Moving from Green Bay, WI to Fort Lauderdale, FL
It is 1523 mi and 28h 46m from Green Bay to Fort Lauderdale β a cross-country move across 7 states. Housing, cost of living, climate, and tax picture all tend to shift substantially at this distance. This page pulls the current figures from each federal source and Zillow Research into one comparison.
1523 mi Β· 28h 46m by car Β· FL β GA β TN β KY β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | FL β GA β TN β KY β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 75, I 65, I 43 |
| Major cities en route | Miami, Hialeah, Pembroke Pines, Hollywood, Miramar |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Fort Lauderdale | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 114.155 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 97.235 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.556 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 155.551 | 100.0 |
Fort Lauderdale is 22.6% more expensive than Green Bay on the BEA RPP β expect rent and services to carry most of that gap.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $278,024 in Green Bay to $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale, a 22.6% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Fort Lauderdale -4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 77Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 60Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 91Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 64.3" |
Annual average temperature jumps 32.2Β°F β 44.7Β°F in Green Bay vs 76.9Β°F in Fort Lauderdale, per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Snowfall is a non-factor at the destination: Fort Lauderdale sees under an inch a year per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, FT LAUDERDALE BEACH, FL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Fort Lauderdale |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 183,032 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $79,935 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 42.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 23.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.27 |
Expect median household income to rise 22.6% β $62,546 β $79,935 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Fort Lauderdale MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 393,730 | $41,640 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 306,440 | $37,640 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 261,940 | $30,720 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 239,610 | $37,610 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 194,910 | $77,760 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Florida
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Florida'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
- I-40 through the Smokies and I-75 near Jellico Mountain can see chain requirements in winter storms.
- I-75 at Jellico Mountain (KY/TN border) sees chain requirements in winter storms.
- 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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Fort Lauderdale average 91Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Pack rain gear on top: Fort Lauderdale averages 64.3 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (32.2Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Hurricane season runs June through November β stock a basic emergency kit (water, flashlight, battery radio) during unpack.
- 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 Florida after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Fort Lauderdale, FL from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 1523 mi and the route typically takes 28h 46m via I 75 and I 65. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Fort Lauderdale compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,510 in the Fort Lauderdale MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 2,721,490 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Fort Lauderdale?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $79,935 in Fort Lauderdale vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 27.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Fort Lauderdale compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $508,474 in Fort Lauderdale vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 82.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Fort Lauderdale more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Fort Lauderdale is 22.6% higher than Green Bay (114.155 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Fort Lauderdale?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1523 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI Β· Fort Lauderdale, FL.