Moving from Madison, WI to St. Paul, MN
The 257 mi from Madison to St. Paul translate to about 5h 1m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
257 mi Β· 5h 1m by car Β· MN β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, US 12, WI 78 |
| Major cities en route | Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | St. Paul | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.7% pricier overall in St. Paul than Madison on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, St. Paul β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 29.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 47.2Β°F vs 46.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 307,762 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $73,055 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.5 |
Income steps down 7.7%: $76,983 in Madison vs $73,055 in St. Paul.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Paul MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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 St. Paul?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,055 in St. Paul vs $76,983 in Madison β a 5.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is St. Paul, MN from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 257 mi and the route typically takes 5h 1m via I 94 and US 12. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is St. Paul more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Paul is 7.7% higher than Madison (104.822 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. Paul?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 257 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 St. Paul compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 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· St. Paul, MN.