Factors that influence moving costs from Memphis to Madison
What to know before moving from Memphis to Madison
Moving from Memphis to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Memphis, itโs 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:
Memphis | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,299 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $143,715 | $367,934 |
Average income (per capita) | $48,090 | $62,919 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,842 | $2,292 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,402 | $5,457 |
Unemployment rate | 8.0% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 9.75% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 0.0% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 23% higher than in Memphis, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Memphis.
Home prices in Madison are 156.0% higher than in Memphis. - Income in Madison is 30.8% higher than in Memphis, 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 24.4% higher than in Memphis. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- If youโre moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 24.0% higher than in Memphis.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 58.75% lower than in Memphis.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโs sales taxes in Madison are 43.59% lower than in Memphis.
- State income taxes in Madison are 7.65% higher than in Memphis.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,732.90 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Memphis.
How life is different in Memphis vs. Madison
Madison | Memphis | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 633,104 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 50 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 41 |
Crime Index | 34.57 | 77.49 |
Safety Index | 65.43 | 22.51 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 57% less than Memphis.
- Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Memphis's lower score of 4.
- Madison is more walkable than Memphis with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Memphis's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Memphis, which has a score of 41 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 Memphis with a score of 34.57 compared to Memphis's 77.49. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Memphis neighborhoods are safer than 77.49%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Memphis with a safety index of 65.43 vs Memphis's 22.51.
- Air quality in Madison is good, and in Memphis it's good.
Other things to consider for your Memphis 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: Itโs a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโs 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, itโs 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 companyโs license in Wisconsin, visit the state's public utilities commission
- Moving permits: While Wisconsin doesnโt 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
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Columbus
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Once youโre settled into your new home in Wisconsin, itโs time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs 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 cityโs 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 Memphis to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Memphis to Madison. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Memphis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Memphis to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Memphis 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 Memphis to Madison take?
The 641-mile journey from Memphis, TN to Madison, WI typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Memphis 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.