($1,613) Movers From Oakland, CA to Madison, WI

What to know before moving from Oakland to Madison

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

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

• Rent prices in Madison are 27% lower than in Oakland, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
  Home prices in Madison are 50.0% lower than in Oakland.
• Income in Madison is 33.3% lower than in Oakland, 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 27.1% lower than in Oakland. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Madison is 36.4% lower than in Oakland.
• The unemployment rate in Madison is 26.67% lower than in Oakland.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the city’s sales taxes in Madison are 46.34% lower than in Oakland.
• One perk of moving to Madison is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.48% lower than in Oakland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,185.63 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Oakland.

How life is different in Oakland vs. Madison

• Madison's population is about 39% less than Oakland.
• Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Oakland's higher score of 8.
• Madison is less walkable than Oakland with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Oakland's 75 out of 100.
• Both Madison and Oakland have the same bike-friendliness score of 65 out of 100, meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Oakland. 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 Oakland with a score of 34.57 compared to Oakland's 68.62. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Oakland neighborhoods are safer than 68.62%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than Oakland with a safety index of 65.43 vs Oakland's 31.38.
• Air quality in Madison is good, and in Oakland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Oakland 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, 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 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.

Helpful moving resources