$1,326 Movers From San Francisco to Madison

Quick Answer: The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI averages from $1,329 to $7,479 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service San Francisco moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Madison, WI.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Madison to San Francisco guide.

Moving from San Francisco to Madison resources

Moving 2,091 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from San Francisco to Madison?

San Francisco movers charge $150 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,326 - $5,230 $1,253 - $3,164 $1,178 - $2,512
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,392 - $7,479 $2,076 - $4,640 $1,329 - $2,762
4+ bedrooms $6,426 - $11,743 $2,966 - $6,329 $1,643 - $3,454
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,091 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from San Francisco to Madison will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Francisco, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from San Francisco to Madison?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from San Francisco to Madison will cost between $1,326 to $5,230. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,392 to $7,479, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from San Francisco to Madison will cost from $6,426 to $11,743.

How much are moving container companies from San Francisco to Madison?

Moving containers from San Francisco to Madison will cost you $1,253 to $3,164 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,076 to $4,640. A larger home will cost $2,966 to $6,329.

How much is a moving truck from San Francisco to Madison?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,178 to $2,512. A larger move will cost $1,329 to $2,762, and a four-bedroom move from San Francisco to Madison costs from $1,643 to $3,454. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best San Francisco to Madison moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from San Francisco to Madison is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving San Francisco to Madison.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from San Francisco to Madison

Cost of living: San Francisco vs Madison

San Francisco Madison
Average rent cost $3,220 $1,600
Average home value $1,234,246 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $126,187 $62,919
Cost of Living (single person) $3,840 $2,292
Cost of Living (family of 4) $8,998 $5,457
Unemployment rate 5.4% 3.3%
Sales Tax 8.63% 5.5%
State Income Tax 13.3% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 50% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Home prices in Madison are 70.2% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Income in Madison is 50.1% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 40.3% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 39.4% lower than in San Francisco.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 38.89% lower than in San Francisco.
  • Sales taxes in Madison are 36.27% lower than in San Francisco.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 42.48% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $1,790.63 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How is life different in San Francisco compared to Madison?

Madison San Francisco
Population 269,840 808,437
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 10
Walkability score 50 99
Bike friendliness score 66 99
Crime Index 34.57 54.33
Safety Index 65.43 37.9
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Madison's population is about 67% less than San Francisco.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus San Francisco's lower score of 10.
  • Madison is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 50 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
  • Madison is less bike-friendly than San Francisco with a score of 66 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than San Francisco with a score of 34.57 compared to San Francisco's 54.33. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 54.33%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than San Francisco with a safety index of 65.43 vs San Francisco's 37.9.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Madison

  • 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.

Local San Francisco movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Gentle Giant Moving Company Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
361 Swift Ave, South San Francisco, CA, 94080
(415) 544-7000
Good Green Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1355 Market Street Suite 488, San Francisco, CA, 94103
(855) 613-4663

Visit our best long distance movers in San Francisco page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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

What to do in Madison

These are some of the best things to do in your new Wisconsin home.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Estate
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace
  • University of Wisconsin's Memorial Union Terrace
  • Chazen Museum of Art
  • The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
  • Henry Vilas Zoo
  • University of Wisconsin: Arboretum and Geology Museum
  • Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Get your sports on!

Madison is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
  • Madison Mallards (Baseball)
  • Madison Radicals (AUDL)
  • Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
  • Forward Madison (USL League One)

FAQs about moving from San Francisco to Madison

When is the best time to move from San Francisco to Madison?

The best time to move from San Francisco to Madison is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 10ºF in Madison.

When is the cheapest time to move from San Francisco to Madison?

Because most people are moving from San Francisco to Madison in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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Learn more about Madison