($921) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Madison

When planning a move to Madison from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $921 and $3,094. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,562 and $4,593 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,313 to $5,722.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Madison

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Madison, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $581 and $1,399. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,075 and $1,937. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,447 to $2,502. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

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

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Madison

A moving rental truck from Des Moines 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 $303 to $520. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $316 to $654, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Madison costs around $390 to $804.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 39% more expensive in Madison than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 91% steeper in Madison compared to Des Moines.
• Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Madison than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Madison, with the cost of living for a single person being 21% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Madison, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 25% higher than in Des Moines.
• Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 44%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 21% cheaper in Madison compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 74% more in Wisconsin than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Madison’s population is about 61% less than Des Moines.
• Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Madison is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Madison’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 34.57 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 65.43 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines 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.