Moving from Green Bay, WI to Philadelphia, PA
The drive from Green Bay, WI to Philadelphia, PA runs 960 mi β about 17h 53m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
960 mi Β· 17h 53m by car Β· PA β OH β IN β IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | PA β OH β IN β IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 76, I 80, PATP |
| Major cities en route | Pittsburgh, Akron, Cleveland, Toledo, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Philadelphia | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 102.554 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 114.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.833 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 113.141 | 100.0 |
BEA RPP moves from 93.086 in Green Bay to 102.554 in Philadelphia, a 10.2% bump on the overall price level.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Moderate housing drop: Philadelphia ZHVI at $231,815 is 10.2% below Green Bay at $278,024.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Philadelphia +2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 58Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 28Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 89Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 16.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 50.7" |
Climate warms by 13.0Β°F on the annual average β 44.7Β°F β 57.7Β°F.
Heavy-snow city: expect 16.1 in of snowfall annually at Philadelphia.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, PHILA FRANKLIN INST, PA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 1,582,432 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $60,698 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 19.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.36 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Philadelphia MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 352,560 | $46,660 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 252,940 | $41,710 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 228,980 | $36,650 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 223,850 | $31,100 |
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 200,320 | $86,620 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Pennsylvania
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Pennsylvania'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
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy 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
- Winter gear first: Philadelphia averages 16.1 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Pack rain gear on top: Philadelphia averages 50.7 in of annual precipitation β waterproof jackets and boots are worth unpacking before the big boxes.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (13.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- 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 Pennsylvania after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Philadelphia compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,160 in the Philadelphia MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 2,829,560 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Philadelphia, PA from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 960 mi and the route typically takes 17h 53m via I 76 and I 80. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Philadelphia compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $231,815 in Philadelphia vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 16.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Philadelphia more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Philadelphia is 10.2% higher than Green Bay (102.554 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Philadelphia?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $60,698 in Philadelphia vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 3.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to Philadelphia?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 960 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· Philadelphia, PA.