Moving to Wisconsin? 2024 Living Costs & Relocation Tips

Wisconsin is a state located in the Midwest region of the US with coastlines on two great lakes, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. It is known for its picturesque landscapes and dairy farming heritage – serving as the US’s second-largest state for dairy production, Wisconsin offers visitors a combination of natural beauty and cultural attractions.

If you are considering moving to Wisconsin, the various costs listed below will help you make an informed decision on what costs are involved.

Quick Wisconsin Facts:

Population: 5.8 million (2021)
Official Language: English
GDP Per Capita: $54,000+ (2021)
Random Fact: Wisconsin is often referred to as the “Badger State” after the term was coined in 1957 and became the state’s offical animal.
Currency: US Dollar (US$). As of mid 2023, £1 = $1.20, €1 = $1.07, $1 CAD = $0.74, $1 AUD = $0.68

Sections

1. Moving and Shipping Costs to Wisconsin

State	Estimated Moving Cost to Wisconsin
California	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Texas	USD 2,500 – 4,500
Florida	USD 3,000 – 5,500
New York	USD 3,500 – 6,000
Pennsylvania	USD 3,000 – 5,500
Illinois	USD 2,000 – 3,500
Ohio	USD 2,000 – 4,000
Georgia	USD 3,000 – 5,500
North Carolina	USD 3,000 – 5,500
Michigan	USD 2,000 – 3,500

These estimates are approximate and can vary based on specific requirements and services needed. For precise quotes, it’s best to contact moving companies directly.

2. Wisconsin Housing Costs

The range of rental and house purchase prices in Wisconsin, US varies between uptown and downtown areas.

Monthly Rental Prices in Wisconsin

1 bedroom flat (apartment) in City Centre: $1,600+
1 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $1,260+
3 bedroom flat in City Centre: $3,200+
3 bedroom flat outside the City Centre: $2,160+

Wisconsin Home Purchase Prices

Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy in City Centre: $7,100+
Price per square metre (10.7 square feet) to buy outside City: $4,400+

Wisconsin Housing Cost Comparison

This is how rents in Wisconsin compare with other cities around the globe.

London is 29.3% more expensive
New York is 55.2% more expensive
Los Angeles is 35.9% more expensive
Toronto is 8.6% more expensive
Sydney is 23.6% more expensive
Paris is 8.6% cheaper
Dubai is 8.8% more expensive

Source: Numbeo

How to Save on Housing Costs

Share a Flat or House: Sharing a house or a flat is a way to save on living expenses. You may have to share a bathroom but you will save at the end of the day. A cheaper option is to share a room. Have a look at the following site to find your perfect room or flatmate: iRoommates
Different Areas – Different Prices: Uptown locations, such as Madison, Milwaukee, and Green Bay, generally have higher prices, featuring a mix of upscale apartments and desirable homes. Downtown areas like La Crosse, Eau Claire, and Appleton offer a more affordable range of housing options.

3. Wisconsin Food, Grocery and Restaurant Costs

Wisconsin is known for its food and drink traditions, with an emphasis on dairy products. Cheese production is a prominent industry, and Wisconsin is famous for its wide variety of high-quality cheeses. Additionally, the state is known for its craft breweries and traditional dishes like bratwurst, fish fry, and Friday night fish boils.

Inexpensive Restaurant: $15.00
Takeout Coffee: $4.60
Bottle of Coke: $2.10
1L of Milk: $0.90
Loaf of Bread: $3.80
12 Eggs: $6.00
1kg Chicken: $14.30
1kg Beef: $14.60
1kg Apples: $3.80
1kg White Rice: $5.60

This is how restaurants and food prices compare with other major cities in the world.

London restaurants are 29.3% more expensive and groceries are 16.8% cheaper than Wisconsin.
New York restaurants are 30.8% more expensive and groceries are 30.2% more expensive than Wisconsin.
Los Angeles restaurants are 29.4% more expensive and groceries are 11.7% more expensive than Wisconsin.
Toronto restaurants are 7.7% more expensive and groceries are 0.5% cheaper than Wisconsin.
Sydney restaurants are 12.1% more expensive and groceries are 8.9% more expensive than Wisconsin.
Paris restaurants are 6.1% more expensive and groceries are 8.4% more expensive than Wisconsin.
Dubai restaurants are 1.6% more expensive and groceries are 42.9% cheaper than Wisconsin.

Source: Numbeo

Bonus Tips for Cheaper Food, Restaurants and Groceries

Know Your Supermarkets: Farmers’ markets are popular in Wisconsin, providing fresh local produce, artisanal products, and homemade goods. There is a range of supermarkets in the state, from budget-friendly options to upscale gourmet stores, catering to different preferences and budgets.
Find Cheap Eats: Wisconsin has a good selection of restaurants which offer food at affordable prices. Have a look at Trip Advisor.

4. Wisconsin Alcohol Costs

Wisconsin, like all cities in the United States, has plenty of bars and clubs to choose from, whether you want a quick beer after work or a cocktail before dinner.

Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a restaurant/pub: $5.50
Bottle of imported beer at a restaurant/pub: $6.00
Pint (0.6L) domestic beer at a supermarket: $1.70
Bottle of imported beer at a supermarket: $2.80
Mid-range bottle of wine at a supermarket: $12.00

How To Drink For Less in Wisconsin

Keep an eye on the local papers and websites for specials over weekends and public holidays.
Take a look at Eat Drink Madison for Happy Hour information.

5. Wisconsin Transportation Fares

Public transport in Wisconsin primarily consists of bus services, particularly in urban areas. Larger cities like Milwaukee and Madison have more extensive public transportation networks, while rural areas often rely on private vehicles for transportation.

Here are some sample ticket costs:

Adult single – $2.00
One-day ticket – $5.00
Monthly season ticket, unlimited – $65.00

How To Save Money on Public Transport

Buy a bike. Depending on where you live and work, cycling around the city is certainly a viable option. Wisconsin likes to think of itself as a bike-friendly city and has introduced many miles of bike lanes over the last few years.
Walk. If you live relatively close to where you work, you can walk to work.

6. Cost of Internet in Wisconsin

Internet prices in the States are expensive compared with many other countries in the world. Here are some sample broadband internet prices from mid-2023 for unlimited downloads, based on a 12-month contract:

Sprint: $50 a month (Unlimited high speed except for streaming gaming up to 8mb)
AT & T: $20 a month (50mb fibre)
Verizon: $80 a month

7. Cost of Clothing, Personal Items, Gym and Leisure

The average yearly temperature in Wisconsin, US is around 8 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is typically January, with temperatures averaging around -7 degrees Celsius, while the hottest month is July, with temperatures averaging around 22 degrees Celsius. The wettest month varies, but June often sees higher rainfall amounts.

Here are some clothing prices, together with other useful prices.

Pair of Jeans: $55.00
Summer Dress: $50.00
Running Shoes (Trainers): $95.00
Business Shoes: $115.00
Short Doctor’s Visit (15 mins): $75.00
Deodorant: $3.50
Shampoo: $3.00
Toilet Paper (4 rolls): $4.00
Gym Membership: $56.00
Movie (cinema) Ticket: $12.00

Source: Numbeo

8. Cost of Owning a Car and Driving a Car in Wisconsin

Everyone in the US drives on the right. Many people use their cars for work in Wisconsin. If you’re moving to Wisconsin from within the US, you’ll be able to keep your license but need to update your address to your new one.

You can drive on a foreign license for up to 12 months as a tourist but after that, you will need to get an American license. If you are working or studying in the US, you can drive on your foreign license for 30 days. If you want to exchange your foreign driver’s license you have to follow the process here.

Here are some other sample costs of owning and operating a car in Wisconsin:

Volkswagen Golf: $22,000+
1 litre (¼ gallon) of Gas (petrol): $0.95

Source: Numbeo

Ways To Save Money on Driving in Wisconsin

Car sharing or pooling is one way to save money. Try CarpoolWorld.
Taxis can sometimes be a cheaper option, especially if you are going to have to park all day. Try Uber or Lyft.

9. Taxes in Wisconsin

No matter where you live in the State, you will pay federal tax. To learn more about the different taxes in the States go to Immihelp and USA taxes.

The sales tax in Wisconsin is 5%, with an additional local sales tax that can vary between municipalities. It is important to note that sales tax rates can differ slightly depending on the specific location within the state.

Whether you own or rent your home, you will be subject to property tax based on the area in which you live and the size of the property you live in. Learn more about property tax in Wisconsin at Property Tax.

Finally, if you decide to buy a flat or house in Wisconsin you’ll have to pay real estate transfer tax.

10. Flight Costs from Wisconsin

If you do make the move to Wisconsin, here’s approximately how much it will cost to fly to other major world cities based on the lowest, one-way fares from Skyscanner as of mid-2023:

London: $830
New York: $190
Los Angeles: $190
Toronto: $240
Vancouver: $500
Dubai: $670
Sydney: $1,500
Melbourne: $850
Cape Town: $1,100
Hong Kong: $1,100

Other Tips on Moving to Wisconsin

The costs and pricing above should give you a good idea of the cost of living in Wisconsin but perhaps the following extra tips will make your move go smoothly.

11. Moving to Wisconsin Alone

Moving anywhere can be a lonely experience, but moving to a new city can be especially daunting. Here are a few tips about settling in Wisconsin.

Meetups: There are many Meetup groups to choose from. You will definitely find something to join which will help you to settle in.
Attend Local Events: Wisconsin always has something going on. Have a look at Travel Wisconsin.

12. Moving to Wisconsin with a Family

Wisconsin is generally considered a family-friendly location, with numerous recreational activities, parks, and educational opportunities. The crime rate varies across different areas of the state, with rural areas typically having lower crime rates compared to urban centres.

New Parents (or parents to be): There are free and paid antenatal classes and courses. Have a look at the Froedtert Hospital Birth Center.
Live in a Family-friendly Area: One of the most family-friendly areas to live in Wisconsin, US is the city of Madison. It offers a high-quality education system, abundant outdoor spaces, family-friendly events, and a strong sense of community.
Find Things To Do With The Kids: There are many activities for families living in Wisconsin. Have a look at the following sites to be inspired – Trip Advisor.

13. Moving to Wisconsin for Work

While it is possible to move to Wisconsin without a job, it makes sense to ensure there are jobs in your field before you make the move. The main industries in Wisconsin, US include manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and information technology. The unemployment rate in Wisconsin is approximately 3.9%.

Here are a few things to consider when moving for work:

Salary: Salaries vary enormously depending on which industry you are in. The costs we outlined above should give you a rough idea of how much more you’ll want to make the move worthwhile. You can also check salary ranges on sites such as Payscale for the specific state.
How To Find Work: If you want to have a job lined up before you move to Wisconsin, but aren’t sure where to begin, the following sites are good places to start: Monster and Indeed. You may also want to Google recruiters in your industry, as they can often help land you some initial interviews as well.

14. Moving to Wisconsin from Australia

There’s a small group of Australians living and working in Wisconsin, if you are thinking of joining them, here are a few things to consider.

Size Comparison: The Great Victoria Desert is similar in size to Wisconsin.
Join Expat Groups: There are so few Australians in Wisconsin that there isn’t a dedicated site. However, you can always start your own Australian Meetup group.

15. Moving to Wisconsin from Canada

There’s a small group of Canadians living in Wisconsin. If you’re considering making the move from Canada here are a few things to consider.

Size: Labrador Penisula is similar in size to Wisconsin.
Expat Groups: Meeting up with fellow Canadians helps the moving process. Start a Canadian Meetup group.

16. Moving to Wisconsin from the United Kingdom

There’s a small number of Brits living in Wisconsin. If you are thinking of making the move from the UK to join them, then here are a few things to consider.

Size: Wisconsin is just over half the size of the entire United Kingdom.
Expat Groups: If you want to join up with fellow Brits in Wisconsin, then start your own British Meetup group.

Hopefully, the tips and costs above are helpful. If want to get started pricing out how much it will cost you to move to Wisconsin you can start by comparing moving quotes here.