($1,237) Cost to Move From San Diego, CA to Madison, WI

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4. Dominant Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
5. We Like To Move It Moving: 4.52 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Diego to Madison

When planning a move to Madison from San Diego, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,237 and $5,025. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,305 and $7,463 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,005 to $11,501.

Cost of moving containers from San Diego to Madison

When you’re heading from San Diego to Madison, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,095 and $2,855. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,951 and $4,226. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,954 to $5,419. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from California easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from San Diego to Madison

A moving rental truck from San Diego to Madison 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 $1,178 to $2,185. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,213 to $2,627, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from San Diego to Madison costs around $1,626 to $3,120.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 44% less expensive in Madison than in San Diego, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 63% cheaper in Madison than in San Diego.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 14% less in Madison than in San Diego.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person there is 32% below that of San Diego.
• A move to Madison can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 29% lower compared to San Diego.
• Madison has a lower unemployment rate than San Diego by about 50%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 29% cheaper in Madison compared to San Diego. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 42% less in Wisconsin compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.

• Madison’s population is about 81% less than San Diego.
• Madison’s public transportation score is within about 5% of San Diego, making them very similar.
• Madison is less walkable than San Diego with a score of 50 out of 100 vs San Diego’s 53 out of 100.
• With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Madison’s crime rate is lower than San Diego with a score of 34.57 compared to San Diego’s 39.83. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than San Diego with a safety index of 65.43 vs San Diego’s 60.17.
• Air quality in Madison is Good, and in San Diego it’s Moderate.

• HOA rules: Costs across San Diego and Madison 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
• State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, 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 Madison. Get started here.
• Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Madison
• Shorewood Hills
• Middleton
• Fitchburg
• Maple Bluff
• Monona
• Columbus
• Sun Prairie
• Lake Mills
• Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

• Dudgeon-Monroe
• Hill Farms-University
• Maple-Prairie
• Westmorland
• Wexford

Things to do in Madison

With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Madison. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — 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 Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.