Moving from Madison, WI to Carrollton, TX
Relocating 984 mi from Madison to Carrollton is a 18h 22m drive through 5 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.
984 mi Β· 18h 22m by car Β· WI β IL β MO β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β MO β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 50, US 69 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Springfield, St Louis, Springfield, Broken Arrow |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Carrollton | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 6.0% above Madison β 97.287 β 103.09 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Madison to Carrollton β $423,767 vs $406,040 (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Carrollton -4.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 66Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 94Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 41.9" |
Annual average temperature gap of 18.6Β°F β a meaningful climate change across the move.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, RICHARDSON, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Carrollton |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 132,741 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $99,115 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 38.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 29.1% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.6 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.0% β $76,983 β $99,115 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Carrollton MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Carrollton average 94Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (18.6Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Carrollton more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Carrollton is 6.0% higher than Madison (103.09 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Carrollton?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 984 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 Madison vs Carrollton?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $99,115 in Carrollton vs $76,983 in Madison β a 28.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Carrollton, TX from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 984 mi and the route typically takes 18h 22m via I 44 and US 50. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Carrollton compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Carrollton MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Carrollton compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $406,040 in Carrollton vs $423,767 in Madison β a 4.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Carrollton, TX.