Moving from Madison, WI to Yonkers, NY
Relocating 950 mi from Madison to Yonkers is a 18h drive through 7 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.
950 mi Β· 18h by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Yonkers | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 112.563 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 127.018 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 110.261 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 148.616 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 15.7% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 15.7% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $680,218 moving to Yonkers.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Yonkers +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 53Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 23Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 86Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 32.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 51.2" |
Expect 6.2Β°F warmer year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Yonkers averages 32.7 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Yonkers |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 209,529 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $81,816 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 39 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 19.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.6 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 15.7% higher in Yonkers than Madison.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Yonkers MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 1,165,200 | $50,760 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 806,590 | $46,160 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 755,900 | $44,800 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 755,280 | $37,670 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 725,930 | $100,940 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and New York
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New York'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Yonkers averages 32.7 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: Yonkers averages 51.2 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- 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 New York after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Madison to Yonkers?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Yonkers, NY from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 18h via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Yonkers compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 9,495,240 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Yonkers?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,816 in Yonkers vs $76,983 in Madison β a 6.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Yonkers compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $680,218 in Yonkers vs $423,767 in Madison β a 60.5% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Yonkers more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Yonkers is 15.7% higher than Madison (112.563 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Yonkers, NY.