Things to know before moving from Michigan to Madison, WI

Cost of living: Michigan vs Madison, WI

Michigan Madison
Average rent cost $1,037 $1,600
Average home value $245,716 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $68,505 $62,919
Unemployment rate 5% 3%
State income tax 4% 8%
  • Rent is about 54% more expensive in Madison than in Michigan.
  • Home prices are about 50% higher in Madison than in Michigan.
  • The average income is about 8% lower in Madison than in Michigan.
  • Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Michigan by about 30%.
  • Income taxes are 80% higher in Madison than in Michigan.

How life is different in Madison from Michigan

Madison Michigan
Population 269,840 10,037,261
Political leaning Democratic 76-23 Republican 49.7-48.3
Summer high 82ºF 81ºF
Winter low 10ºF 14ºF
Annual rain 36" 34"
Annual snow 42" 64"
Crime index 34.57 19.98
  • The population of Madison is approximately 97% lower than the population of Michigan.
  • In the last presidential election, Madison voted Democratic and Michigan voted Republican.
  • The average high in the summertime in Madison is 82ºF and in Michigan, it’s 81ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Madison reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Michigan gets down to 14ºF.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Madison vs 34 inches of rainfall in Michigan.
  • In Madison, it snows about 42 inches annually vs 64 inches of snow in Michigan.
  • Madison has a higher crime rate than Michigan with a crime index of 34.57 vs 19.98.

Things to do in Madison

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Madison.

Museums in Madisontoggle

  • Chazen Museum of Art
  • Madison Children's Museum
  • Wisconsin Veterans Museum
  • Wisconsin Historical Museum
  • University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
  • Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Washburn Observatory
  • Wisconsin Science Museum
  • Overture Center for the Arts

Parks in Madisontoggle

  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
  • Lake Mendota
  • Allen Centennial Gardens
  • Tenney Park
  • Vilas Park
  • Olin-Turville Park
  • Lake Monona Shoreline Run
  • Warner Park
  • Elver Park
  • Alumni Park
  • Owens Conservation Park
  • Ice Age National Scenic Trail
  • Lakeshore Nature Preserve at University of Wisconsin
  • Brittingham Park

Sports Teams in Madisontoggle

  • Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
  • Madison Mallards (Baseball)
  • Madison Radicals (AUDL)
  • Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
  • Forward Madison (USL League One)

Universities in Madisontoggle

  • Herzing University
  • Madison Area Technical College
  • Madison Media Institute
  • University of Phoenix–Madison Campus
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Other considerations when moving to Madison, WI

  • 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: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Wisconsin. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

FAQ

How long does a move from Michigan to Madison take?

The time frame for a move from Michigan to Madison, WI, varies based on your moving method and starting location. The actual loading up of your items should not take more than a day, even with DIY moves.

Obviously, the further upstate you are in Michigan, the longer the drive time to Madison will be. If you’re driving a rental truck, the move could be completed in one or two days, on average, depending on your route and how often you stop.

With professional movers or moving containers, delivery times to Madison from Michigan can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the company’s schedule and transit logistics. You can always ask for a general timeline before booking.

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Michigan to Madison?

Because of the 431-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Michigan to Madison as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Madison, WI?

With the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 10ºF, most people move to Madison from Michigan during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy moving seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Madison during summer or winter.

Helpful moving resources