($1,179) Cost to Move From Philadelphia, PA to Madison, WI

1. Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
2. Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
3. Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
4. Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
5. Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Madison

When planning a move to Madison from Philadelphia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,179 and $4,365. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,420 and $5,379 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,001 to $7,373.

Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Madison

When you’re heading from Philadelphia to Madison, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $817 and $1,890. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,396 and $2,679. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,859 to $3,770. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Madison

A moving rental truck from Philadelphia to Madison is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $635 to $1,156. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $661 to $1,415, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Philadelphia to Madison costs around $845 to $1,586.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 6% less expensive in Madison than in Philadelphia, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
• Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 70% steeper in Madison compared to Philadelphia.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 11% less in Madison than in Philadelphia.
• Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person there is 10% below that of Philadelphia.
• A move to Madison can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 12% lower compared to Philadelphia.
• Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Philadelphia by about 69%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
• Sales taxes are 31% cheaper in Madison compared to Philadelphia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 149% more in Wisconsin than in Pennsylvania. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Madison’s population is about 83% less than Philadelphia.
• Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
• Madison is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 out of 100.
• Both Madison and Philadelphia have similar bike-friendliness scores (67 vs 66), meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as Philadelphia. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Madison’s crime rate is lower than Philadelphia with a score of 34.57 compared to Philadelphia’s 66.09. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Philadelphia neighborhoods are safer than 66.09%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than Philadelphia with a safety index of 65.43 vs Philadelphia’s 33.91.
• Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Philadelphia and Madison are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
• 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, it’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: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
• Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Madison. Get started 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Madison
• Shorewood Hills
• Middleton
• Fitchburg
• Maple Bluff
• Monona
• Columbus
• Sun Prairie
• Lake Mills
• Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Madison

With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Madison. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:

• 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, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
• Outdoor recreation: The city’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
• Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.