Factors that influence moving costs from Mobile to Madison
What to know before moving from Mobile to Madison
Moving from Mobile to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Mobile, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Mobile | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $186,159 | $367,934 |
Average income (per capita) | $61,962 | $62,919 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,825 | $2,292 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,104 | $5,457 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 10.0% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 5.0% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 23% higher than in Mobile, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Mobile.
Home prices in Madison are 97.6% higher than in Mobile. - Income in Madison is 1.5% higher than in Mobile, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Madison include Datex Ohmeda, American Family Insurance, and Fairway Independent Mortgage.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Madison, since the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 25.6% higher than in Mobile. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 33.0% higher than in Mobile.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 46.77% lower than in Mobile.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโs sales taxes in Madison are 45.00% lower than in Mobile.
- State income taxes in Madison are 53.00% higher than in Mobile.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,767.67 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Mobile.
How life is different in Mobile vs. Madison
Madison | Mobile | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 187,041 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 50 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 34 |
Crime Index | 34.57 | 64.95 |
Safety Index | 65.43 | 35.05 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 44% greater than Mobile.
- Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Mobile's lower score of 3.
- Madison is more walkable than Mobile with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Mobile's 32 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Mobile, which has a score of 34 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than Mobile with a score of 34.57 compared to Mobile's 64.95. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Mobile neighborhoods are safer than 64.95%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Mobile with a safety index of 65.43 vs Mobile's 35.05.
- Air quality in Madison is good, and in Mobile it's good.
Other things to consider for your Mobile vs. Madison move
- Weather: August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: 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, itโs 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 verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
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
- Shorewood Hills
- Maple Bluff
- Columbus
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Once youโre settled into your new home in Wisconsin, itโs time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Madison features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens โ among other spots โ perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA), Madison Mallards (Baseball), Madison Radicals (AUDL), or Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Mobile to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Mobile to Madison. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Mobile.
When is the cheapest time to move from Mobile to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Mobile 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 Mobile to Madison take?
The 1,003-mile journey from Mobile, AL to Madison, WI typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Mobile offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Madison.