Moving from Madison, WI to Naperville, IL
Moving from Madison, WI to Naperville, IL covers 140 mi and about 3h 1m by car through 2 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.
140 mi Β· 3h 1m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, IL 59 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Chicago, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living in Naperville is 6.5% 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 Naperville is 6.5% above Madison β $423,767 vs $610,454 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Madison (47.2Β°F) and Naperville (49.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.75 |
Median household income in Naperville is 6.5% above Madison ($76,983 vs $150,937, ACS 5-year 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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 household income compare in Madison vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $76,983 in Madison β a 96.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Naperville more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 6.5% higher than Madison (103.595 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $423,767 in Madison β a 44.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Naperville, IL from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 140 mi and the route typically takes 3h 1m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 140 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Naperville compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Naperville, IL.