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Moving from Wisconsin to Massachusetts

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

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.

MA state flag
Moving to

Massachusetts

Capital: Boston

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

Highest education attainment in US, biotech, Boston winters.

Massachusetts has an overall price level 105.8 (US avg = 100). Housing dominates the difference.

Overall price index
Wisconsin
94.1
Massachusetts
105.8
Massachusetts has 12% higher overall price level
Housing index
Wisconsin
79.3
Massachusetts
128.1
Massachusetts has 61% higher housing costs
Groceries index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.5
Massachusetts
101.4
Massachusetts has 3.0% higher groceries
Utilities index (modeled)
Wisconsin
99.1
Massachusetts
100.9
Massachusetts has 1.8% higher utilities
Electricity rate
Wisconsin
18.8 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts
30.2 ¢/kWh
Massachusetts has 61% higher electricity
Transportation index (modeled)
Wisconsin
98.8
Massachusetts
101.2
Massachusetts has 2.4% higher transportation
Median home value
Wisconsin
$294,700
Massachusetts
$607,400
Massachusetts is 106% more expensive to buy a home
Median monthly rent
Wisconsin
$982/mo
Massachusetts
$1,479/mo
Massachusetts is 51% more expensive to rent

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

Summer high 82°F · Winter low 22°F · 200 sunny days/yr.

Avg summer high
Wisconsin
81°F
Massachusetts
82°F
Massachusetts is 1.2% more summer highs
Avg winter low
Wisconsin
9°F
Massachusetts
22°F
Massachusetts is 144% more winter lows
Avg annual temperature
Wisconsin
44°F
Massachusetts
48°F
Massachusetts is 9.3% more annual temperature
Sunny days / year
Wisconsin
188
Massachusetts
200
Massachusetts has 6.4% higher sunny days
Annual precipitation
Wisconsin
33 in
Massachusetts
49 in
Massachusetts is 47% more annual precipitation
Air quality (live AQI)
Wisconsin
40
Massachusetts
29
Massachusetts has 28% lower AQI
Snow / year
Wisconsin
50 in
Massachusetts
50 in

Get the full WisconsinMassachusetts 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 Massachusetts than Wisconsin?

Massachusetts's overall price level is roughly 109.7 (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. Massachusetts tops out at 9%.

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

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

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