The best local movers for Modesto to Madison moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Modesto that also handles long-distance moves to Madison. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated 14 local movers in Modesto who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Modesto to Madison.
- Grace Moving Company: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Casey Moving Systems: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Pete’s Moving Services: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Big Island Movers: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Brewer Moving LLC: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189642
Years in Business: 26
DOT #: 2806730
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0115405
Years in Business: 23
DOT #: 153088
Alternate Names: Casey Records Management , Dawson Van & Storage , United Van Lines
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0191440
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 3314910
Alternate Names: Petes Moving Services LLC , Pete’s Moving Services LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0190630
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 3278221
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192036
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 3329727
Alternate Names: Brewer Moving, LLC , J B Moving
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Modesto to Madison?
The average hourly rate for movers in California is $128. Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,262 – $4,659 | $1,196 – $2,818 | $1,215 – $2,321 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,352 – $7,182 | $2,046 – $4,214 | $1,302 – $2,548 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,283 – $11,562 | $2,719 – $5,634 | $1,516 – $3,319 |
Cost to hire movers from Modesto to Madison
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Modesto to Madison will cost between $1,262 and $4,659. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Modesto to Modesto will range from $3,352 to $7,182, and a large move from Modesto to Madison will cost from $6,283 to $11,562.
Cost of moving containers from Modesto to Madison
If you’re moving from Modesto to Madison, expect to pay between $1,196 and $2,818 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $2,046 up to $4,214. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,719 and $5,634. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Modesto to Madison
Renting a moving truck from Modesto to Madison is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $1,215 and $2,321. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,302 and $2,548. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,516 up to $3,319 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Madison
The cost of Modesto movers will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,466, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,606.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,215–$3,029) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Modesto – roughly 1% less for singles and 8% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- If you’re heading to Madison from Modesto, you’ll find that rent is roughly 11% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 17% less in Madison than in Modesto.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Madison compared to Modesto.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Madison and Modesto, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to Madison can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8% less than in Modesto.
- Madison enjoys an unemployment rate that’s roughly 59% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 38% in Madison compared to Modesto, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 42% less in Wisconsin than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Madison:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Madison.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Madison.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Madison
| Modesto | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 66 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 24% greater than Modesto.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto’s score of 5.
- Madison and Modesto are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 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 Modesto with a score of 34.57 compared to Modesto’s 65.76. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 65.43 vs Modesto’s 34.24.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Modesto it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Madison move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Wisconsin doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Madison. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Madison
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to Mad City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Madison.
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
Once you’re settled into your new home in Wisconsin, it’s time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Madison, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Modesto to Madison?
The best time to move from Modesto to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto to Madison, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Modesto to Madison take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Madison, covers 2,070 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you’re not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Madison.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,303 and 1,466.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
Helpful moving resources
Modesto moving services
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