Moving from Madison, WI to Philadelphia, PA
Relocating 910 mi from Madison to Philadelphia is a 17h 8m 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.
910 mi Β· 17h 8m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, I 80, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 5.4% above Madison β 97.287 β 102.554 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.4% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 50.7" |
Expect 10.5Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.1 in of snowfall annually at Philadelphia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.36 |
Expect median household income to fall 5.4% β $76,983 β $60,698 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- 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
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 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: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.5Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 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 Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 910 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 5.4% higher than Madison (102.554 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $76,983 in Madison β a 21.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 910 mi and the route typically takes 17h 8m via I 76 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $423,767 in Madison β a 45.3% 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· Philadelphia, PA.