Moving from Green Bay, WI to Rockford, IL
It is a 212 mi drive, roughly 4h 8m, between Green Bay, WI and Rockford, IL. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
212 mi Β· 4h 8m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 43, WI 57, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Milwaukee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Rockford | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 92.154 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 89.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.643 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 70.076 | 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
1.0% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Rockford +9.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 37.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 37.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 37.1 in of snowfall annually at Rockford.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, ROCKFORD GTR ROCKFORD AP, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Rockford |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 147,649 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $53,328 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 14.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.4 |
Households in Rockford earn about 1.0% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rockford MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 17,580 | $41,900 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 16,500 | $41,140 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 15,320 | $41,130 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,130 | $30,050 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,300 | $34,130 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rockford averages 37.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Illinois after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Rockford, IL from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 212 mi and the route typically takes 4h 8m via I 43 and WI 57. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Rockford?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 212 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 Green Bay vs Rockford?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $53,328 in Rockford vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 14.7% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Rockford compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,810 in the Rockford MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 138,920 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Rockford more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rockford is 1.0% lower than Green Bay (92.154 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Rockford compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $177,225 in Rockford vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 36.3% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Rockford, IL.