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Moving from Wisconsin to District of Columbia

A side-by-side comparison drawn from BLS, BEA, Census, FBI, and NOAA. Cheese, beer, Madison + Milwaukee, brutal winters. vs. Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

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.

DC
Moving to

District of Columbia

Capital: Washington

Median household income $101,722 · winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days

Federal-government nexus, museums, expensive urban living.

District of Columbia has an overall price level 109.9 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wisconsin
94.1
District of Columbia
109.9
District of Columbia has 17% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
District of Columbia
155.0
District of Columbia has 95% higher housing costs
Groceries index
Wisconsin
94.3
District of Columbia
106.5
District of Columbia has 13% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
District of Columbia
101.5
District of Columbia has 2.4% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
19.2 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia
25.4 ¢/kWh
District of Columbia has 32% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
District of Columbia
102.0
District of Columbia has 3.2% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
District of Columbia
$733,400
District of Columbia is 149% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$1,142/mo
District of Columbia
$1,931/mo
District of Columbia is 69% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 88°F · Winter low 28°F · 197 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
District of Columbia
88°F
District of Columbia is 8.6% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
District of Columbia
28°F
District of Columbia is 211% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
District of Columbia
57°F
District of Columbia is 29% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
District of Columbia
197
District of Columbia has 4.8% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
District of Columbia
45 in
District of Columbia is 34% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
78
District of Columbia
41
District of Columbia has 47% lower AQI
Earthquakes (M3+, past yr)
Wisconsin
0
District of Columbia
0
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
District of Columbia
11 in
District of Columbia is 78% less annual snowfall

Get the full WisconsinDistrict of Columbia 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 District of Columbia than Wisconsin?

District of Columbia's overall price level is roughly 117.4 (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. District of Columbia tops out at 10.75%.

How long do I have to register my vehicle in District of Columbia?

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

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