Highly rated local moving companies for Madison to Los Angeles moves
Organizing a move from Madison to Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles.
- 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 Los Angeles?
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 | $1,270 – $4,945 | $1,095 – $2,766 | $1,130 – $2,071 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,213 – $7,160 | $1,991 – $4,298 | $1,175 – $2,619 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,990 – $10,625 | $2,781 – $5,850 | $1,543 – $3,144 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Los Angeles
When planning a move to Los Angeles from Madison, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,270 and $4,945. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,213 and $7,160 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,990 to $10,625.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Los Angeles
When you’re heading from Madison to Los Angeles, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,095 and $2,766. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,991 and $4,298. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,781 to $5,850. 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 Los Angeles
A moving rental truck from Madison to Los Angeles 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 $1,130 to $2,071. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,175 to $2,619, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Madison to Los Angeles costs around $1,543 to $3,144.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Los Angeles
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Los Angeles may only cost $2,597, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,922.
- 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 ($1,130–$2,926), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Madison to Los Angeles
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Los Angeles runs about 154% higher for singles and 133% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $5,833 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $12,720 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $2,603 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $4,443 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $2,368,088 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $74,993 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $5,833 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $12,720 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 10.6% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.5% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
- Rent is about 85% more expensive in Los Angeles than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 544% steeper in Los Angeles compared to Madison.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 19% greater in Los Angeles than in Madison, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Los Angeles, with the cost of living for a single person being 154% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Los Angeles, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 133% higher than in Madison.
- Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles surpass those in Madison by 73%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 74% more in California than in Wisconsin. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus Los Angeles:
| Living Expense | Madison | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $192.54 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $62.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $7.02 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.58 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $25.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $100.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $47.76 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Los Angeles.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Los Angeles.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Los Angeles.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Los Angeles.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Los Angeles.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Los Angeles.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Los Angeles.
How life is different in Madison vs. Los Angeles
| Madison | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 3,820,914 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 69 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 59 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 53.81 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 46.19 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- Los Angeles’s population is about 1316% greater than Madison.
- Los Angeles’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
- Los Angeles is more walkable than Madison with a score of 69 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Los Angeles has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Los Angeles’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 53.81 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Los Angeles neighborhoods are safer than 53.81% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Los Angeles is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 46.19 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Los Angeles is Moderate, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Los Angeles move
- HOA rules: Costs across Madison and Los Angeles 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in California, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in California, 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 Los Angeles. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items’ full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Los Angeles
With your sights set on City of Angels, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Los Angeles.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Echo Park
- Los Feliz
- Playa Del Rey
- Silver Lake
- Westwood
Best neighborhoods for families
- Brentwood
- Eagle Rock
- Mar Vista
- Playa Vista
- Studio City
Things to do in Los Angeles
With your move to California complete, you can dive right into experiencing Los Angeles. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Los Angeles is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Getty Center, Griffith Observatory, Petersen Automotive Museum, and Battleship USS Iowa Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Griffith Park, Runyon Canyon Park, Lake Hollywood Park, and Echo 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 Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)Los Angeles FC (MLS)Los Angeles Kings (NHL)Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)Los Angeles Rams (NFL)Los Angeles Sparks (WNBA) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Los Angeles?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Los Angeles? 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 Los Angeles take?
The 1,967-mile move from Madison, WI, to Los Angeles, , takes five to 16 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 Los Angeles.
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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