Moving from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI
Moving from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI covers 156 mi and about 3h 18m by car through 2 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.
156 mi Β· 3h 18m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Madison is 6.1% cheaper than Chicago overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Madison is 6.1% above Chicago β $317,283 vs $423,767 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03). Budget the mortgage math early.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Chicago (50.8Β°F) and Madison (47.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.19 |
Median household incomes in Chicago ($75,134) 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 Illinois 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Madison compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 2.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Madison, WI from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 156 mi and the route typically takes 3h 18m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 6.1% lower than Chicago (97.287 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 33.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 156 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 Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Madison, WI.