Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Sacramento to Madison typically costs $3,800–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,997 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Sacramento to Madison
Moving from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI typically costs $3,800–$8,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,997-mile move from Sacramento to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,546 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,308 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $7,949 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 25, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 23, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 21, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 11, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Sacramento to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Sacramento to Madison may only cost $2,600, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $12,800.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Sacramento.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,300–$3,500), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Sacramento, CA guide.
Best Sacramento to Madison movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Sacramento to Madison
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Sacramento to Madison. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 372 California moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Sacramento to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Sacramento - roughly 14% less for singles and 12% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,656 in Sacramento. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $6,191.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Sacramento | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,080 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,540 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $476,699 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,954 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,656 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,191 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.7% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.75% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 16% less expensive in Madison than in Sacramento, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 23% cheaper in Madison than in Sacramento.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 20% less in Madison than in Sacramento.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person there is 14% below that of Sacramento.
- A move to Madison can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower compared to Sacramento.
- Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Sacramento by about 57%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 37% cheaper in Madison compared to Sacramento. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 42% less in Wisconsin compared to California, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Sacramento versus Madison:
| Living Expense | Sacramento | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $356.80 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.14 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.58 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.27 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $47.08 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Sacramento than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Sacramento than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Sacramento than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Sacramento than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Sacramento than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Sacramento than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Sacramento than in Madison.
How life is different in Sacramento vs. Madison
| Sacramento | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 524,943 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 49 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 66 |
| Crime index | 49.21 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 50.79 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison's population is about 49% less than Sacramento.
- Madison's public transportation score is within about 5% of Sacramento, making them very similar.
- Madison and Sacramento are similarly walkable.
- Both Madison and Sacramento have similar bike-friendliness scores (67 vs 66), meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Sacramento. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than Sacramento with a score of 34.57 compared to Sacramento's 49.21. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sacramento neighborhoods are safer than 49.21%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Sacramento with a safety index of 65.43 vs Sacramento's 50.79.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Sacramento it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Sacramento to Madison move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Wisconsin, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Madison
With your sights set on Mad City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Madison. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers like 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Sacramento to Madison?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Sacramento to Madison. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Sacramento.
When is the cheapest time to move from Sacramento to Madison?
Want to save on your move from Sacramento to Madison? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Sacramento to Madison take?
The 1,997-mile move from Sacramento, CA, to Madison, WI, takes five to 16 days. Some Sacramento movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Madison.
What kinds of discounts do Sacramento movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Sacramento, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Sacramento?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Sacramento provide piano moving services. 17 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
