Factors that influence moving costs from Wichita to Madisontoggle

The cost of Wichita movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Wichita to Madison might cost as little as $1,487, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,729.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Wichita, 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 $573 to $1,459. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Wichita to Madison

Moving from Wichita to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Wichita, itโ€™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:

Wichita Madison
Average rent cost $930 $1,600
Average home value $190,905 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $60,712 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,107 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,818 $5,457
Unemployment rate 5.9% 3.3%
Sales tax 7.5% 5.5%
State income tax 5.7% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 72% higher than in Wichita, 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 Wichita.
    Home prices in Madison are 92.7% higher than in Wichita.
  • Income in Madison is 3.6% higher than in Wichita, 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 8.8% higher than in Wichita. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 6.2% lower than in Wichita.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 44.07% lower than in Wichita.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 26.67% lower than in Wichita.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 34.21% higher than in Wichita.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,263.41 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Wichita.

How life is different in Wichita vs. Madison

Madison Wichita
Population 269,840 397,532
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 3
Walkability score 50 35
Bike friendliness score 66 44
Crime Index 34.57 49.19
Safety Index 65.43 50.81
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Madison's population is about 32% less than Wichita.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Wichita's lower score of 3.
  • Madison is more walkable than Wichita with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Wichita's 35 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Wichita, which has a score of 44 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 Wichita with a score of 34.57 compared to Wichita's 49.19. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Wichita neighborhoods are safer than 49.19%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Wichita with a safety index of 65.43 vs Wichita's 50.81.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Wichita it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Wichita 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
  • Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
  • 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.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Wisconsin doesn\โ€™t require moving permits, but it\โ€™s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
  • Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโ€™ll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Madison. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Madison

Ready to relocate to "Mad City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Madison.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Madison
  • Fitchburg
  • Maple Bluff
  • Lake Mills
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Madison

After getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, itโ€™s time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife โ€” thereโ€™s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art 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€” and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
  • Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Wichita to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Wichita to Madison?

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

The 678-mile journey from Wichita, KS to Madison, WI typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Wichita 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