Factors that influence moving costs from Sacramento to Madisontoggle

The cost of Sacramento movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Sacramento to Madison might cost as little as $1,472, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $12,694.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Sacramento, which often leads to higher prices from moving companies.
  • DIY vs. full-service: Renting a truck or using a container can be more affordable, with truck rentals ranging from $1,418 to $3,567. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Sacramento to Madison

Moving from Sacramento 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 Sacramento than in Madison, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

Sacramento Madison
Average rent cost $1,899 $1,600
Average home value $476,699 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $78,954 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,656 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,191 $5,457
Unemployment rate 7.7% 3.3%
Sales tax 8.75% 5.5%
State income tax 13.3% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 16% lower than in Sacramento, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
    Home prices in Madison are 22.8% lower than in Sacramento.
  • Income in Madison is 20.3% lower than in Sacramento, 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 13.7% lower than in Sacramento. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 11.9% lower than in Sacramento.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 57.14% lower than in Sacramento.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 37.14% lower than in Sacramento.
  • One perk of moving to Madison is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.48% lower than in Sacramento.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,588.86 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Sacramento.

How life is different in Sacramento vs. Madison

Madison Sacramento
Population 269,840 524,943
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 6
Walkability score 50 49
Bike friendliness score 66 67
Crime Index 34.57 49.21
Safety Index 65.43 50.79
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Madison's population is about 49% less than Sacramento.
  • Madison's public transportation has a similar score to Sacramento.
  • Madison and Sacramento are similarily walkable.
  • Both Madison and Sacramento have the same bike-friendliness score of 67 out of 100, meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Sacramento. 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 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 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, itโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Middleton
  • Monona
  • 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, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Madison, such as the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens โ€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at 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 Sacramento to Madison?

Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Sacramento to Madison. Youโ€™ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Sacramento.

When is the cheapest time to move from Sacramento to Madison?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Sacramento 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 Sacramento to Madison take?

The 1,993-mile journey from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI typically takes five to 16 days. Some movers in Sacramento 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.

Helpful moving resources