Moving from Worcester, MA to Madison, WI
Relocating 1105 mi from Worcester to Madison is a 21h 2m drive through 8 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.
1105 mi Β· 21h 2m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NY β CT β MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Aurora, Naperville, Elgin, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.1% cheaper overall in Madison than Worcester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing stays roughly flat moving from Worcester to Madison β $430,112 vs $423,767 (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Worcester | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 17Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 80Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 40.2" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.19 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 5.1% higher in Madison than Worcester.
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 far is Madison, WI from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1105 mi and the route typically takes 21h 2m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Madison more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 5.1% lower than Worcester (97.287 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $430,112 in Worcester β a 1.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Worcester to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1105 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $67,544 in Worcester 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 Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA Β· Madison, WI.