($1,469) Movers From Columbus, GA to Madison, WI

What to know before moving from Columbus to Madison

Moving from Columbus to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities — but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Columbus, it’s 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:

• Rent prices in Madison are 46% higher than in Columbus, which means you’ll have less money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Columbus.
  Home prices in Madison are 133.1% higher than in Columbus.
• Income in Madison is 24.5% higher than in Columbus, so you could earn more 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 12.3% higher than in Columbus. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• If you’re moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 42.3% higher than in Columbus.
• The unemployment rate in Madison is 37.74% lower than in Columbus.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the city’s sales taxes in Madison are 38.89% lower than in Columbus.
• State income taxes in Madison are 39.34% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,368.94 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Madison

• Madison's population is about 30% greater than Columbus.
• Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Columbus's lower score of 2.
• Madison is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Columbus's 25 out of 100.
• With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 31 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Madison's crime rate is lower than Columbus with a score of 34.57 compared to Columbus's 72.18. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 72.18%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than Columbus with a safety index of 65.43 vs Columbus's 27.82.
• Air quality in Madison is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus 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