($1,348) Cost to Move From Portland, ME to Madison, WI

1. Liberty Bell Moving & Storage of Maine: 4.5 out of 5 stars
2. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Bisson Moving & Storage: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Allen & Coles Moving Systems: 4.36 out of 5 stars
5. Tiny Tim’s Moving: 4.14 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Portland to Madison

When planning a move to Madison from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,348 and $5,523. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,182 and $6,799 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $5,425 to $9,136.

Cost of moving containers from Portland to Madison

When you’re heading from Portland to Madison, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $932 and $2,284. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,621 and $3,097. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,110 to $4,362. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Madison

A moving rental truck from Portland 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 $733 to $1,531. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $851 to $1,769, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Madison costs around $987 to $2,178.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 20% less expensive in Madison than in Portland, 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 32% cheaper in Madison than in Portland.
• There’s good news: the average income differences between Madison and Portland are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
• 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 8% below that of Portland.
• 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 10% lower compared to Portland.
• Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Portland by about 37%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are nearly equal in both Madison and Portland (within a 5% range), so budgeting should not be affected by this change.
• Income taxes are 32% more in Wisconsin than in Maine. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Madison’s population is about 294% greater than Portland.
• Madison’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
• Madison is less walkable than Portland with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Portland’s 62 out of 100.
• Both Madison and Portland have similar bike-friendliness scores (68 vs 66), meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Portland. 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 higher than Portland with a score of 34.57 compared to Portland’s 32.16. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 32.16%.
• Madison and Portland have a similar safety level, with scores of 65.43 and 67.84.
• Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Portland 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.