Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Relocating between Ann Arbor, MI and Madison, WI is a 395 mi drive β 7h 37m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
395 mi Β· 7h 37m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 100.88 vs 97.287 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 3.6% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Ann Arbor (48.2Β°F) and Madison (47.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.19 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 3.6% lower in Madison than Ann Arbor.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Madison compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 395 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor β a 19.0% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Madison, WI from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 395 mi and the route typically takes 7h 37m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 3.6% lower than Ann Arbor (97.287 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor β a 5.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI Β· Madison, WI.