Top local movers for Fresno to Madison moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Fresno that also provides long-distance services to Madison can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed 10 local movers in Fresno who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Fresno to Madison.
- Meathead Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- Colonial Van & Storage: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- Courtesy Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Master Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 0189849
Years in Business: 27
DOT #: 921143
Alternate Names: Meathead Movers, Inc. , Princess Packers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0099536
Years in Business: 54
DOT #: 2973
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
State license #: 191184
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 3119841
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0192505
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: 4G International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 190355
Years in Business: 0
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Fresno to Madison?
Movers in California generally charge an average of $128 per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,212 – $4,684 | $1,193 – $2,955 | $1,157 – $2,301 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,399 – $7,488 | $2,081 – $4,161 | $1,240 – $2,738 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,309 – $11,401 | $2,910 – $5,967 | $1,580 – $3,420 |
Cost to hire movers from Fresno to Madison
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Fresno to Madison typically costs between $1,212 and $4,684. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,399 and $7,488 when moving from Fresno to Madison. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Fresno to Madison, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,309 up to $11,401.
Cost of moving containers from Fresno to Madison
If you’re relocating from Fresno to Madison, you’ll typically spend between $1,193 and $2,955 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,081 up to $4,161. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,910 and $5,967. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from California.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Fresno to Madison
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Fresno to Madison move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,157 and $2,301. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,240 to $2,738. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,580 and $3,420.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Fresno to Madison
The cost of Fresno movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Fresno to Madison might be as low as $2,599, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,543.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Fresno.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $1,157 to $2,911 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Fresno to Madison
Overall, Fresno and Madison land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,292 in Madison and $2,277 in Fresno, while families in Madison see $5,457 versus $5,358 in Madison.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Fresno | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,590 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,410 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $381,180 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,001 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,277 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,358 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.09% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.98% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- Switching from Fresno to Madison won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- The home prices in Madison and Fresno differ by less than 5%, so there’s no need for a change in your mortgage funding unless you’re considering a larger residence.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Madison and Fresno, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Madison and Fresno, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- The cost of living for a family remains roughly the same between Madison and Fresno, varying by only about 5%, so you likely won’t notice a significant change in expenses.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 53% lower than Fresno, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 31% lower in Madison than Fresno, 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 Fresno and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Fresno | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $317.73 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.33 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.29 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.66 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $73.33 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fresno than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fresno than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Fresno than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Fresno than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Fresno than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fresno than in Madison.
- Gym memberships cost more in Fresno than in Madison.
How life is different in Fresno vs. Madison
| Fresno | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 542,107 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 66 |
| Crime index | 56.85 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 43.15 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 50% less than Fresno.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Fresno’s score of 5.
- Madison is more walkable than Fresno with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Fresno’s 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Fresno, which has a score of 58 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison’s crime rate is lower than Fresno with a score of 34.57 compared to Fresno’s 56.85. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fresno neighborhoods are safer than 56.85%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Fresno with a safety index of 65.43 vs Fresno’s 43.15.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Fresno it’s Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Fresno 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 Fresno to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fresno to Madison. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fresno.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fresno to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from Fresno 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 Fresno to Madison take?
Covering 2,093 miles, the move from Fresno, CA to Madison, typically takes six to 17 days. Some Fresno movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Fresno can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Fresno, 8 movers can handle pianos. 3 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CA, there are 297 piano movers and 227 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Fresno moving services
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