$1,340 Movers From California to Wisconsin

The cost to move from California to Wisconsin averages from $1,411 to $7,514 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Wisconsin to California guide.

Moving from California to Wisconsin resources

Moving 2,169 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best California to Wisconsin movers

Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Wisconsin is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Wisconsin.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
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(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
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(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
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(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
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(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from California to Wisconsin?

The table below lays out average cost ranges when moving from California to Wisconsin for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,340 - $5,364 $1,316 - $3,262 $1,240 - $2,542
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,756 - $7,514 $2,252 - $4,742 $1,411 - $3,027
4+ bedrooms $6,776 - $11,454 $3,120 - $5,915 $1,782 - $3,673
get a quote

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,169 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Wisconsin will depend on these factors:

  • Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
  • Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Wisconsin?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Wisconsin will cost between $1,340 to $5,364. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to WI will range from $3,756 to $7,514, and a large move from California to Wisconsin will cost from $6,776 to $11,454.

How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Wisconsin?

Moving containers from California to Wisconsin will cost you $1,316 to $3,262 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,252 to $4,742. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $3,120 to $5,915. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.

How much is a moving truck from California to Wisconsin?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor; these estimates include the estimated fuel cost:

Moving a studio or 1-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,240 to $2,542. A larger move will cost $1,411 to $3,027, and a 4+ bedroom move from California to Wisconsin costs from $1,782 to $3,673.

Is moving from California to Wisconsin a good idea?

If you’re moving to Wisconsin from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of Living: California vs Wisconsin

California Wisconsin
Average rent cost $1,586 $856
Average home cost $746,055 $250,257
Average income (per capita) $91,905 $63,293
Cost of Living Index 100 97
Unemployment rate 4.8% 4.1%
Average Sales Tax 8.68% 5.43%
State Income Tax 13.3% 7.65%
  • Rent is about 46% less expensive in Wisconsin than in California.
  • Home prices are about 66.5% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
  • The average income is about 31.1% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
  • Cost of living is 3.0% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
  • Wisconsin has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 14.6%.
  • Sales taxes are 37.44% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
  • Income taxes are 42.48% lower in Wisconsin than in California.

How is life different in Wisconsin from California?

Wisconsin California
Population 5,895,908 39,029,342
Political leaning Democratic 50-49 Democratic 63-34
Summer High 81ºF 87ºF
Winter Low 7ºF 59ºF
Annual Rain 34" 22"
Annual Snow 48" 7"
Crime Index 17.9 27.88
  • The population of Wisconsin is approximately 85% lower than the population of California.
  • In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Democratic and California voted Democratic.
  • The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
  • You can expect about 34 inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin vs 22 inches of rainfall in California.
  • In Wisconsin, it snows about 48 inches annually vs 7 inches of snow in California.
  • Wisconsin has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 27.88 vs 17.9.

Comparing the pros of California vs. Wisconsin:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California vs Wisconsin side-by-side.

Pros of living in California Pros of living in Wisconsin
Ample economic opportunity Low cost of living
Pleasant weather High quality of life
Abundant recreational options Abundant outdoor recreational activities
High quality of life Unique tasty food
Fresh and healthy foods Borders great lakes

Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Wisconsin:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving California for Wisconsin.

Cons of living in California Cons of living in Wisconsin
High cost of living High tax burden
Heavy tax burdens Extreme seasonal weather
Natural disasters Lack of diversity
Terrible traffic Poor roads
Strange laws High rate of alcoholism

Considerations for moving to Wisconsin

  • Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
  • HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • 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 verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 forward to Wisconsin. Get started here.
  • Mover's Insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local California movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Meathead Movers Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
2905 Unicorn Rd, Bakersfield, CA, 93308
(661) 335-6191
All Star Movers & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
101 Dublin Blvd Suite F #517, Dublin, CA, 94568
(925) 905-9889

Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Things to do in Wisconsin

While you’re in Wisconsin, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state.

  • Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
  • Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
  • Door County
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
  • The Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
  • Circus World Museum, Baraboo
  • Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • EAA AirVenture Show And Museum, Oshkosh
  • Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
  • Taliesin Preservation
  • House on the Rock
  • Devil’s Lake State Park
  • National Railroad Museum
  • Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
  • Pattison State Park
  • Lake Minocqua
  • Wisconsin Great River Road
  • Bay Beach Amusement Park
  • Wisconsin Ice Age Trail

FAQs about moving from California to Wisconsin

What is the cheapest way to move from California to Wisconsin?

The cheapest way to move from California to Wisconsin is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.

What are the benefits of moving from California to Wisconsin?

The main reasons people are moving from California to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin such as low cost of living and high quality of life.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Wisconsin