Moving from Rochester, MN to Madison, WI
Relocating between Rochester, MN and Madison, WI is a 206 mi drive β 4h 5m 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.
206 mi Β· 4h 5m by car Β· WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, US 12 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Madison runs about 7.1% more expensive overall than Rochester β RPP 90.821 β 97.287.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $339,455 in Rochester to $423,767 in Madison, a 7.1% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Rochester | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 7Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 40.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 44.8Β°F vs 47.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.19 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 7.1% lower in Madison than Rochester.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $87,767 in Rochester β a 12.3% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $339,455 in Rochester β a 24.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 206 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Madison more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 7.1% higher than Rochester (97.287 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Madison, WI from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 206 mi and the route typically takes 4h 5m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN Β· Madison, WI.