Factors that influence moving costs from Fort Collins to Madison
What to know before moving from Fort Collins to Madison
Moving from Fort Collins to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Fort Collins, itโs important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Fort Collins | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,750 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $543,093 | $367,934 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,728 | $62,919 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,140 | $2,292 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,795 | $5,457 |
Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 7.55% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 5.49% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 9% lower than in Fort Collins, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
Home prices in Madison are 32.3% lower than in Fort Collins. - Income in Madison is 2.8% lower than in Fort Collins, 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.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Madison, since the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 7.1% higher than in Fort Collins. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 13.8% higher than in Fort Collins.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 41.07% lower than in Fort Collins.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโs sales taxes in Madison are 27.15% lower than in Fort Collins.
- State income taxes in Madison are 39.34% higher than in Fort Collins.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,213.08 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fort Collins.
How life is different in Fort Collins vs. Madison
Madison | Fort Collins | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 169,810 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 50 | 37 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 78 |
Crime Index | 34.57 | 17.0 |
Safety Index | 65.43 | 72.86 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 59% greater than Fort Collins.
- Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Fort Collins's lower score of 4.
- Madison is more walkable than Fort Collins with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Fort Collins's 37 out of 100.
- Madison has a bike-friendliness score 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Fort Collins, which has a score of 78 out of 100.
- Madison's crime rate is higher than Fort Collins with a score of 34.57 compared to Fort Collins's 17.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0%.
- Madison is considered to be less safe than Fort Collins with a score of 65.43 vs Fort Collins's 72.86.
- Air quality in Madison is good, and in Fort Collins it's good.
Other things to consider for your Fort Collins 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, itโs 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
- Middleton
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Lake Mills
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
After settling into your new Wisconsin home, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Madison has lots to offer, no matter what youโre interested in:
- 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, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens โ among other sites โ are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Fort Collins to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fort Collins to Madison. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fort Collins.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Collins to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins to Madison take?
The 933-mile journey from Fort Collins, CO to Madison, WI typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Fort Collins 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.