Highly rated local moving companies for Madison to Philadelphia moves
Organizing a move from Madison to Philadelphia can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating five local movers in Madison known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Madison to Philadelphia.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Philadelphia?
On average, moving companies in Wisconsin charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,156 – $4,632 | $778 – $1,832 | $593 – $1,167 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,372 – $6,065 | $1,424 – $2,764 | $674 – $1,374 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,879 – $7,585 | $1,936 – $3,622 | $795 – $1,735 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Philadelphia
When planning a move to Philadelphia from Madison, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,156 and $4,632. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,372 and $6,065 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,879 to $7,585.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Philadelphia
When you’re heading from Madison to Philadelphia, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $778 and $1,832. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,424 and $2,764. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,936 to $3,622. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Wisconsin easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Philadelphia
A moving rental truck from Madison to Philadelphia is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $593 to $1,167. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $674 to $1,374, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Madison to Philadelphia costs around $795 to $1,735.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Philadelphia
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Philadelphia may only cost $2,144, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,865.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Madison.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($593–$1,499), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Madison to Philadelphia
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Philadelphia runs about 11% higher for singles and 13% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,541 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $6,190 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,791 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $3,116 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $216,914 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $70,746 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,541 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $6,190 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 3.07% |
- Rent is about 6% more expensive in Philadelphia than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 41% cheaper in Philadelphia than in Madison.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 12% greater in Philadelphia than in Madison, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Philadelphia, with the cost of living for a single person being 11% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Philadelphia, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Madison.
- Philadelphia has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 221%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Philadelphia surpass those in Madison by 45%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 60% less in Pennsylvania compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus Philadelphia:
| Living Expense | Madison | Philadelphia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $269.29 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $61.40 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.15 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $48.67 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Philadelphia, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Philadelphia.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Philadelphia.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Philadelphia.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Philadelphia.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Philadelphia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Philadelphia.
How life is different in Madison vs. Philadelphia
| Madison | Philadelphia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 1,603,797 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 75 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 67 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 66.09 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 33.91 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Philadelphia’s population is about 494% greater than Madison.
- Philadelphia’s public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
- Philadelphia is more walkable than Madison with a score of 75 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Both Philadelphia and Madison have similar bike-friendliness scores (66 vs 67), meaning Philadelphia is about as safe for cyclists as Madison. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Philadelphia’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 66.09 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Philadelphia is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 33.91 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Philadelphia is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Philadelphia move
- HOA rules: Costs across Madison and Philadelphia are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: For decades movers In Pennsylvania were regulated by the Public Utility Commission (PUC). Each company was issued a PUC Number and was required to abide by a universal publicly published tariff that established the rates movers could charge for various services. Now, some sources claim that the PUC no longer regulates in-state movers, and it appears as though the PUC’s website is no longer functioning. So if you’re moving within Pennsylvania, you’ll want to address these issues with your moving company representative and if possible, contact the state directly. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Pennsylvania, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Pennsylvania, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Philadelphia. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Pennsylvania, movers typically offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For more comprehensive coverage, inquire about Full Value Protection with the moving company, or explore third-party insurance options for tailored plans. Consider coverage limits, additional costs, and reviews before making a decision.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Philadelphia
With your sights set on Philly, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Philadelphia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cedar Park
- Fishtown
- Manayunk
- Point Breeze
- Washington Square West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bella Vista
- Bustleton
- Chestnut Hill
- Fitler Square/Rittenhouse Square (City Center West)
- Foxchase
- Roxborough
Things to do in Philadelphia
With your move to Pennsylvania complete, you can dive right into experiencing Philadelphia. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Philadelphia is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Eastern State Penitentiary, Philadelphia Museum of Art, Barnes, and Museum of the American Revolution.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Wissahickon Valley Park, Spruce Street Harbor Park, Fairmount Park, and Love Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Philadelphia 76ers (NBA)Philadelphia Eagles (NFL)Philadelphia Flyers (NHL)Philadelphia Phillies (MLB)Philadelphia Union (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Philadelphia?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Philadelphia. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Philadelphia?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Philadelphia? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Madison to Philadelphia take?
The 913-mile move from Madison, WI, to Philadelphia, , takes two to seven days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Philadelphia.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Madison?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Madison provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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