Modesto, CA to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Modesto to Madison typically costs $3,800–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,070 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Modesto to Madison
Moving from Modesto, CA to Madison, WI typically costs $3,800–$8,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,070-mile move from Modesto to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,008 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,135 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $7,826 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 03, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 07, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 29, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 08, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Nov 27, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Modesto to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,700, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $13,100.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Modesto, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,300–$3,800) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Modesto, CA guide.
Best Modesto to Madison movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Modesto to Madison
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Modesto to Madison, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best CA→WI movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Modesto to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Modesto - roughly 1% less for singles and 8% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,312 in Modesto. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $5,946.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Modesto | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,446 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,467 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $442,362 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $67,011 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,312 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,946 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.88% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- If you're heading to Madison from Modesto, you'll find that rent is roughly 11% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 17% less in Madison than in Modesto.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Madison compared to Modesto.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Madison and Modesto, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- Choosing to move to Madison can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 8% less than in Modesto.
- Madison enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 59% lower compared to Modesto, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 38% in Madison compared to Modesto, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 42% less in Wisconsin than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Modesto and Madison:
| Living Expense | Modesto | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $229.35 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $62.91 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $5.67 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.61 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $41.33 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Modesto than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Modesto than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Modesto than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Modesto than in Madison.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Modesto than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Modesto than in Madison.
How life is different in Modesto vs. Madison
| Modesto | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 218,464 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 48 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 48 | 66 |
| Crime index | 65.76 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 34.24 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison's population is about 24% greater than Modesto.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Modesto's score of 5.
- Madison and Modesto are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Modesto, which has a score of 48 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 Modesto with a score of 34.57 compared to Modesto's 65.76. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Modesto neighborhoods are safer than 65.76%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Modesto with a safety index of 65.43 vs Modesto's 34.24.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Modesto it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Modesto to Madison move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Wisconsin doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Madison. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
- 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Wisconsin, it's time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Madison, such as the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Modesto to Madison?
The best time to move from Modesto to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Modesto.
When is the cheapest time to move from Modesto to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Modesto 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 Modesto to Madison take?
Moving from Modesto, CA to Madison, WI covers 2,070 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Modesto movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Madison.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Modesto?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 10 movers in Modesto advertise piano moving expertise. 5 movers in Modesto provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
