Mequon
Bozeman High School District
Bozeman; Missoula County Public Schools
Missoula; Billings Public Schools
Billings

How Much Do Wisconsin to Montana Movers Cost?

Moving 1,180 miles from Wisconsin to Montana will typically cost between $3,000 and $6,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $3,000 - $6,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-2 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,871300 ft3$6.24
1 Bedroom$2,785450 ft3$6.19
2 Bedrooms$4,604750 ft3$6.14
3 Bedrooms$6,6971100 ft3$6.09
4 Bedrooms$9,6611600 ft3$6.04
5+ Bedrooms$10,7791800 ft3$5.99

Top Wisconsin to Montana Movers

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

TOP PICK
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Montana

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
MACS Moving and Storage featured image

MACS Moving and Storage

9.43/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
About Time Moving Systems LLC featured image

About Time Moving Systems LLC

9.33/10
ExceptionalView details
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