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Moving from Massachusetts to Wisconsin

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters. vs. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

MA state flag
Living now

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

Median household income $96,505 · winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

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
Massachusetts
105.8
Wisconsin
94.1
Wisconsin has 11% lower overall price level
Housing index
Massachusetts
128.1
Wisconsin
79.3
Wisconsin has 38% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.4
Wisconsin
98.5
Wisconsin has 2.9% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Massachusetts
100.9
Wisconsin
99.1
Wisconsin has 1.7% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin has 38% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Massachusetts
101.2
Wisconsin
98.8
Wisconsin has 2.3% lower transportation
Median home value
Massachusetts
$607,400
Wisconsin
$294,700
Wisconsin is 51% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Wisconsin is 34% 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
Massachusetts
82°F
Wisconsin
81°F
Wisconsin is 1.2% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Massachusetts
22°F
Wisconsin
9°F
Wisconsin is 59% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Massachusetts
48°F
Wisconsin
44°F
Wisconsin is 8.5% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Massachusetts
200
Wisconsin
188
Wisconsin has 6.0% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Massachusetts
49 in
Wisconsin
33 in
Wisconsin is 32% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Massachusetts
29
Wisconsin
40
Wisconsin has 38% higher AQI
Snow / year
Massachusetts
50 in
Wisconsin
50 in

Get the full MassachusettsWisconsin report

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

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Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Wisconsin than Massachusetts?

Wisconsin's overall price level is roughly 93.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 109.7 for Massachusetts — 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?

Massachusetts tops out at 9% 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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