Moving from Madison, WI to Manchester, NH
It is 1173 mi between Madison and Manchester β roughly 22h 30m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 9 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1173 mi Β· 22h 30m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA β NH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Manchester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 105.657 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 133.535 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 97.687 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 134.22 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 8.6% above Madison β 97.287 β 105.657 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Madison to Manchester β $423,767 vs $435,334 (2026-03).
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Manchester +1.5%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 13Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 52.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 42.5" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 52.8 in of snowfall annually at Manchester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, MASSABESIC LAKE, NH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Manchester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 115,415 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $77,415 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 22.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.33 |
No material income gap at the median: ACS 2023 puts both cities within 5%.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and New Hampshire
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check New Hampshire'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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
- I-93 through Franconia Notch sees heavy winter weather β check NH 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Manchester averages 52.8 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 New Hampshire after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Manchester more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Manchester is 8.6% higher than Madison (105.657 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Manchester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $77,415 in Manchester vs $76,983 in Madison β a 0.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Manchester compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $435,334 in Manchester vs $423,767 in Madison β a 2.7% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Manchester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1173 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Manchester, NH from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1173 mi and the route typically takes 22h 30m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 9 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· Manchester, NH.