Moving from Springfield, MA to Madison, WI
The drive from Springfield, MA to Madison, WI runs 1053 mi β about 20h 21m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1053 mi Β· 20h 21m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 271 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Elgin, Aurora, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Springfield | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.061 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 154.996 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 75.781 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Madison and Springfield are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.061 vs 97.287); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Madison typical home at $423,767 is 1.3% above Springfield at $294,613 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Springfield +3.5%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Springfield | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 16Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 85Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | 45.2" | 40.2" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.4Β°F vs 47.2Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WESTFIELD BARNES MUNI AP, MA US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Springfield | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 154,751 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $51,339 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 33.7 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 10.8% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.67 | 2.19 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 1.3% between Springfield and Madison (ACS 2023).
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 Massachusetts 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
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter β check 511NY.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Springfield vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $51,339 in Springfield β a 50.0% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Springfield?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $294,613 in Springfield β a 43.8% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Springfield to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1053 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Madison more expensive than Springfield?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 1.3% higher than Springfield (97.287 vs 96.061, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Madison, WI from Springfield, MA?
The driving distance is 1053 mi and the route typically takes 20h 21m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Springfield.
City profiles: Springfield, MA Β· Madison, WI.