Moving from Grand Rapids, MI to Madison, WI
Relocating between Grand Rapids, MI and Madison, WI is a 210 mi drive β 5h 17m 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.
210 mi Β· 5h 17m by car Β· WI β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 96, US 31 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Milwaukee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Grand Rapids | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 95.546 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.775 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 86.596 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
1.8% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Grand Rapids +2.9%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Grand Rapids | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 74.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 39.6" | 40.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: E GRAND RAPIDS, MI US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Grand Rapids | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 197,768 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $65,526 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 32.1 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 26.3% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.19 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 1.8% higher in Madison than Grand Rapids.
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
Is Madison more expensive than Grand Rapids?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 1.8% higher than Grand Rapids (97.287 vs 95.546, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Madison, WI from Grand Rapids, MI?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 5h 17m via I 94 and I 96. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Grand Rapids?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $46,290 in the Grand Rapids MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 536,790 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 210 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Grand Rapids vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $65,526 in Grand Rapids β a 17.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Grand Rapids?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $303,298 in Grand Rapids β a 39.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Grand Rapids.
City profiles: Grand Rapids, MI Β· Madison, WI.