Moving from Green Bay, WI to South Bend, IN
The 292 mi from Green Bay to South Bend translate to about 5h 53m behind the wheel through 3 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
292 mi Β· 5h 53m by car Β· WI β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 43, I 94, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Milwaukee, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
South Bend and Green Bay are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.086 vs 92.858); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: South Bend typical home at $192,340 is 0.2% under Green Bay at $278,024 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 40.9" |
Climate warms by 5.1Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 49.8Β°F.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.5 |
Income steps down 0.2%: $62,546 in Green Bay vs $52,512 in South Bend.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is South Bend, IN from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 292 mi and the route typically takes 5h 53m via I 43 and I 94. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in South Bend compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 30.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is South Bend more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 0.2% lower than Green Bay (92.858 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 292 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 South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 16.0% 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· South Bend, IN.