Factors that influence moving costs from Sioux Falls to Madisontoggle

The cost of Sioux Falls movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Sioux Falls to Madison might cost as little as $1,560, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,714.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Sioux Falls, 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 $463 to $1,095. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Sioux Falls to Madison

Moving from Sioux Falls to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Sioux Falls, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Sioux Falls Madison
Average rent cost $1,100 $1,600
Average home value $318,982 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $58,538 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $1,770 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,542 $5,457
Unemployment rate 3.2% 3.3%
Sales tax 6.5% 5.5%
State income tax 0.0% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 46% higher than in Sioux Falls, 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 Sioux Falls.
    Home prices in Madison are 15.3% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • Income in Madison is 7.5% higher than in Sioux Falls, 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.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Madison, since the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 29.5% higher than in Sioux Falls. 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 20.1% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 3.12% higher than in Sioux Falls.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 15.38% lower than in Sioux Falls.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 7.65% higher than in Sioux Falls.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,884.75 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Sioux Falls.

How life is different in Sioux Falls vs. Madison

Madison Sioux Falls
Population 269,840 202,600
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 2
Walkability score 50 38
Bike friendliness score 66 46
Crime Index 34.57 42.83
Safety Index 65.43 57.17
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 33% greater than Sioux Falls.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Sioux Falls's lower score of 2.
  • Madison is more walkable than Sioux Falls with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Sioux Falls's 38 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Sioux Falls, which has a score of 46 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 Sioux Falls with a score of 34.57 compared to Sioux Falls's 42.83. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Sioux Falls neighborhoods are safer than 42.83%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Sioux Falls with a safety index of 65.43 vs Sioux Falls's 57.17.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Sioux Falls it's good.

Other things to consider for your Sioux Falls 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: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™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, itโ€™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 companyโ€™s license in Wisconsin, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Wisconsin doesnโ€™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.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Shorewood Hills
  • Monona
  • Sun Prairie
  • Lake Mills
  • Verona

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 Sioux Falls to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Sioux Falls to Madison?

Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls to Madison take?

The 435-mile journey from Sioux Falls, SD to Madison, WI typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Sioux Falls 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