Moving from Madison, WI to Goodyear, AZ
Cross-country relocations like Madison, WI β Goodyear, AZ cover 1756 mi and about 32h 20m of driving through 8 states. Expect a multi-day trip and a meaningful change in climate, cost-of-living, and job market. The sections below compare each data layer directly from BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, and NOAA.
1756 mi Β· 32h 20m by car Β· WI β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX β NM β AZ |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 40, US 54, I 35 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Goodyear | 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 |
Overall cost of living in Goodyear is 6.2% higher than Madison, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Goodyear is 6.2% above Madison ($469,424 vs $423,767 on Zillow ZHVI, 2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Goodyear -1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 74Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 43Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 107Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 7.4" |
Goodyear runs 26.7Β°F warmer on the annual average (47.2Β°F vs 73.9Β°F) β a climate shift you will feel in cooling bills and wardrobe alike.
Goodyear gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, LAVEEN 3 SSE, AZ US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Goodyear |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 102,891 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $101,814 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 40.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 22.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.87 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 6.2% between Madison and Goodyear (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Goodyear 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 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.
- Raton Pass (I-25 at the Colorado line) can close in winter storms.
- I-17 and I-40 through the Flagstaff area can see winter closures; the rest of Arizona is generally clear year-round.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Goodyear average 107Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Goodyear sees only 7.4 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (26.7Β°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 Arizona after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Goodyear compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,600 in the Goodyear 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.
Is Goodyear more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Goodyear 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 far is Goodyear, AZ from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1756 mi and the route typically takes 32h 20m via I 40 and US 54. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Goodyear?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $101,814 in Goodyear vs $76,983 in Madison β a 32.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Goodyear?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1756 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Goodyear compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $469,424 in Goodyear vs $423,767 in Madison β a 10.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Goodyear, AZ.