Factors that influence moving costs from Tucson to Madisontoggle

The cost of Tucson movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Tucson to Madison might cost as little as $1,517, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $11,341.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Tucson, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,211 to $3,182. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Tucson to Madison

Moving from Tucson to Madison means adjusting to a different pace of life โ€” and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Tucson than in Madison, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how Tucson compares to Madison so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Tucson Madison
Average rent cost $1,295 $1,600
Average home value $327,203 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $61,749 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,390 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,043 $5,457
Unemployment rate 7.4% 3.3%
Sales tax 8.7% 5.5%
State income tax 2.5% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 24% higher than in Tucson, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Tucson.
    Home prices in Madison are 12.4% higher than in Tucson.
  • Income in Madison is 1.9% higher than in Tucson, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 4.1% lower than in Tucson. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 9.7% lower than in Tucson.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 55.41% lower than in Tucson.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 36.78% lower than in Tucson.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 206.00% higher than in Tucson.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,876.99 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Tucson.

How life is different in Tucson vs. Madison

Madison Tucson
Population 269,840 542,629
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 50 43
Bike friendliness score 66 66
Crime Index 34.57 54.43
Safety Index 65.43 45.57
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 50% less than Tucson.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Tucson's lower score of 5.
  • Madison is more walkable than Tucson with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Tucson's 43 out of 100.
  • Both Madison and Tucson have the same bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Tucson. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Tucson with a score of 34.57 compared to Tucson's 54.43. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Tucson neighborhoods are safer than 54.43%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Tucson with a safety index of 65.43 vs Tucson's 45.57.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Tucson it's good.

Other things to consider for your Tucson 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, itโ€™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 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

  • Madison
  • Shorewood Hills
  • Middleton
  • Fitchburg
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Dudgeon-Monroe
  • Hill Farms-University
  • Maple-Prairie
  • Westmorland
  • Wexford

Things to do in Madison

After getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, itโ€™s time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • 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, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens โ€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at 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 Tucson to Madison?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Tucson to Madison. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Tucson.

When is the cheapest time to move from Tucson to Madison?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Tucson 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 Tucson to Madison take?

The 1,683-mile journey from Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI typically takes four to 15 days. Some movers in Tucson 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.

Helpful moving resources