Factors that influence moving costs from Baton Rouge to Madisontoggle

The cost of Baton Rouge movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Baton Rouge to Madison might cost as little as $1,445, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,462.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Baton Rouge, 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 $772 to $1,940. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Baton Rouge to Madison

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

Baton Rouge Madison
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,600
Average home value $213,584 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $60,369 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $1,638 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,941 $5,457
Unemployment rate 7.5% 3.3%
Sales tax 9.5% 5.5%
State income tax 4.25% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 28% higher than in Baton Rouge, 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 Baton Rouge.
    Home prices in Madison are 72.3% higher than in Baton Rouge.
  • Income in Madison is 4.2% higher than in Baton Rouge, 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 39.9% higher than in Baton Rouge. 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 38.5% higher than in Baton Rouge.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 56.00% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 42.11% lower than in Baton Rouge.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 80.00% higher than in Baton Rouge.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,197.80 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Baton Rouge.

How life is different in Baton Rouge vs. Madison

Madison Baton Rouge
Population 269,840 222,191
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 4
Walkability score 50 39
Bike friendliness score 66 44
Crime Index 34.57 2.0
Safety Index 65.43 30.74
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 21% greater than Baton Rouge.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Baton Rouge's lower score of 4.
  • Madison is more walkable than Baton Rouge with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Baton Rouge's 39 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Baton Rouge, 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 higher than Baton Rouge with a score of 34.57 compared to Baton Rouge's 2.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Baton Rouge neighborhoods are safer than 2.0%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Baton Rouge with a safety index of 65.43 vs Baton Rouge's 30.74.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Baton Rouge it's good.

Other things to consider for your Baton Rouge 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

  • Middleton
  • 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 Baton Rouge to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Baton Rouge to Madison?

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

The 1,023-mile journey from Baton Rouge, LA to Madison, WI typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Baton Rouge 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