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

1. Lunardi Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
2. Vector Moving and Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
3. Southwest Moving: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. All Reasons Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
5. Pure Moving Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from San Jose to Madison

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from San Jose to Madison, you can expect to spend between $1,224 and $5,006. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $3,413 to $7,352 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from San Jose to Madison typically runs between $6,271 and $11,572.

Cost of moving containers from San Jose to Madison

When moving from San Jose to Madison, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $1,225 and $2,858. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $2,178 to $4,235. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,786 up to $5,897. 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 San Jose to Madison

Renting a moving truck in San Jose 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 $1,205 and $2,371. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $1,316 and $2,849. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $1,629 and $3,289.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

• Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 48% lower in Madison than in San Jose, giving you more disposable income monthly.
• Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 75% lower in Madison than in San Jose.
• It’s important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 25% less in Madison than in San Jose.
• Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Madison, where the cost of living for a single person is 38% less than in San Jose.
• 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 35% less than in San Jose.
• Madison experiences an unemployment rate that is about 50% lower than that of San Jose. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
• Sales taxes are 41% lower in Madison than in San Jose. 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 72% less than San Jose.
• Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Jose’s score of 7.
• Madison and San Jose are similarly walkable.
• With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than San Jose, which has a score of 62 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 Jose with a score of 34.57 compared to San Jose’s 47.73. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Jose neighborhoods are safer than 47.73%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than San Jose with a safety index of 65.43 vs San Jose’s 52.27.
• Air quality in Madison is Good, and in San Jose it’s Moderate.

• 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.