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Moving from Wisconsin to Alabama

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

WI state flag
Living now

Wisconsin

Capital: Madison

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

Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters.

AL state flag
Moving to

Alabama

Capital: Montgomery

Median household income $59,674 · winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days

Affordable Southern living, college-football devout, slower pace.

Alabama has an overall price level 88.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wisconsin
94.1
Alabama
88.8
Alabama has 5.6% lower overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
Alabama
61.8
Alabama has 22% lower housing costs
Groceries index
Wisconsin
94.3
Alabama
96.4
Alabama has 2.2% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
Alabama
98.3
Alabama has 0.8% lower utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
19.2 ¢/kWh
Alabama
17.4 ¢/kWh
Alabama has 9.4% lower electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
Alabama
97.8
Alabama has 1.1% lower transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
Alabama
$233,300
Alabama is 21% cheaper to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$1,142/mo
Alabama
$1,077/mo
Alabama is 5.7% cheaper to rent

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

Summer high 91°F · Winter low 35°F · 213 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
Alabama
91°F
Alabama is 12% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
Alabama
35°F
Alabama is 289% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
Alabama
63°F
Alabama is 42% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
Alabama
213
Alabama has 13% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
Alabama
56 in
Alabama is 67% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
78
Alabama
71
Alabama has 9.0% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Wisconsin
0
Alabama
0
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
Alabama
1 in
Alabama is 98% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinAlabama report

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

See the full comparison

Frequently asked

Is it cheaper to live in Alabama than Wisconsin?

Alabama's overall price level is roughly 87.9 (US avg = 100), vs about 93.5 for Wisconsin, 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?

Wisconsin tops out at 7.65% income tax. Alabama tops out at 5%.

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

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

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