Moving from Warren, MI to Madison, WI
Moving from Warren, MI to Madison, WI covers 442 mi and about 8h 29m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
442 mi Β· 8h 29m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Warren | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Cost-of-living overlap: BEA RPP for Warren (100.298) and Madison (97.287) are within a few points of each other.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes run dramatically pricier in Madison: 3.0% above Warren on Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Warren +2.3%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Warren | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 29.9" | 40.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DETROIT CITY AP, MI US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Warren | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,128 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $63,741 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.5% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.19 |
Median household income in Madison is 3.0% above Warren ($63,741 vs $76,983, ACS 5-year 2023).
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 Michigan 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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Warren vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $63,741 in Warren β a 20.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Madison, WI from Warren, MI?
The driving distance is 442 mi and the route typically takes 8h 29m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Warren?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 3.0% lower than Warren (97.287 vs 100.298, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Warren?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $48,950 in the Warren MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Warren?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $196,785 in Warren β a 115.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Warren to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 442 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Warren.
City profiles: Warren, MI Β· Madison, WI.