($1,352) Movers From Charleston, SC to Madison, WI

What to know before moving from Charleston to Madison

Moving from Charleston to Madison means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Charleston than in Madison, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

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

• Rent prices in Madison are 36% lower than in Charleston, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
  Home prices in Madison are 34.2% lower than in Charleston.
• Income in Madison is 1.0% higher than in Charleston, so you could earn more 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 56.8% lower than in Charleston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Madison is 30.8% lower than in Charleston.
• The unemployment rate in Madison is 17.50% lower than in Charleston.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the city’s sales taxes in Madison are 38.89% lower than in Charleston.
• State income taxes in Madison are 9.29% higher than in Charleston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,297.36 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Charleston.

How life is different in Charleston vs. Madison

• Madison's population is about 80% greater than Charleston.
• Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Charleston's lower score of 3.
• Madison is more walkable than Charleston with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Charleston's 40 out of 100.
• With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Charleston, which has a score of 50 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Madison's crime rate is lower than Charleston with a score of 34.57 compared to Charleston's 44.97. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Charleston neighborhoods are safer than 44.97%.
• Madison is considered to be safer than Charleston with a safety index of 65.43 vs Charleston's 55.03.
• Air quality in Madison is good, and in Charleston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Charleston 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: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
• Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
• 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially 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: While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Madison

With your sights set on "Mad City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Madison.

Helpful moving resources