Moving from Madison, WI to Green Bay, WI
Relocating between Madison, WI and Green Bay, WI is a 142 mi drive β 3h 7m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
142 mi Β· 3h 7m by car Β· WI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 151, I 41, US 41 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Green Bay | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 93.086 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 90.041 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 74.696 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
4.3% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Green Bay +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 32.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Green Bay |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 106,585 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $62,546 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 18.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.42 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 4.3% lower in Green Bay than Madison.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Green Bay MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 21,540 | $44,720 |
| Production Occupations | 21,100 | $46,550 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 17,340 | $44,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 15,060 | $36,480 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 14,500 | $28,870 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Madison to Green Bay?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 142 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 Green Bay compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $278,024 in Green Bay vs $423,767 in Madison β a 34.4% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Green Bay compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 171,590 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 Green Bay?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,546 in Green Bay vs $76,983 in Madison β a 18.8% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Green Bay more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Green Bay is 4.3% lower than Madison (93.086 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Green Bay, WI from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 142 mi and the route typically takes 3h 7m via US 151 and I 41. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Green Bay, WI.