Factors influencing moving costs from Des Moines to Madisontoggle

The cost of Des Moines movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Des Moines to Madison can be as low as $1,088 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $6,438.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Des Moines, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $379 to $850. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Des Moines to Madison

Des Moines Madison
Average rent cost $1,150 $1,600
Average home value $192,347 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $58,492 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $1,891 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,380 $5,457
Unemployment rate 5.9% 3.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 5.5%
State income tax 4.4% 7.65%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Madison are 39% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Home prices in Madison are 91.3% higher than in Des Moines.
  • Income in Madison is 7.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 21.2% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 24.6% higher than in Des Moines.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 44.07% lower than in Des Moines.
  • Sales taxes in Madison are 21.43% lower than in Des Moines.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 73.86% higher than in Des Moines.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,636.17 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Des Moines.

How life is different in Des Moines vs. Madison

Madison Des Moines
Population 269,840 699,292
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 50 45
Bike friendliness score 66 39
Crime Index 34.57 5.0
Safety Index 65.43 57.8
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Madison's population is about 61% less than Des Moines.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Des Moines's higher score of 5.
  • Madison is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Madison's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 34.57 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 65.43 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Des Moines it's good.

Other things to consider for your Des Moines 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 singlestoggle

  • Madison
  • Shorewood Hills
  • Middleton
  • Fitchburg
  • Maple Bluff
  • Monona
  • Columbus
  • Sun Prairie
  • Lake Mills
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Dudgeon-Monroe
  • Hill Farms-University
  • Maple-Prairie
  • Westmorland
  • Wexford

Things to do in Madisontoggle

After settling into your new Wisconsin home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Madison has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re 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 cityโ€™s 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.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Des Moines to Madison?

The best time to move from Des Moines to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Des Moines.

When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Madison?

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

How long does a move from Des Moines to Madison take?

The 288-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Madison, WI, takes one to four days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Madison.

Helpful moving resources

Des Moines moving services

Popular Iowa routes

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