Movers

Wisconsin to Ohio Moving Guide

Updated June 15, 2025

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Planning a 486 mile interstate move from Wisconsin to Ohio? This moving guide will help you compare living in Wisconsin vs Ohio across 7 important categories. Compare the pros & cons (like cold winters vs milder winters), food & health (like Cheese Curds vs Buckeye Candy), real estate & housing (craftsman and cape cod vs colonial and ranch), weather & wardrobe, cost of living & taxes (it's more expensive in Wisconsin), politics & religion, and education.

Key Takeaways:

  • Say goodbye to Cheese Curds and Bratwurst, but get your taste buds ready for Buckeye Candy & Cincinnati Chili
  • Ohio housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin
  • Rent in Ohio is 15.78% more expensive than in Wisconsin
  • Moving from Wisconsin to Ohio will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
  • Our top recommended Wisconsin to Ohio movers is Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Wisconsin to Ohio Moving Guide

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Ohio

ConsWisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Cold winters
  • Limited job market
  • Fewer cultural events
  • Costly dairy goods
ProsOhio iconOhio
  • Milder winters
  • Expanding job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Affordable groceries

Ohio iconOhio
  • Fewer lakes
  • Average cheese
  • More urbanized
  • Heavier traffic
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Beautiful lakes
  • Great cheese
  • Rural charm
  • Fewer traffic jams

Pros of moving from Wisconsin to Ohio

  • Say goodbye to cold winters and hello to milder winters
  • Look forward to moving away from a limited job market and moving to Ohio with an expanding job market
  • Swap the fewer cultural events of Wisconsin for a rich cultural scene in Ohio
  • Get ready for affordable groceries in Ohio

Cons of moving from Wisconsin to Ohio

  • Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from beautiful lakes in Wisconsin to live with fewer lakes in Ohio
  • You'll lose out on the pro of great cheese and have to settle for the con of average cheese
  • Time to bid farewell to rural charm and get used to a more urbanized Ohio
  • Swap fewer traffic jams for heavier traffic

Wisconsin vs. Ohio: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

ComparisonWisconsinOhio
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsBuckeye Candy
Most popular meat dishBratwurstCincinnati Chili
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsPolish Boy
Most popular vegan foodBeer-Battered CauliflowerVegan Cincinnati Chili
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Skyline Chili
  • Schmidt’s Sausage Haus
  • Pier W
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 Ohio, you will be trading the iconic Cheese Curds of Wisconsin for the equally delicious Buckeye Candy of Ohio. And while the locals in Wisconsin rave about their flavorful Bratwurst and sumptuous Fried Cheese Curds, Ohio residents know they have tasty Cincinnati Chili and Polish Boy 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 Vegan Cincinnati Chili of Ohio. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Wisconsin eateries like L'Etoile, Mader's, and SafeHouse Milwaukee. After the boxes are unpacked in Ohio, don't wait too long before making your way to Ohio's acclaimed eateries like Skyline Chili, Schmidt’s Sausage Haus, and Pier W.

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

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Wisconsin and Ohio

ComparisonWisconsinOhio
Typical Architecture StyleCraftsman and Cape CodColonial 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 listingLake access, Spacious yardsClose to schools, Updated kitchens
  • The Craftsman and Cape Cod architecture that Wisconsin is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Ranch architecture typical of Ohio.
  • Compared to Wisconsin's real estate listings that commonly reference lake access and spacious yards, Ohio's real estate listings often highlight features like closeness to schools and updated kitchens.
  • You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Ohio is less walkable than Wisconsin.
  • You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Ohio is less bike-friendly than Wisconsin.
  • Ohio has more of an urban feel than Wisconsin.
  • Ohio housing costs are 24% less expensive than they are in Wisconsin, with a median home price of $223,135 compared to Wisconsin’s $294,909.
  • Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Ohio have increased by 49% compared to a 47% increase in Wisconsin.
  • Rent in Ohio is 15.78% more expensive than in Wisconsin.

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

ComparisonWisconsinOhio
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, Cold WavesTornadoes, Floods
Air QualityGoodModerate
Average Summer High/Low (Β°F)82Β°F/62Β°F85Β°F/64Β°F
Average Winter High/Low (Β°F)28Β°F/13Β°F36Β°F/22Β°F
Annual Rainfall (Inches)34"39"
Annual Snowfall (Inches)48"28"
  • The shades won't be used as much for your move from Wisconsin to Ohio. Ohio gets 6% fewer sunshine days than Wisconsin.
  • Ohio has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Wisconsin.
  • Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Wisconsin, but be on the lookout for potential tornadoes and floods in Ohio.
  • The average summer high temperature in Ohio is 3 degrees warmer than in Wisconsin.
  • The average winter lows are 9 degrees warmer than those in Wisconsin.
  • Your umbrella might be more overworked in Ohio. Ohio receives 5 more inches of rain compared to Wisconsin.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Wisconsin and Ohio

ComparisonWisconsinOhio
Avg. Household Income$70,996$65,720
Cost of Living Index95.6592.85
State Income Tax6.27%4.797%
Avg. Property Tax1.68%1.57%
Avg. Sales Tax5.43%7.25%
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareManufacturing, Finance, Energy
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessLowModerate
  • When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Ohio tend to earn about 7% less than in Wisconsin
  • The COLI in Ohio is 3% lower than what you are used to living in Wisconsin
  • The state income tax in OH is 4.797% compared to 6.27% in WI
  • The affluence in Ohio is moderate compared to moderate in Wisconsin
  • The poverty level is moderate in Ohio compared to low in Wisconsin
  • In terms of homelessness, it is low in Wisconsin and moderate in Ohio

Political and Religious Climate in Wisconsin vs. Ohio

ComparisonWisconsinOhio
Political Make-upBattleground state, slight lean towards progressive policiesSwing state with a mix of conservative and liberal areas
Local PoliticsMixture of liberal urban areas (Madison, Milwaukee) and conservative rural areasLiberal strongholds in cities like Columbus, balanced by conservative rural regions
ReligionChristian majority, with a blend of Protestants and Catholics; growing non-religious sectorChristian majority, with a predominant Protestant presence; diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Wisconsin tends to lean as a battleground state with a slight lean towards progressive policies in its political climate
  • Ohio, on the other hand, is often described as a swing state with a mix of conservative and liberal areas
  • Ohio's religious environment can be described as a Christian majority with a predominant Protestant presence and diverse religious communities in urban areas
  • Wisconsin's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as a Christian majority with a blend of Protestants and Catholics and a growing non-religious sector

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Ohio

ComparisonWisconsinOhio
Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison
Marquette University
Milwaukee
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
La Crosse
Ohio State University
Columbus
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati
Ohio University
Athens
Top 3 Elementary SchoolsSwanson Elementary
Brookfield
Richmond Elementary
Appleton
Elm Lawn Elementary
Middleton
Indian Hill Elementary
Cincinnati
Granville Elementary
Granville
Ottawa Hills Elementary
Toledo
Top 3 Middle SchoolsLongfellow Middle
Wauwatosa
Pilgrim Park Middle School
Elm Grove
Washburn Middle
Washburn
Ottawa Hills Junior/Senior High
Toledo
Granville Middle School
Granville
Indian Hill Middle School
Cincinnati
Top 3 High School SchoolsBrookfield East High
Brookfield
Eau Claire Memorial High
Eau Claire
Whitefish Bay High
Whitefish Bay
Walnut Hills High
Cincinnati
Ottawa Hills High
Toledo
Bexley High
Bexley
Top 3 private high schoolsUniversity School of Milwaukee
Milwaukee
Marquette University High
Milwaukee
Brookfield Academy
Brookfield
Hawken School
Gates Mills
University School
Hunting Valley
Columbus Academy
Gahanna
Top 3 private K-12 schoolsUniversity Lake School
Hartland
St. John's Northwestern Academies
Delafield
The Prairie School
Racine
Cincinnati Country Day School
Cincinnati
The Seven Hills School
Cincinnati
Columbus School for Girls
Columbus
Top 3 School DistrictsElmbrook Schools
Brookfield
Whitefish Bay School District
Whitefish Bay
Shorewood School District
Shorewood
Indian Hill Exempted Village School District
Cincinnati
Granville Exempted Village School District
Granville
Ottawa Hills Local School District
Toledo

How Much Do Wisconsin to Ohio Movers Cost?

Moving 486 miles from Wisconsin to Ohio will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

  • Expected Range: $2,000 - $5,500
  • Expected Time To Complete: 2-3 days
  • Most Affordable Recommended Movers: Above Average Moving LLC
HOME SIZEMOVING COSTVOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3)$/FT3
Studio$1,478300 ft3$4.93
1 Bedroom$2,195450 ft3$4.88
2 Bedrooms$3,620750 ft3$4.83
3 Bedrooms$5,2541100 ft3$4.78
4 Bedrooms$7,5631600 ft3$4.73
5+ Bedrooms$8,4181800 ft3$4.68

Top Wisconsin to Ohio Movers

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

TOP PICK
Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC featured image

Perrysburg Moving and Hauling LLC

Best moving company overall for Wisconsin to Ohio

9.81/10
ExceptionalView details
RUNNER-UP
Elite Movers featured image

Elite Movers

9.58/10
ExceptionalView details
ALSO GREAT
Blue Men Moving LLC featured image

Blue Men Moving LLC

9.57/10
ExceptionalView details