Moving from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Relocating between Madison, WI and St. Louis, MO is a 368 mi drive β 6h 58m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
368 mi Β· 6h 58m by car Β· MO β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | MO β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 55, US 51, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Springfield, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | St. Louis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 95.088 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 69.921 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 99.996 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 79.024 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, St. Louis β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 25Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 43.9" |
Expect 10.8Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, ST LOUIS SCI CTR, MO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 293,109 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $55,279 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.6 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 22% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.03 |
Expect median household income to fall 2.3% β $76,983 β $55,279 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Louis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 162,150 | $43,310 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 119,600 | $29,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 115,380 | $39,330 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 108,510 | $35,500 |
| Management Occupations | 94,750 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Missouri
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Missouri'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
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (10.8Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Tornadoes are common April through June β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Missouri after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in St. Louis compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,490 in the St. Louis MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,325,480 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is St. Louis more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Louis is 2.3% lower than Madison (95.088 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 St. Louis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 368 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is St. Louis, MO from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 368 mi and the route typically takes 6h 58m via I 55 and US 51. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs St. Louis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $55,279 in St. Louis vs $76,983 in Madison β a 28.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· St. Louis, MO.