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Moving from Virginia to Wisconsin

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge. vs. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

VA state flag
Living now

Virginia

Capital: Richmond

Median household income $87,249 · winter low 28°F · 208 sunny days

DC suburbs, Norfolk shipyards, Blue Ridge.

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
Virginia
101.1
Wisconsin
94.1
Wisconsin has 6.9% lower overall price level
Housing index
Virginia
106.8
Wisconsin
79.3
Wisconsin has 26% lower housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Virginia
100.3
Wisconsin
98.5
Wisconsin has 1.7% lower groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Wisconsin
99.1
Wisconsin has 1.0% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Virginia
17.1 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Wisconsin has 10% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Virginia
100.2
Wisconsin
98.8
Wisconsin has 1.4% lower transportation
Median home value
Virginia
$403,500
Wisconsin
$294,700
Wisconsin is 27% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Virginia
$1,520/mo
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Wisconsin is 35% 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
Virginia
87°F
Wisconsin
81°F
Wisconsin is 6.9% less summer highs
Avg winter low
Virginia
28°F
Wisconsin
9°F
Wisconsin is 68% less winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Virginia
56°F
Wisconsin
44°F
Wisconsin is 20% less annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Virginia
208
Wisconsin
188
Wisconsin has 9.6% lower sunny days
Annual precipitation
Virginia
44 in
Wisconsin
33 in
Wisconsin is 24% less annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Virginia
41
Wisconsin
40
Wisconsin has 2.4% lower AQI
Snow / year
Virginia
15 in
Wisconsin
50 in
Wisconsin is 233% more annual snowfall

Get the full VirginiaWisconsin 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 Virginia?

Wisconsin's overall price level is roughly 93.5 (US avg = 100), vs about 100.4 for Virginia — 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?

Virginia tops out at 5.75% 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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