Moving from Madison, WI to Waco, TX
Relocating 1113 mi from Madison to Waco is a 20h 13m drive through 6 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item β rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1113 mi Β· 20h 13m by car Β· WI β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IA β MO β KS β OK β TX |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 35, I 470, US 151 |
| Major cities en route | Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, Kansas City, Independence, Lee S Summit |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Madison | Waco | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 97.287 | 92.55 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.825 | 80.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.757 | 100.0 |
| Services | 99.748 | 83.531 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 97.287 vs 92.55 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 4.9% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $423,767 to $194,245 moving to Waco.
YoY change: Madison +2.4%, Waco -2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Madison | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 67Β°F |
| January avg low | 11Β°F | 36Β°F |
| July avg high | 82Β°F | 95Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 0.0" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 37.5" |
Expect 19.4Β°F warmer on average per year β plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Waco gets essentially no annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β winter gear can largely stay in storage.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US, WACO DAM, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Madison | Waco |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 275,568 | 141,925 |
| Median household income | $76,983 | $51,468 |
| Median age | 31.8 | 29.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 33.5% | 17.4% |
| Avg household size | 2.19 | 2.68 |
Expect median household income to fall 4.9% β $76,983 β $51,468 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Waco MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 16,230 | $37,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 11,590 | $27,240 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 10,990 | $34,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 10,750 | $35,750 |
| Educational Instruction and Library Occupations | 10,020 | $58,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Waco average 95Β°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.4Β°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- 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 Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in Waco compare to Madison?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $41,030 in the Waco MSA vs $50,910 in the Madison MSA, on total employment of 125,640 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 Waco?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,468 in Waco vs $76,983 in Madison β a 33.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Waco, TX from Madison, WI?
The driving distance is 1113 mi and the route typically takes 20h 13m via I 35 and I 470. The trip crosses 6 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Waco more expensive than Madison?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Waco is 4.9% lower than Madison (92.55 vs 97.287, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Waco compared to Madison?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $194,245 in Waco vs $423,767 in Madison β a 54.2% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Madison to Waco?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1113 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Madison.
City profiles: Madison, WI Β· Waco, TX.