Moving from Madison, WI to Boulder, CO
A move from Madison, WI to Boulder, CO covers 964 mi and around 17h 30m of driving through 4 state(s). At this range plan for a two- or three-day drive, a hauler or PODS container for household goods, and a noticeable shift in weather, tax jurisdiction, and housing market. The sections below pull the current BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA figures into one view.
964 mi Β· 17h 30m by car Β· WI β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, I 76, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Greeley |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Boulder | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 105.202 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 82.741 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 157.02 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Boulder is 8.1% higher than Madison, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Boulder is 8.1% above Madison β $423,767 vs $964,531 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Boulder -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 22Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 88Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 92.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 21.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Madison (47.2Β°F) and Boulder (51.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Boulder averages 92.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, BOULDER, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Boulder |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 106,274 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $85,364 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 28.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 36.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.42 |
Median household income in Boulder is 8.1% above Madison ($76,983 β $85,364, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Boulder MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 19,760 | $91,230 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 19,640 | $47,560 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 19,360 | $50,060 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 17,660 | $37,440 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 17,320 | $131,150 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Boulder averages 92.8 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Boulder more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Boulder is 8.1% higher than Madison (105.202 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Boulder, CO from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 964 mi and the route typically takes 17h 30m via I 80 EXPRESS and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Boulder?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $85,364 in Boulder vs $76,983 in Madison β a 10.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Boulder compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $964,531 in Boulder vs $423,767 in Madison β a 127.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Boulder compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $64,750 in the Boulder MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 194,440 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Boulder?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 964 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Boulder, CO.