Moving from Madison, WI to Brockton, MA
Relocating 1156 mi from Madison to Brockton is a 22h 5m drive through 8 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1156 mi Β· 22h 5m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Brockton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 108.266 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 148.768 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 99.651 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 148.424 | 100.0 |
Brockton runs about 11.3% more expensive overall than Madison β RPP 97.287 β 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Brockton run about 11.3% pricier β ZHVI $423,767 β $503,833 (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Brockton +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 21Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 34.3" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 50.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 47.2Β°F vs 51.4Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Brockton sees 34.3 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, BROCKTON, MA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Brockton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 105,080 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $77,089 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 14.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.95 |
Household income lines up β $76,983 vs $77,089 on ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Massachusetts
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Massachusetts'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Brockton averages 34.3 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Brockton averages 50.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 Massachusetts after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Madison to Brockton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1156 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Brockton more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Brockton is 11.3% higher than Madison (108.266 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Brockton compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $503,833 in Brockton vs $423,767 in Madison β a 18.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Brockton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,089 in Brockton vs $76,983 in Madison β a 0.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Brockton, MA from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1156 mi and the route typically takes 22h 5m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Brockton, MA.