($1,224) Cost to Move From Oakland, CA to Madison, WI

1. 680 Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
2. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.62 out of 5 stars
3. Pure Moving Company: 4.52 out of 5 stars
4. Eagle Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.62 out of 5 stars
5. NorthStar Moving Company : 4.5 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Oakland to Madison

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Oakland to Madison, you can expect to spend between $1,224 and $4,832. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,297 to $7,635 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Oakland to Madison typically runs between $6,055 and $11,291.

Cost of moving containers from Oakland to Madison

When moving from Oakland to Madison, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,158 and $3,042. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,039 to $4,161. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,739 up to $5,620. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from California.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Oakland to Madison

Renting a moving truck in Oakland is usually your cheapest option to get to Madison. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $1,193 and $2,301. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,304 and $2,575. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,629 and $3,188.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 27% lower in Madison than in Oakland, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 50% lower in Madison than in Oakland.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 33% less in Madison than in Oakland.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Madison, where the cost of living for a single person is 27% less than in Oakland.
• Moving to Madison could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 36% less than in Oakland.
• Madison experiences an unemployment rate that is about 27% lower than that of Oakland. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 46% lower in Madison than in Oakland. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Madison can reduce your overall living expenses.
• Income taxes are 42% lower in Wisconsin compared to California. With these reduced income tax rates, your paycheck will reflect more of your earnings, allowing you greater freedom in managing your finances.

• Madison’s population is about 39% less than Oakland.
• Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Oakland’s score of 8.
• Madison is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Oakland’s 75 out of 100.
• Both Madison and Oakland have similar bike-friendliness scores (65 vs 66), meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Oakland. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Madison’s crime rate is lower than Oakland with a score of 34.57 compared to Oakland’s 68.62. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 65.43 vs Oakland’s 31.38.
• Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Oakland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
• 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
• State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Madison smoothly. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

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

After getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, it’s time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

• Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Madison offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
• Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.