Moving from Yonkers, NY to Madison, WI
Relocating 950 mi from Yonkers to Madison is a 18h drive through 7 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.
950 mi Β· 18h by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH β PA β NJ β NY |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 39 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Aurora, Elgin, Naperville, Chicago |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Yonkers | Madison | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 112.563 | 97.287 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 127.018 | 89.825 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 110.261 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 148.616 | 99.748 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 13.6% moving from Yonkers to Madison β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $680,218 in Yonkers to $423,767 in Madison, a 13.6% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Yonkers +5.9%, Madison +2.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Yonkers | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 53Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 23Β°F | 11Β°F |
| July avg high | 86Β°F | 82Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 32.7" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 51.2" | 40.2" |
Expect 6.2Β°F colder year-round on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DOBBS FERRY-ARDSLEY, NY US, UW ARBORETUM - MADISON, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Yonkers | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 209,529 | 275,568 |
| Median household income | $81,816 | $76,983 |
| Median age | 39 | 31.8 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 19.6% | 33.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.19 |
ACS 2023 shows median household income 13.6% lower in Madison than Yonkers.
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 New York 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
When is the best time to move from Yonkers to Madison?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 950 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Madison compare to Yonkers?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $50,910 in the Madison MSA vs $59,390 in the Yonkers MSA, on total employment of 396,960 and 9,495,240 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Yonkers vs Madison?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $76,983 in Madison vs $81,816 in Yonkers β a 5.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Madison compared to Yonkers?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $423,767 in Madison vs $680,218 in Yonkers β a 37.7% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Madison more expensive than Yonkers?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Madison is 13.6% lower than Yonkers (97.287 vs 112.563, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Madison, WI from Yonkers, NY?
The driving distance is 950 mi and the route typically takes 18h via I 80 and I 90. 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 Yonkers.
City profiles: Yonkers, NY Β· Madison, WI.