Moving to Wisconsin: Pros and Cons in 2025
Thinking about relocating to Wisconsin? You’re not alone. The Badger State has a magnetic pull—whether you’re drawn to the buzz of Milwaukee or prefer the charm of its quiet small towns, there’s a perfect spot here for everyone.
There’s plenty to love about Wisconsin, but before you dive into buying a home and relocating, make sure you weigh both the advantages and drawbacks.
We’ll break down all the key details about relocating to Wisconsin to help you decide if it’s the right move for you.
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Pros & cons of living in Wisconsin
Moving to Wisconsin comes with lots of perks, but there are also some hurdles you’ll want to keep in mind.
Check out the main perks and drawbacks of living in the Badger State to see if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros of living in Wisconsin
- ✓Low cost of living
- ✓High quality of life
- ✓Abundant outdoor recreational activities
- ✓Unique tasty food
- ✓Borders great lakes
Cons of living in Wisconsin
- ✖High tax burden
- ✖Extreme seasonal weather
- ✖Lack of diversity
- ✖Poor roads
- ✖High rate of alcoholism
Things to do in Wisconsin
Whether you’re moving to Wisconsin for a fresh start, a new job, or to be near family, you’re in for a treat. From famous attractions to hidden gems, Wisconsin is bursting with adventures and exciting opportunities waiting for you every day..
If you’re traveling with friends or flying solo and ready to make new connections, these destinations have you covered. With tons of choices, you’re sure to find a place that fits your vibe and instantly feels welcoming.
Popular Attractions in Wisconsin
- Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
- Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
- Door County
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
- Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
- Circus World Museum, Baraboo
- Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva
- Wisconsin State Capitol
- EAA AirVenture Show And Museum, Oshkosh
- Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
Museums in Wisconsin
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Civil War Museum
- Hearthstone Historic House Museum
- Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame
- EAA Aviation Museum
- Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum
- Building for Kids
- Geneva Lake Museum of History
- Circus World
Parks in Wisconsin
- Wisconsin Deer Park
- Cave Point County Park
- Timbavati Wildlife Park
- Carson Park
- Petrifying Springs Park
- Irvine Park
- Lakeside Park
- Fox River Park
- Riverside Park
- Minooka Park
Fun facts about Wisconsin
Each state has its own personality — shaped by its history, culture, and the people who call it home. Getting to know the little details and sill traditions can give you a better sense of what life there is really like.
These fun facts about Wisconsin, will give you a glimpse at what makes the state unique, and may even give you a few more reasons to make the move.
- Known as the Marathon County, Wisconsin produces the entire ginseng grown in the United States, which accounts for roughly 10% of the world’s supply.
- Wisconsin prohibited the sale and use of margarine starting from 1895 to 1967. Although the ban has since been lifted, there are still some restrictions that remain on margarine. Today, it is still illegal for restaurants to serve their customers margarine in place of butter unless the customer requests for it.
- The largest woolly mammal to have ever been excavated was discovered in Kenosha. Today Milwaukee Public Museum has a replica of this which you can watch at any time.
- Famed for her dairy production, Wisconsin is the no.1 exporter of cranberries, sweet corn, ginseng, and second-largest exporter of whey in the United States.
- Madison was not the original capital of the state. Rather, the original was Belmont. It was founded in 1836 at the time that Wisconsin wasn’t a state yet but a territory.
- Green Bay is Wisconsin’s oldest city. Most people think it is Milwaukee or Madison but clearly neither of these is. Green Bay can be traced to a French explorer by the name of Jean Nicolet who began a small trading shop way back in 1634.
- Oshkosh, a small town found on Lake Winnebago to the Northwest of Milwaukee, is prominent for two things: the first is its popular line of children’s clothing, and secondly, the integral place it occupies on the world’s air show circuit.
- The Wisconsin Dells boasts the most number of water parks in a single area in the whole world.
- Wisconsin has more than 15,000 lakes and 13,500 miles (21,700 kilometers) of navigable streams and rivers. Almost 3 percent of Wisconsin’s area—nearly a million acres (405,000 hectares)—is lakes.
Wisconsin population and demographics
As you consider making the move to Wisconsin, take a moment to dig deeper than just the stats—you’ll get a real feel for what life in the Badger State is all about.
If you choose a state with a bigger population, you’ll likely find more jobs, entertainment options, and better infrastructure. In contrast, states with fewer people often mean a quieter pace of life and close-knit communities.
Average education levels can show what job opportunities are available or how easy it is to access local schools and colleges. Meanwhile, a state’s political breakdown might reveal its core values and priorities.
Knowing who calls Wisconsin home, their lifestyles, and what matters most to them can help you figure out if it’s the kind of place where you’ll feel at ease and find your community.
| Metric | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,910,955 |
| Female | 49.9% |
| Male | 51.9% |
| College graduation rate | 31.0% |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 |
| Crime index | 16.82 |
Wisconsin weather
Weather plays a big role in everyday life, so it’s smart to consider it when deciding if Wisconsin is right for you. Looking at the average temperatures and precipitation each season can help you figure out how much time you’ll spend outdoors, what kind of gear you’ll need, and how you’ll deal with changing conditions.
Scorching summer days can send your energy bills soaring and keep you cranking the AC, while frigid winters call for a ready closet and a reliable heating system. When snow arrives, you might face anything from a gentle flurry to a heavy storm that throws off your travel and daily routine.
If you love the sun, prefer cooler temps, or want to avoid snowy winters, knowing what Wisconsin’s climate is like can help you figure out if it’s the right match for your lifestyle.
| Metric | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Summer high | 81ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF |
| Annual rain | 34″ |
| Annual snow | 48″ |
Income and cost of living in Wisconsin
Digging into top industries, typical salaries, housing prices, and everyday expenses gives you a real sense of how practical—and affordable—life in Wisconsin can be.
Understanding the main industries in the area gives you a clear idea of job prospects and long-term stability in your field. And since housing costs are likely to have a big impact on whether you rent or buy, they’re an essential part of your moving decision.
The cost of living index shows how much your money is really worth compared to the national average. If the index is lower, you can expect to spend less on essentials like groceries, transportation, and housing.
These numbers do more than just sit on a page—they give you a real look at how your current lifestyle stacks up against what Wisconsin has to offer, so you can make your move feeling confident and in the know.
The main economic industries in the state include:
- Manufacturing ($63.1 billion)
- Real estate and rental and leasing ($39.3 billion)
- Educational services, health care, and social assistance ($33.4 billion)
- Professional and business services ($33.2 billion)
- Finance and insurance ($26.1 billion)
- Wholesale trade ($20.6 billion)
- Retail trade ($18.7 billion)
- Construction ($13.9 billion)
- Information ($11.6 billion)
- Arts, entertainment, recreation, accommodation, and food services ($10.7 billion)
| Metric | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,100 |
| Average home cost | $306,566 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,458 |
| Cost of living index* | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 2.9% |
| Average sales tax | Not available |
| State income tax | 7.65% |
*To figure out the cost of living in each state, there’s a 100-point index, known as the cost of living index. This metric starts with a baseline number of 100. States with a number below that are less expensive to live in while states with numbers higher than 100 are more expensive to live in.
Top schools in Wisconsin
If great schools and universities matter to you, checking out a state’s education scene can tell you a lot about its job market and overall atmosphere.
If having access to excellent schools matters to you—whether you’re pursuing more education, have kids getting ready to graduate, or simply want strong academic choices—Wisconsin is a smart place to consider.
Here are some of the top schools in Wisconsin:
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
- University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
- Medical College of Wisconsin
- University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
- University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh
- University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
- University of Wisconsin-Stout
- Lawrence University
- Beloit College
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Finding the best moving company for your relocation to Wisconsin
We’ve reviewed 2,756 moving companies, with 35 being in Wisconsin, and worked directly with customers to identify the top movers across the country.
If you’re planning on moving to the Badger State, here are the best moving companies to help you transport your belongings to your new home wherever you are headed from.
- Alabama to WI
- Arkansas to WI
- Arizona to WI
- California to WI
- Colorado to WI
- Connecticut to WI
- Delaware to WI
- Florida to WI
- Georgia to WI
- Iowa to WI
- Idaho to WI
- Illinois to WI
- Indiana to WI
- Kansas to WI
- Kentucky to WI
- Louisiana to WI
- Massachusetts to WI
- Maryland to WI
- Maine to WI
- Michigan to WI
- Minnesota to WI
- Missouri to WI
- Mississippi to WI
- Montana to WI
- North Carolina to WI
- North Dakota to WI
- Nebraska to WI
- New Hampshire to WI
- New Jersey to WI
- New Mexico to WI
- Nevada to WI
- New York to WI
- Ohio to WI
- Oklahoma to WI
- Oregon to WI
- Pennsylvania to WI
- Rhode Island to WI
- South Carolina to WI
- South Dakota to WI
- Tennessee to WI
- Texas to WI
- Utah to WI
- Virginia to WI
- Vermont to WI
- Washington to WI
- West Virginia to WI
- Wyoming to WI
Cost of moving to Wisconsin
Before making your move to Wisconsin, it’s smart to get an idea of what you’ll spend on movers. On average, you’re looking at around $136 per hour for professional help. Your final price will depend on how much you’re bringing with you and the distance you’re traveling—cross-country relocations are going to cost more than a shorter move within the state.
Your choice of moving style can have a major impact on your overall costs.
For a budget-friendly move, check out one of the best moving container companies. You’re in charge of packing and loading, while they take care of the driving—offering a great balance between a DIY move and hiring full-service professionals.
Looking to cut costs? Renting a moving truck is your cheapest bet. You’ll handle everything yourself—from packing and loading to driving and unloading.
If you’d prefer to skip the heavy lifting, professional interstate movers can handle everything for you. Remember, this level of convenience can be pricey, so it’s smart to compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best fit for your budget and needs.
| Company | Quote | Rating |
|---|---|---|
Safeway Moving
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Mayzlin Relocation
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BLVD Moving
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PODS
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American Van Lines
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Cost to bring your car to Wisconsin
Bringing a car with you? Use our car shipping calculator below to estimate how much it’ll cost to transport your vehicle to Wisconsin.
Wisconsin car insurance requirements
Wisconsin drivers license requirements
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Wisconsin Moving Resources
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