Moving from Brockton, MA to Madison, WI
It is 1156 mi between Brockton and Madison β roughly 22h 5m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 8 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1156 mi Β· 22h 5m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Brockton | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 108.266 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 148.768 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 99.651 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.424 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Expect about 10.1% lower overall cost of living β BEA RPP 2024 has Madison at 97.287 vs Brockton at 108.266.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 10.1% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Brockton +1.4%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Brockton | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 21Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 34.3" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 50.2" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Brockton (51.4Β°F) and Madison (47.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: BROCKTON, MA US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Brockton | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 105,080 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $77,089 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 36.5 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 14.6% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.95 | 2.19 |
Median household incomes in Brockton ($77,089) and Madison ($76,983) are within a few percent (ACS 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 Massachusetts 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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
Is Madison more expensive than Brockton?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 10.1% lower than Brockton (97.287 vs 108.266, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Brockton to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1156 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Brockton?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $503,833 in Brockton β a 15.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Madison, WI from Brockton, MA?
The driving distance is 1156 mi and the route typically takes 22h 5m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Brockton vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $77,089 in Brockton β a 0.1% 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 Brockton.
City profiles: Brockton, MA Β· Madison, WI.