Moving from Madison, WI to Chandler, AZ
It is 1679 mi and 31h 22m from Madison to Chandler — a cross-country move across 8 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.
1679 mi · 31h 22m by car · AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA → WI
Distance & route
| Route through | AZ → NM → TX → OK → KS → MO → IA → WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 54, AZ 77, I 40 |
| Major cities en route | Gilbert, Goodyear, Phoenix, Glendale, Tempe |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Chandler | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 103.316 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 93.332 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 95.024 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 121.236 | 100.0 |
Chandler runs about 6.2% more expensive overall than Madison — RPP 97.287 → 103.316.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $423,767 in Madison to $524,156 in Chandler, a 6.2% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Chandler -2.0%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
Climate normals not available (no NOAA station within range for one city).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Chandler |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 278,123 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $103,691 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 37.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 28.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.63 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.2% — $76,983 → $103,691 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chandler MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 314,170 | $45,080 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 205,010 | $34,400 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 204,700 | $37,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 199,140 | $40,870 |
| Management Occupations | 170,690 | $105,420 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Arizona
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Arizona'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Chandler, AZ from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1679 mi and the route typically takes 31h 22m via US 54 and AZ 77. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Chandler more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chandler is 6.2% higher than Madison (103.316 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Chandler compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $524,156 in Chandler vs $423,767 in Madison — a 23.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chandler compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Chandler MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 2,289,130 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 Chandler?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $103,691 in Chandler vs $76,983 in Madison — a 34.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Chandler?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1679 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — 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 Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI · Chandler, AZ.