Moving from Madison, WI to South Bend, IN
Relocating between Madison, WI and South Bend, IN is a 243 mi drive β 5h 1m 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.
243 mi Β· 5h 1m by car Β· WI β IL β IN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 39, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Joliet |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | South Bend | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.858 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 87.733 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.221 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 74.586 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.287 vs 92.858 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 4.6% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $192,340 moving to South Bend.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, South Bend +4.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 50Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 17Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 40.9" |
Annual average temperatures in Madison (47.2Β°F) and South Bend (49.8Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, S BEND, IN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | South Bend |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 102,866 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $52,512 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 33.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 16.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.5 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.6% β $76,983 β $52,512 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in South Bend MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 14,450 | $40,720 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 12,860 | $28,820 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 12,250 | $38,580 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 11,870 | $34,500 |
| Production Occupations | 11,260 | $39,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Indiana
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Indiana'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.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is South Bend, IN from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 243 mi and the route typically takes 5h 1m via I 90 and I 39. The trip crosses 3 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Madison to South Bend?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 243 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 South Bend compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $192,340 in South Bend vs $423,767 in Madison β a 54.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in South Bend compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $44,420 in the South Bend MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 129,890 and 396,960 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is South Bend more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in South Bend is 4.6% lower than Madison (92.858 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Madison vs South Bend?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $52,512 in South Bend vs $76,983 in Madison β a 31.8% lower 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· South Bend, IN.