Moving from Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN
Relocating between Madison, WI and Minneapolis, MN is a 265 mi drive β 5h 11m 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.
265 mi Β· 5h 11m by car Β· MN β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | MN β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, MN 55, US 12 |
| Major cities en route | St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Overall prices come in 7.7% above Madison β 97.287 β 104.822 on the BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.7% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 46Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 8Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 34.4" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.26 |
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
Top occupations in Minneapolis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- 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 Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 265 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 265 mi and the route typically takes 5h 11m via I 94 and MN 55. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 7.7% higher than Madison (104.822 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $423,767 in Madison β a 21.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $76,983 in Madison β a 4.3% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Minneapolis, MN.