Moving from Madison, WI to Rochester, MN
Relocating between Madison, WI and Rochester, MN is a 206 mi drive β 4h 5m 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.
206 mi Β· 4h 5m by car Β· WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, US 12 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Rochester | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 90.821 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 87.389 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 95.433 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 78.628 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.6% cheaper overall in Rochester than Madison on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 6.6% under Madison β $423,767 β $339,455 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Rochester +3.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 45Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 7Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 80Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 53.1" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 34.7" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 53.1 in of snowfall annually at Rochester.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Rochester |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 121,638 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $87,767 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 36.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 27.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.4 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 6.6% higher in Rochester than Madison.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Rochester MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations | 23,780 | $97,300 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 13,960 | $48,040 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 9,470 | $30,300 |
| Registered Nurses | 8,990 | $97,300 |
| Healthcare Support Occupations | 8,740 | $40,190 |
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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Rochester averages 53.1 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 Minnesota after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Rochester more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Rochester is 6.6% lower than Madison (90.821 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Rochester?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 206 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 Rochester compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $55,970 in the Rochester MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 119,430 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Rochester, MN from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 206 mi and the route typically takes 4h 5m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Rochester compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $339,455 in Rochester vs $423,767 in Madison β a 19.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Madison vs Rochester?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $87,767 in Rochester vs $76,983 in Madison β a 14.0% 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· Rochester, MN.