Factors that influence moving costs from Lexington to Madisontoggle

The cost of Lexington movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Lexington to Madison might cost as little as $1,427, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,087.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Lexington, 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 $518 to $1,190. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Lexington to Madison

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

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

Lexington Madison
Average rent cost $1,345 $1,600
Average home value $309,021 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $61,526 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $3,100 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,170 $5,457
Unemployment rate 4.3% 3.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 5.5%
State income tax 4.0% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 19% higher than in Lexington, 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 Lexington.
    Home prices in Madison are 19.1% higher than in Lexington.
  • Income in Madison is 2.3% higher than in Lexington, 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 26.1% lower than in Lexington. 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 30.9% higher than in Lexington.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 23.26% lower than in Lexington.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 8.33% lower than in Lexington.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 91.25% higher than in Lexington.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,218.06 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Lexington.

How life is different in Lexington vs. Madison

Madison Lexington
Population 269,840 320,347
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 50 90
Bike friendliness score 66 85
Crime Index 34.57 50.88
Safety Index 65.43 49.12
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 16% less than Lexington.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Lexington's lower score of 4.
  • Madison is less walkable than Lexington with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Lexington's 90 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 Lexington, which has a score of 85 out of 100.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Lexington with a score of 34.57 compared to Lexington's 50.88. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Lexington neighborhoods are safer than 50.88%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Lexington with a safety index of 65.43 vs Lexington's 49.12.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Lexington it's good.

Other things to consider for your Lexington 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
  • Shorewood Hills
  • Maple Bluff
  • Monona
  • Lake Mills

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Madison

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Wisconsin, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Madison features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Lexington to Madison?

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

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

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

The 513-mile journey from Lexington, KY to Madison, WI typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Lexington 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