Factors that influence moving costs from St. Paul to Madisontoggle

The cost of St. Paul movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from St. Paul to Madison might cost as little as $1,085, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $6,470.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in St. Paul, 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 $353 to $845. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from St. Paul to Madison

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

Check out how St. Paul compares to Madison so you know what to expect before you relocate:

St. Paul Madison
Average rent cost $1,350 $1,600
Average home value $278,221 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $63,483 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $3,633 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,290 $5,457
Unemployment rate 4.9% 3.3%
Sales tax 9.88% 5.5%
State income tax 9.85% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 19% higher than in St. Paul, 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 St. Paul.
    Home prices in Madison are 32.2% higher than in St. Paul.
  • Income is the same in Madison and St. Paul. 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 36.9% lower than in St. Paul. 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 27.2% higher than in St. Paul.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 32.65% lower than in St. Paul.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 44.33% lower than in St. Paul.
  • One perk of moving to Madison is paying less in state income taxes, which are 22.34% lower than in St. Paul.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,892.65 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in St. Paul.

How life is different in St. Paul vs. Madison

Madison St. Paul
Population 269,840 303,176
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 50 60
Bike friendliness score 66 64
Crime Index 34.57 50.86
Safety Index 65.43 49.14
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 11% less than St. Paul.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus St. Paul's higher score of 8.
  • Madison is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 50 out of 100 vs St. Paul's 60 out of 100.
  • Both Madison and St. Paul have the same bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as St. Paul. Typically, cities that have scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though the higher the score, the more safely accessible a city is for bicycling.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 34.57 compared to St. Paul's 50.86. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 65.43 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in St. Paul it's good.

Other things to consider for your St. Paul 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

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Maple Bluff
  • Columbus
  • Sun Prairie
  • Lake Mills

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Madison

Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin, itโ€™s the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, thereโ€™s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

  • Arts and culture: Youโ€™ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Madison, such as 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€” along with other locations, ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
  • Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 St. Paul to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Madison?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Madison take?

The 262-mile journey from St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI typically takes one to four days. Some movers in St. Paul 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