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Moving from Arizona to Wisconsin

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it. vs. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

AZ state flag
Living now

Arizona

Capital: Phoenix

Median household income $72,581 · winter low 43°F · 286 sunny days

Sun-belt sprawl, growing tech hubs, retirees love it.

WI state flag
Moving to

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

Median household income $72,458 · winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

Wisconsin has an overall price level 94.1 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Arizona
100.7
Wisconsin
94.1
Wisconsin has 6.5% lower overall price level
Housing index
Arizona
106.8
Wisconsin
79.3
Wisconsin has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Arizona
100.2
Wisconsin
98.5
Wisconsin has 1.6% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Wisconsin
99.1
Wisconsin has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Arizona
15.6 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin has 21% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Arizona
100.1
Wisconsin
98.8
Wisconsin has 1.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Arizona
$426,000
Wisconsin
$294,700
Wisconsin is 31% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Arizona
$1,416/mo
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Wisconsin is 31% cheaper to rent

Sources: NOAA Climate Normals · EPA AirNow (live) state-level

Summer high 81°F · Winter low 9°F · 188 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Arizona
105°F
Wisconsin
81°F
Wisconsin is 23% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Arizona
43°F
Wisconsin
9°F
Wisconsin is 79% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Arizona
62°F
Wisconsin
44°F
Wisconsin is 29% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Arizona
286
Wisconsin
188
Wisconsin has 34% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Arizona
13 in
Wisconsin
33 in
Wisconsin is 149% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Arizona
48
Wisconsin
40
Wisconsin has 17% lower AQI
Snow / year
Arizona
10 in
Wisconsin
50 in
Wisconsin is 400% more annual snowfall

Get the full ArizonaWisconsin report

Schools, healthcare, taxes, transportation, lifestyle, crime, family fit, move logistics, AI assistant, and 90-day timeline.

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Wisconsin than Arizona?

Wisconsin's overall price level is roughly 93.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.7 for Arizona — based on BEA Regional Price Parities. Housing is the dominant driver of the difference. Run a comparison for the full, current breakdown.

What's the income tax difference?

Arizona tops out at 2.5% income tax. Wisconsin tops out at 7.65%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in Wisconsin?

Most Wisconsin residents must register a vehicle within 30-60 days of moving. Check the piomover report for state-specific deadlines.

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