Factors that influence moving costs from Fort Wayne to Madisontoggle

The cost of Fort Wayne movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Fort Wayne to Madison might cost as little as $1,034, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $5,896.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Fort Wayne, 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 $383 to $934. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Fort Wayne to Madison

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

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

Fort Wayne Madison
Average rent cost $1,163 $1,600
Average home value $227,803 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $53,978 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,600 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,150 $5,457
Unemployment rate 5.1% 3.3%
Sales tax 7.0% 5.5%
State income tax 3.15% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 38% higher than in Fort Wayne, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Fort Wayne.
    Home prices in Madison are 61.5% higher than in Fort Wayne.
  • Income in Madison is 16.6% higher than in Fort Wayne, 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.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 11.8% lower than in Fort Wayne. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™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 73.2% higher than in Fort Wayne.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 35.29% lower than in Fort Wayne.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 21.43% lower than in Fort Wayne.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 142.86% higher than in Fort Wayne.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,644.62 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Fort Wayne.

How life is different in Fort Wayne vs. Madison

Madison Fort Wayne
Population 269,840 265,974
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 50 32
Bike friendliness score 66 41
Crime Index 34.57 40.9
Safety Index 65.43 59.1
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about the same as Fort Wayne.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Fort Wayne's lower score of 3.
  • Madison is more walkable than Fort Wayne with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Fort Wayne's 32 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Fort Wayne, which has a score of 41 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 Fort Wayne with a score of 34.57 compared to Fort Wayne's 40.9. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Fort Wayne with a safety index of 65.43 vs Fort Wayne's 59.1.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Fort Wayne it's good.

Other things to consider for your Fort Wayne 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

  • Fitchburg
  • Maple Bluff
  • Monona
  • Columbus
  • Sun Prairie

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, 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.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Fort Wayne to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Wayne to Madison?

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

The 307-mile journey from Fort Wayne, IN to Madison, WI typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Fort Wayne 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