Moving from Madison, WI to Greeley, CO
The drive from Madison, WI to Greeley, CO runs 926 mi β about 17h 11m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
926 mi Β· 17h 11m by car Β· WI β IA β NE β CO
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β NE β CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80 EXPRESS, US 151, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Omaha, Lincoln, Fort Collins |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Greeley | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 100.176 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 81.997 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 96.052 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 112.599 | 100.0 |
Greeley and Madison are close on the overall BEA RPP (97.287 vs 100.176); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home values are comparable between the two cities on the latest Zillow ZHVI.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Greeley -1.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 18Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 92Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 34.9" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 14.7" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 47.2Β°F vs 52.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Greeley sees 34.9 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, GREELEY UNC, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Greeley |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 109,421 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $68,650 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 32.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 15.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.81 |
Income steps down 3.0%: $76,983 in Madison vs $68,650 in Greeley.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Greeley MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 11,370 | $46,100 |
| Construction and Extraction Occupations | 11,010 | $52,590 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,590 | $47,780 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,120 | $39,710 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,660 | $32,760 |
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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- 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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Greeley averages 34.9 in of snow per year on NOAA normals β pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Greeley average 92Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Greeley sees only 14.7 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- 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 Greeley, CO from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 926 mi and the route typically takes 17h 11m via I 80 EXPRESS and US 151. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Greeley?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $68,650 in Greeley vs $76,983 in Madison β a 10.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Greeley?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 926 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 Greeley compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,140 in the Greeley MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 111,210 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Greeley more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Greeley is 3.0% higher than Madison (100.176 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Greeley compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $420,464 in Greeley vs $423,767 in Madison β a 0.8% lower 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· Greeley, CO.