Thinking about moving to Wisconsin? The state has a massive $462 billion economy, with fast-growing sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. Home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, Wisconsin has been ranked the 4th-best state to live in the US in 2025.
But the move comes with trade-offs. While the cost of living is equal to the US average, the state levies some of the highest property taxes in the country. Still, many are choosing cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay for new opportunities and a better quality of life.
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AT A GLANCE:
- Wisconsin ranks as the 4th-best state to live in 2025.
- Wisconsin has a robust job market with over 146,000 job openings in 2025, and plans to add 225,000 more by the end of 2032.
- The state is home to premier educational institutions, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Marquette University.
- Wisconsin has an average effective property tax rate of 1.59%, which is significantly higher than the national average.
- Expect to pay from $2,200 to $6,400 for your move, depending on the distance and size of your belongings.
- Wisconsin has a continental climate with hot, humid summers and snowy winters.
3 Reasons to Move to Wisconsin
Why settle for just sunny beaches when you can also enjoy the high life? Browse through over thousands of mansions, high-rise penthouses, and spacious luxury homes for sale in Wisconsin, and enjoy the finest the state has to offer.
1. Jobs in Wisconsin
Home to 8 Fortune 500 companies, the Badger State has a robust job market with around 146,000 job openings in 2025. With rapidly growing sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades, the state plans to add 225,071 more by the end of 2032, a 7.1% growth rate.
- Healthcare: With over 232,000 healthcare professionals, healthcare is the largest job sector in Wisconsin. Jobs in therapeutics, diagnostics, support, and biotech are in high demand. The salary for a healthcare professional ranges from $37K to $87K per year.
- Technology: The tech sector in Wisconsin is booming, especially around Madison. There’s high demand for jobs in biotech, cybersecurity, and software development. The average salary for a tech professional in Wisconsin is around $44K annually.
- Skilled Trades: The skilled trade sector consists of construction, manufacturing, and transportation. Electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians are high-paying roles, with an average annual salary of $50K to $90K.
2. Education in Wisconsin
Ranked #7 for its education system, Wisconsin has 421 school districts serving over 963,000 students across the state. Here is what you need to know about education in Wisconsin:
- Public Schools: Wisconsin is home to 2,243 public schools across the state. Whitefish Bay High School and Cedarburg High School are among the top public schools in the state, and are recognized for their STEM programs and college readiness.
- Private Schools: Wisconsin has 880 private schools, mostly located in urban areas. Brookfield Academy in Brookfield is the top private school, with 100% of their students going to college. The average tuition for a private school in Wisconsin is $7,720 per year.
- Higher Education: Wisconsin is home to 13 public universities and 85 colleges across the state. The University of Wisconsin-Madison is known for its research programs, while Marquette University offers programs in healthcare, business, and communication.
3. Healthcare in Wisconsin
Wisconsin ranks 9th in the country for its robust healthcare system, with 92% of residents covered by insurance. Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee is the state’s largest hospital, and specializes in stroke treatment, transplant surgery, and cancer care.
Additionally, BadgerCare Plus is Wisconsin’s largest Medicaid program, which serves over a million residents. The program offers health insurance benefits to eligible low-income individuals aged up to 64 years.
Pros and Cons of Living in Wisconsin
Here are the key benefits and drawbacks of living in Wisconsin:
| ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Wisconsin has a robust job market, with fast-growing sectors like healthcare, technology, and skilled trades. | 1. Wisconsin levies a 1.59% property tax, which is significantly higher than the national average of 0.90%. |
| 2. The state ranks among the top 10 for its education system, with over 3,000 public and private schools. | 2. Winters in Wisconsin are harsh. The average snowfall ranges from 40 inches to 125 inches, depending on your location. |
| 3. The average cost of living in Wisconsin is equal to the national average. | 3. Due to its diverse landscape, Wisconsin has a mosquito problem, especially in the summer. |
Things to Know Before Moving to Wisconsin
Here are some things to keep in mind before moving to Wisconsin:
1. Infrastructure & Transportation
The infrastructure in Wisconsin is aging and overburdened. 45% of the roads in the state are in poor or fair condition. Additionally, Wisconsin will need an estimated $5.5 billion in the next 20 years for its wastewater infrastructure.
The state is set to receive $5.4 billion over five years in federal funding for highways and bridges, and an additional $143 million improve drinking water infrastructure.
2. Weather and Climate in Wisconsin
Wisconsin has a continental climate with four different seasons. Summers are usually warm and humid with temperatures ranging from 59°F to 85°F. In contrast, winters are cold and snowy, with temperatures dropping as low as 7°F.
Wisconsin rarely experiences extreme weather, but floods, tornadoes, and wildfires are still major risks in some areas. Make sure to check Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) and FEMA-designated risk zones before moving to Wisconsin.
3. Laws & Regulations
- Vehicle Registration and Driver’s License: After moving to Wisconsin, you have to register your vehicle within 30 days and obtain a Wisconsin driver’s license within 60 days. Proof of identity, title of the vehicle, and proof of insurance are required for registration.
- Moving to Wisconsin with Guns: Open carry is allowed for those aged 18 or above. However, concealed carry requires a Wisconsin Concealed Weapons License (CWL). Wisconsin also accepts permits from other states with the necessary background checks.
- Recreational Marijuana: Use of marijuana for recreational purposes is illegal in Wisconsin. Violation of the law can attract up to $1,000 in fines and 6 months in prison for the first offense, and up to $10,000 in fines and 3.5 years in prison for the second offense.
- Pet Registration Laws: All the dogs and cats over 5 months of age must be vaccinated for rabies and licensed by local municipalities. Check the city website for more information on pet registrations in your area.
4. Low Cost of Living in Wisconsin
The cost of living in Wisconsin is equal to the national average. You’ll typically pay less on monthly expenses like utilities and rent. However, groceries, healthcare, and transportation are slightly more expensive than the US median.
Wisconsin is still an attractive option compared to states like California and New York, where living costs are 58% and 30% above the national average.
How to Move to Wisconsin?
Before buying a house in Wisconsin, follow this step-by-step guide for a seamless move:
1. How to Plan Your Logistics?
- If you’re hiring professional movers, you can expect to pay around $120 per hour. However, this rate can vary depending on the size of your belongings and the distance.
- On the other hand, if you want to do it yourself, renting a truck can be a better option. The average rent of a mid-size moving truck with a load capacity of 4,000 to 6,000 lbs ranges from $40 to $80 per day.
2. How to Set Up Utilities in Wisconsin?
Start setting up your utilities in advance, as the process can take 3 to 4 weeks.
- Electricity and Gas: We Energies mostly serves the southeastern and northern parts of the state, while Wisconsin Public Service (WPS) serves the northeastern and central Wisconsin. You can visit their websites to check availability in your city.
- Water and Sewer: Water and sewer services in Wisconsin are usually managed by the local municipality’s utility department, along with a few private companies. You can visit your city website to find an appropriate service provider and book an appointment.
- Internet and Cable: Spectrum, T&T, and T-Mobile are among the largest internet and cable service providers in the state. The cost of internet and cable services ranges from $20 to $80 per month; visit their websites to know more.
3. How to Enroll Your Kids in School?
Most schools offer online registration. Just visit your local school district’s website to get started. Here’s how the process generally works:
- For Kindergarten or First Grade: Your children must be at least 4 years old before September 1 for kindergarten, or 6 years old for the first grade. You will need the child’s birth certificate, vaccination records, proof of residency, and a photo ID for enrollment.
- For Older Students: For older children, you will also need the transcripts and a withdrawal form from the previous school, in addition to the documents mentioned above.
- Transfers & Special Cases: These are usually managed by the local school districts. Visit their website or directly contact the school district office to start the enrollment process.
4. How to Transfer Your Job or Find a New One?
- For Remote Jobs: Wisconsin is a highly remote-work-friendly state. Nearly 30% of the total working population in Wisconsin works remotely. If you’re one of them, ask your employer for state-specific tax and employment policies.
- Find a New Job: JobCenterofWisconsin is a state-run online job portal that lists job openings, information on high-demand jobs, and wage trends. Additionally, you can also visit online job boards like Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor to explore your options.
5. How to Find a Perfect House?
The Wisconsin housing market is highly competitive for buyers. Home prices are up by 10.4%, and the 98.4% sale-to-list ratio indicates high demand in the market. This leaves buyers with less negotiating power, as sellers may have multiple offers.
- In popular cities like Milwaukee, Madison, and Green Bay, the average rent costs around $1,350, depending on the neighborhood and available amenities.
- If you plan to buy a house in a popular city, on average, homes for sale in Milwaukee cost around $222K. On the other hand, inland cities like Antigo and Beloit have more affordable properties, with median prices of $175K and $198K, respectively.
Should I Move to Wisconsin?
Yes, you should definitely move to Wisconsin. The state combines new opportunities, a good quality of life, and friendly communities. However, relocating to Wisconsin isn’t easy. It takes time, careful planning, and effort to find the perfect place to call your home.
With Houzeo, Wisconsin’s best home-buying website, buying a house in the Badger State is simple. You can browse through the latest listings, save your favorites, schedule showings, and submit offers, all at your fingertips.
» NEED MORE CLARITY? Read these exclusive Houzeo reviews and learn why the platform is the best in America’s competitive housing market.
Data Sources
To help you make a smart move to Wisconsin, we analyzed key data points that impact relocation costs, lifestyle, and employment prospects. We’ve sourced reliable, up-to-date data across the following categories:
- Statistical Atlas: Major employers
- Zillow: Average rent in Wisconsin
- MoveBuddha: Estimated moving costs
- Thisoldhouse: DIY truck rental rates, Average cost of moving
By backing our insights with real numbers, we give you a clear picture of what it really takes to relocate to Wisconsin, long before the moving boxes are packed.
