Factors affecting the cost of moving from PA to WI
There are many factors that influence
Pennsylvania moving costs.
The cost to move from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season
in Pennsylvania is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY vs. professional mover:
DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
What to know before moving from PA to WI
If you’re moving to Wisconsin from Pennsylvania, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Pennsylvania vs. Wisconsin
|
Pennsylvania |
Wisconsin |
| Average rent cost |
$1,110 |
$1,100 |
| Average home cost |
$268,824 |
$306,566 |
| Average income (per capita) |
$73,170 |
$72,458 |
| Cost of Living Index |
99 |
99 |
| Unemployment rate |
3.4% |
2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax |
6.34% |
5.43% |
| State Income Tax |
3.07% |
7.65% |
-
Rent is about the same cost in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
-
Home prices are about 14% higher in Wisconsin than in Pennsylvania.
-
The average income is about the same in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
-
Cost of living is about the same in Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.
-
Wisconsin has a lower unemployment rate than Pennsylvania by about 15%.
-
Sales taxes are 14% lower in Wisconsin than in Pennsylvania.
-
Income taxes are 149% higher in Wisconsin than in Pennsylvania.
How life is different in Wisconsin vs. Pennsylvania
|
Wisconsin |
Pennsylvania |
| Population |
5,910,955 |
12,961,683 |
| Political leaning |
Republican 51-49 |
Republican 51-49 |
| Summer high |
81ºF |
83ºF |
| Winter low |
7ºF |
19ºF |
| Annual rain |
34" |
44" |
| Annual snow |
48" |
38" |
| Crime index |
16.82 |
17.62 |
-
The population of Wisconsin is approximately 54% lower than the population of Pennsylvania.
-
In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Republican and Pennsylvania voted Republican.
-
The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81ºF
and in Pennsylvania, it’s 83ºF.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7ºF
and Pennsylvania gets down to 19ºF.
-
You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin versus 44 inches of rainfall in Pennsylvania.
-
In Wisconsin, it snows about 48 inches annually
versus 38 inches of snow in Pennsylvania.
-
Wisconsin has a lower crime rate than Pennsylvania with a crime index
of 16.82 vs. 17.62.
Comparing the pros of Pennsylvania vs. Wisconsin
Getting a fresh start in a new location is exciting. Here’s a side-by-side look at the perks of living in Wisconsin compared to Pennsylvania.
| Pros of living in Pennsylvania |
Pros of living in Wisconsin |
| Low cost of living |
Low cost of living |
| Abundant fun and recreational activities |
High quality of life |
| Beautiful landscapes |
Abundant outdoor recreational activities |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Unique tasty food |
| Excellent education options |
Borders great lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in Pennsylvania vs. Wisconsin
Everything can’t be sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live.
Here are some things to be aware of when leaving Pennsylvania for Wisconsin.
| Cons of living in Pennsylvania |
Cons of living in Wisconsin |
| Harsh winter weather |
High tax burden |
| Bad driving conditions |
Extreme seasonal weather |
| Nuclear power plants |
Lack of diversity |
| Unpredictable weather |
Poor roads |
| High taxes on gasoline |
High rate of alcoholism |
Other things to consider for your Pennsylvania to Wisconsin move
- Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
-
HOA rules:
Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
-
Elevator reservation:
One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator
and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
-
Parking permits:
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
-
State licensing:
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state.
However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
-
State regulator:
You can verify a Wisconsin moving license
and its status on the state regulator's official website.
-
Moving permits:
Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
-
Change of address:
We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Wisconsin.
Get started here.
-
Mover's insurance:
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers.
For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
-
Moving checklist:
Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Wisconsin
While you’re in Wisconsin, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
- Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
- Door County
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
- The Green Bay Packers: 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
- Taliesin Preservation
- House on the Rock
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- National Railroad Museum
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
- Pattison State Park
- Lake Minocqua
- Wisconsin Great River Road
- Bay Beach Amusement Park
- Wisconsin Ice Age Trail
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin?
Do movers transport your car from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin?
Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee.
But you can also handle
vehicle transport from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin
separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
What are the benefits of moving from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin?
The main reasons people are moving from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin such as
low cost of living and high quality of life.
Is it cheaper to live in Pennsylvania or Wisconsin?
While the overall cost of living is similar for both states, housing
is more affordable in Pennsylvania,
with average rent about 1% less
and home prices 12% lower than in Wisconsin.
Taxes are also lower in Pennsylvania, most notably income taxes,
which are more than 50% less than those paid by
Wisconsin residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Wisconsin?
You should make approximately $56,326 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Wisconsin.
The cost of living in Wisconsin is approximately $2,157 per month for an individual and $5,210 for a family of four.
The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Wisconsin you live
For example, larger cities like Milwaukee and Madison will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
Helpful moving resources
Pennsylvania moving services
Popular Pennsylvania routes
Best overall value
