Moving from Madison, WI to Aurora, CO
Relocating 950 mi from Madison to Aurora is a 17h 9m drive through 4 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
950 mi Β· 17h 9m by car Β· CO β NE β IA β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | CO β NE β IA β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 76, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Lakewood, Centennial, Denver, Thornton, Arvada |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Aurora | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.7% above Madison β 97.287 β 105.782 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 8.7% above Madison β $423,767 β $463,081 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Aurora -4.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 90Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, CHERRY CREEK DAM, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Aurora |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 390,201 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $84,320 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 21.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.73 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 8.7% higher in Aurora than Madison.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Aurora MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado'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
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April β check CDOT alerts before departure.
- 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 Aurora average 90Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- 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 Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How far is Aurora, CO from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 17h 9m via I 80 and I 76. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Aurora compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $463,081 in Aurora vs $423,767 in Madison β a 9.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Aurora?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Aurora compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Aurora MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Aurora?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $84,320 in Aurora vs $76,983 in Madison β a 9.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Aurora more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Aurora is 8.7% higher than Madison (105.782 vs 97.287, 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Aurora, CO.