Moving from Green Bay, WI to San Mateo, CA
A 2240 mi cross-country move between Green Bay and San Mateo is 39h 24m on paper and typically three to five days in practice, through 7 states. Nearly every household line β rent, taxes, climate, commute β usually shifts. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data to make those differences visible on a single screen.
2240 mi Β· 39h 24m by car Β· WI β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β NE β WY β UT β NV β CA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 80 EXPRESS, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | San Mateo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 115.613 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 172.585 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 108.465 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 194.718 | 100.0 |
San Mateo is 24.2% 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 $1,686,905 in San Mateo, a 24.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, San Mateo +0.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Green Bay | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45Β°F | 59Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 45Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 73Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 19.6" |
Annual temperature rises 14.0Β°F moving to San Mateo per NOAA normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, SAN FRANCISCO INTL AP, CA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | San Mateo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 103,555 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $152,669 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 38 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 31.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.6 |
San Mateo households earn about 24.2% more than Green Bay at the median β $62,546 β $152,669 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in San Mateo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 244,380 | $59,630 |
| Management Occupations | 237,070 | $171,350 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 211,250 | $104,950 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 194,040 | $39,200 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 183,930 | $49,390 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and California
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check California'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.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April β check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- Donner Pass (I-80) and Tejon Pass (I-5 Grapevine) see chain requirements and occasional closures December through March.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (14.0Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Wildfire season in California typically peaks July through October β register for county emergency alerts 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 California after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in San Mateo compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $1,686,905 in San Mateo vs $278,024 in Green Bay β a 506.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in San Mateo compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $72,050 in the San Mateo MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 2,422,210 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 San Mateo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $152,669 in San Mateo vs $62,546 in Green Bay β a 144.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay to San Mateo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2240 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is San Mateo, CA from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 2240 mi and the route typically takes 39h 24m via I 80 and I 80 EXPRESS. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is San Mateo more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in San Mateo is 24.2% higher than Green Bay (115.613 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
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· San Mateo, CA.