Factors that influence moving costs from Irvine to Madison
What to know before moving from Irvine to Madison
Moving from Irvine 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 Irvine than in Madison, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Irvine compares to Madison so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Irvine | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $4,000 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $1,561,760 | $367,934 |
Average income (per capita) | $114,027 | $62,919 |
Cost of living (single person) | $9,167 | $2,292 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $18,000 | $5,457 |
Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 7.75% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 60% lower than in Irvine, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
Home prices in Madison are 76.4% lower than in Irvine. - Income in Madison is 44.8% lower than in Irvine, so you could earn less 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 75.0% lower than in Irvine. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Madison is 69.7% lower than in Irvine.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 38.89% lower than in Irvine.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโs sales taxes in Madison are 29.03% lower than in Irvine.
- One perk of moving to Madison is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.48% lower than in Irvine.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $750.08 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Irvine.
How life is different in Irvine vs. Madison
Madison | Irvine | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 307,670 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 50 | 43 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 69 |
Crime Index | 34.57 | 31.01 |
Safety Index | 65.43 | 68.99 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 12% less than Irvine.
- Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Irvine's lower score of 4.
- Madison is more walkable than Irvine with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Irvine's 43 out of 100.
- Both Madison and Irvine have the same bike-friendliness score of 69 out of 100, meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Irvine. 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 and Irvine have a similar crime rate.
- Madison and Irvine are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Madison is good, and in Irvine it's good.
Other things to consider for your Irvine 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
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Columbus
- Lake Mills
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 Irvine to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Irvine to Madison. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Irvine.
When is the cheapest time to move from Irvine to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Irvine 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 Irvine to Madison take?
The 1,971-mile journey from Irvine, CA to Madison, WI typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Irvine 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.