Factors that influence moving costs from Boston to Madison
What to know before moving from Boston to Madison
Moving from Boston 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 Boston than in Madison, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Boston compares to Madison so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Boston | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $3,400 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $739,121 | $367,934 |
Average income (per capita) | $89,212 | $62,919 |
Cost of living (single person) | $4,820 | $2,292 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $11,304 | $5,457 |
Unemployment rate | 6.2% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 6.25% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 9.0% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 53% lower than in Boston, which means youโll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
Home prices in Madison are 50.2% lower than in Boston. - Income in Madison is 29.5% lower than in Boston, so you could earn less 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 52.4% lower than in Boston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Madison is 51.7% lower than in Boston.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 46.77% lower than in Boston.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโs sales taxes in Madison are 12.00% lower than in Boston.
- One perk of moving to Madison is paying less in state income taxes, which are 15.00% lower than in Boston.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,426.56 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Boston.
How life is different in Boston vs. Madison
Madison | Boston | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 675,647 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 9 |
Walkability score | 50 | 98 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 86 |
Crime Index | 34.57 | 39.88 |
Safety Index | 65.43 | 60.12 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 60% less than Boston.
- Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Boston's higher score of 9.
- Madison is less walkable than Boston with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Boston's 98 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 Boston, which has a score of 86 out of 100.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than Boston with a score of 34.57 compared to Boston's 39.88. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Boston neighborhoods are safer than 39.88%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Boston with a safety index of 65.43 vs Boston's 60.12.
- Air quality in Madison is good, and in Boston it's good.
Other things to consider for your Boston 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, itโs 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\โt require moving permits, but it\โs 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. Youโll 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
- Middleton
- Maple Bluff
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
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, youโll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Madison has lots to offer, no matter what youโre 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 cityโs 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 Boston to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Boston to Madison. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Boston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Boston to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Boston 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 Boston to Madison take?
The 1,133-mile journey from Boston, MA to Madison, WI typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Boston 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.