Moving from Madison, WI to Grand Rapids, MI
It is a 210 mi drive, roughly 5h 17m, between Madison, WI and Grand Rapids, MI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
210 mi Β· 5h 17m by car Β· WI β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 96, US 31 BUS |
| Major cities en route | Milwaukee |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Grand Rapids | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 95.546 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 93.775 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.711 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 86.596 | 100.0 |
Madison and Grand Rapids sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $423,767 in Madison to $303,298 in Grand Rapids, a 1.8% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Grand Rapids +2.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 74.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 39.6" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 47.2Β°F vs 48.0Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Grand Rapids sees 74.9 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, E GRAND RAPIDS, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Grand Rapids |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 197,768 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $65,526 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 32.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 26.3% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.47 |
Households in Grand Rapids earn about 1.8% less at the median β ACS 5-year 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Grand Rapids MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Production Occupations | 74,660 | $41,130 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 59,870 | $43,570 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 50,990 | $39,450 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 42,840 | $36,380 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 41,330 | $30,060 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Grand Rapids averages 74.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Michigan after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Grand Rapids compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $46,290 in the Grand Rapids MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 536,790 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Grand Rapids?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 210 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Grand Rapids?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $65,526 in Grand Rapids vs $76,983 in Madison β a 14.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Grand Rapids, MI from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 210 mi and the route typically takes 5h 17m via I 94 and I 96. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Grand Rapids compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $303,298 in Grand Rapids vs $423,767 in Madison β a 28.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Grand Rapids more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Grand Rapids is 1.8% lower than Madison (95.546 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· Grand Rapids, MI.