Moving from Madison, WI to Cleveland, OH
Moving from Madison, WI to Cleveland, OH covers 495 mi and about 9h 35m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
495 mi Β· 9h 35m by car Β· OH β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | OH β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Akron, Toledo, South Bend, Chicago, Naperville |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Cleveland and Madison are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.287 vs 93.923); 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: Cleveland typical home at $115,537 is 3.5% under Madison at $423,767 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 33.3" |
Cleveland runs 5.1Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 52.3Β°F, NOAA 1991β2020).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.18 |
Median household income in Cleveland is 3.5% below Madison ($76,983 vs $39,187, 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 Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $423,767 in Madison β a 72.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 3.5% lower than Madison (93.923 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 Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 495 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 Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $76,983 in Madison β a 49.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 495 mi and the route typically takes 9h 35m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 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· Cleveland, OH.