Factors that influence moving costs from Jersey City to Madisontoggle

The cost of Jersey City movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Jersey City to Madison might cost as little as $1,261, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,183.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Jersey City, 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 $766 to $1,789. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Jersey City to Madison

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

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

Jersey City Madison
Average rent cost $2,975 $1,600
Average home value $589,419 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $75,265 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $4,397 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $9,861 $5,457
Unemployment rate 8.3% 3.3%
Sales tax 6.63% 5.5%
State income tax 10.7% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 46% lower than in Jersey City, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
    Home prices in Madison are 37.6% lower than in Jersey City.
  • Income in Madison is 16.4% lower than in Jersey City, 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 47.9% lower than in Jersey City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 44.7% lower than in Jersey City.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 60.24% lower than in Jersey City.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 17.04% lower than in Jersey City.
  • One perk of moving to Madison is paying less in state income taxes, which are 28.50% lower than in Jersey City.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,563.79 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Jersey City.

How life is different in Jersey City vs. Madison

Madison Jersey City
Population 269,840 292,449
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 50 87
Bike friendliness score 66 64
Crime Index 34.57 43.21
Safety Index 65.43 56.79
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Madison's population is about 8% less than Jersey City.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Jersey City's higher score of 9.
  • Madison is less walkable than Jersey City with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Jersey City's 87 out of 100.
  • Both Madison and Jersey City have the same bike-friendliness score of 64 out of 100, meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Jersey City. 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 Jersey City with a score of 34.57 compared to Jersey City's 43.21. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Jersey City neighborhoods are safer than 43.21%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Jersey City with a safety index of 65.43 vs Jersey City's 56.79.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Jersey City it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your Jersey City 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
  • Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
  • Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulationsโ€”some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
  • 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company\โ€™s license by visiting the state'spublic utilities commission
  • Moving permits: You wonโ€™t need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it\โ€™s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
  • Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly toMadison Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations.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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Where to live in Madison

Now that youโ€™ve chosen "Mad City" as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Madison to check out.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Middleton
  • Fitchburg
  • Monona
  • Columbus

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 Jersey City to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Jersey City to Madison?

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

The 933-mile journey from Jersey City, NJ to Madison, WI typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Jersey City 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