San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Francisco to Madison typically costs $3,800–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,085 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Francisco to Madison
Moving from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI typically costs $3,800–$8,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,085-mile move from San Francisco to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $3,530 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $4,039 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $2,365 for a 5+ bedroom using a rental truck.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 13, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 31, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 29, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 15, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 15, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 26, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Francisco to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Francisco to Madison might be as low as $2,700, while a four-bedroom could reach $12,900.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Francisco.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,400 to $3,600 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA guide.
Best San Francisco to Madison movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Francisco to Madison
When it comes to handling your interstate move from San Francisco to Madison, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→WI movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 372 California movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from San Francisco to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than San Francisco - roughly 39% less for singles and 37% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $3,781 in San Francisco. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $8,717.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| San Francisco | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $3,259 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,475 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $1,241,003 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $136,689 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,781 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,717 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.63% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- Good news! When moving to Madison from San Francisco, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 51% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 70% cheaper in Madison, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 54% lower in Madison than in San Francisco.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person is 39% less compared to San Francisco.
- Relocating to Madison could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 37% lower than in San Francisco.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 39% lower than San Francisco, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 36% lower in Madison than San Francisco, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 42% lower in Wisconsin than in California. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Francisco and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Francisco | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.91 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $5.06 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $125.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $99.96 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in San Francisco than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Francisco than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in San Francisco than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in San Francisco than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Francisco than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in San Francisco than in Madison.
- Gym memberships cost more in San Francisco than in Madison.
How life is different in San Francisco vs. Madison
| San Francisco | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 808,988 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 10 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 99 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 99 | 66 |
| Crime index | 61.41 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 38.59 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison's population is about 67% less than San Francisco.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than San Francisco's score of 10.
- Madison is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 50 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
- Madison has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 34.57 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 65.43 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in San Francisco it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Francisco to Madison move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin, it's the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Francisco to Madison. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Francisco.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from San Francisco to Madison in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from San Francisco to Madison take?
Covering 2,085 miles, the move from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI typically takes six to 17 days. Some San Francisco movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Francisco offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers in San Francisco offer AAA member savings.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in San Francisco can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Francisco, 70 movers can handle pianos. 63 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
