Planning your move to the Badger State? You’re not alone! More than 20,000 people are moving to Wisconsin annually. This is why its population has reached 5.89 million in 2024.
Wisconsin is home to 8 Fortune 500 companies like Fiserv and Northwestern Mutual, and has a thriving job market. The Badger State also has a low cost of living of $2,767. Additionally, the state’s pleasant climate appeals to potential movers too.
3 Reasons to Move to Wisconsin
Wisconsin is one of the favorite relocation destinations for Americans. Here are three reasons to move to WI:
| # | Reasons to Move to WI | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Cost of Living | The average cost of living in Wisconsin is 2% lower than the national average. |
| 2. | Employment | The Badger State aims to add 225,071 jobs by 2032 across different sectors. |
| 3. | Education | Wisconsin serves over 822,804 students across 421 school districts. |
1. Cost of Living in WI
The cost of living in Wisconsin is 2% lower than the national average. It’s an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 38% and 26% above the national average.
Here’s a breakdown of monthly expenses in Wisconsin’s popular cities:
| City | Median Home Price | Median Rent | Public Transport | Utilities | Food |
| Milwaukee | $225,000 | $1,516 | $116 | $165.31 | $579 |
| Madison | $400,000 | $1,706 | $94.9 | $189.29 | $584 |
| Green Bay | $260,000 | $975 | $48.6 | $283.33 | $503 |
| Kenosha | $251,000 | $1,330 | $53.8 | $159.62 | $498 |
2. Employment Opportunities in Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s robust economy offers various employment opportunities across several industries. The Badger State aims to add 225,071 new jobs by the end of 2032.
- Manufacturing: Wisconsin’s manufacturing sector is projected to employ around 498,324 people by 2032. Companies like Harley-Davidson and Oshkosh Corporation are driving demand for skilled engineering and technical workers.
- Healthcare: The healthcare sector expects to add nearly 33,520 jobs by 2032. There is a high demand is anticipated for nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides. Key employers include UW Health and Aurora Health Care.
- Information Technology: Wisconsin’s IT industry anticipates about 2,549 new jobs by 2032. Growth is focused on software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Epic Systems and Rockwell Automation are leaders in this expansion.
- Financial Services: Wisconsin’s financial sector is projected to grow by over 10,412 jobs by 2032. Milwaukee is a particular hub, with leading employers like BMO Harris and Northwestern Mutual.
3. Excellent Education System
Wisconsin ranks in the top 10 for education in the nation. The state serves over 846,693 students across 423 school districts and provides multiple schooling options, including:
- Public Schools: Wisconsin has more than 2,176 public schools. Milwaukee Public Schools is one of the largest school districts in the country and is known for its AP programs.
- Specialized Magnet and Charter Schools: WI has over 240 charter schools that offer specialized programs in STEM and arts. These schools are tuition-free. Ronald Reagan High School and Appleton’s STEM Academy are the top charter schools in the state.
- Private Schools: Wisconsin is home to over 1,007 private schools. The average tuition for private schools is around $5,158 annually. Top-rated schools include the University School of Milwaukee and Marquette University High School.
- Higher Education: Wisconsin has a well-established higher education system. The University of Wisconsin (UW) System, comprises 13 public universities and serves over 162,500 students. UW-Madison is one of the top public research universities in the US.
Cost of Moving to Wisconsin 💲
There are additional costs involved in moving from one state to another. Here’s a breakdown of costs you may incur while relocating to WI:
1. Moving Costs ≈ $630 to $4,190
Moving to Wisconsin involves several costs, including the costs involved in moving your belongings.
- Movers in WI typically costs $121 per hour. However, this figure depends entirely on your belongings and the distance traveled.
- If you want to DIY your move, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000-6,000 pounds ranges between $40 and $80 per day.
- 👉 Tip: Moving can be expensive, especially if you are selling your home before you move. In this case, you can use a Flat Fee MLS company to save on listing agent commissions. This way, you can have additional cash when you move to Wisconsin.
2. Utility Expenses ≈ $500 to $600 Per Month
Apart from moving and housing costs, you will have to incur utility expenses when migrating to Wisconsin.
- When relocating to Wisconsin, you must set up utilities like gas, electricity, water, etc. The average utility bill in WI is around $395/month.
- You will have to register your vehicle in Wisconsin. The first-time registration cost of a passenger vehicle in WI is $85. A standard title transfer costs around $164.
3. Housing Costs
Housing costs in the Badger State can vary depending on your location.
- In popular cities like Kenosha, Madison, and Milwaukee the average rent ranges between $900 and $2,000.
- However, if you’re looking to buy a house in Wisconsin, home prices vary across the state. Make sure you find cheap houses for sale in Wisconsin in your budget. Popular cities like Whitefish Bay have a median home price of $563K. On the other hand, the average cost of a home in smaller cities like Antigo is $177K.
4 Tips for a Seamless Move to Wisconsin ✅
Moving to a new place can be tough. Here are some tips to help you make a smooth transition.
- Research Cities and Neighborhoods: It’s important to research the area you want to live in. You must know if your home is in the city or suburbs. Find out where the nearby schools, hospitals, coffee shops, or restaurants are.
- Find the Living Costs: Your living costs will change once you migrate. Before moving to WI, get an estimate of the basic living expenses in your desired location.
- Visit the Neighborhood: Once you’ve decided where you want to live. You must visit that Wisconsin neighborhood in person and see what you feel about the area.
- Meet Your Neighbors: Connect with your neighbors and socialize. Local Facebook groups can be the best way to meet your neighbors.
