Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
Relocating between Minneapolis, MN and Madison, WI 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
| Minneapolis | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 7.2% cheaper overall in Madison than Minneapolis on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
7.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 40.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 33 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.19 |
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 Madison MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 47,900 | $46,030 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 34,050 | $37,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 32,230 | $30,120 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 31,450 | $76,410 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 28,080 | $40,340 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 28.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 4.1% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Madison, WI from Minneapolis, MN?
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.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Madison more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 7.2% lower than Minneapolis (97.287 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Madison?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Madison, WI.