Factors that influence moving costs from Houston to Madisontoggle

The cost of Houston movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Houston to Madison might cost as little as $1,459, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $8,776.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Houston, 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 $836 to $2,153. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Houston to Madison

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

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

Houston Madison
Average rent cost $1,549 $1,600
Average home value $263,945 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $69,833 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,770 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,157 $5,457
Unemployment rate 4.1% 3.3%
Sales tax 8.25% 5.5%
State income tax 0.0% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 3% higher than in Houston, 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 Houston.
    Home prices in Madison are 39.4% higher than in Houston.
  • Income in Madison is 9.9% lower than in Houston, 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 17.3% lower than in Houston. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 23.8% lower than in Houston.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 19.51% lower than in Houston.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 33.33% lower than in Houston.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 7.65% higher than in Houston.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,482.31 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Houston.

How life is different in Houston vs. Madison

Madison Houston
Population 269,840 2,301,572
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 5
Walkability score 50 47
Bike friendliness score 66 49
Crime Index 34.57 63.5
Safety Index 65.43 36.5
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 88% less than Houston.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Houston's lower score of 5.
  • Madison and Houston are similarily walkable.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 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 Houston with a score of 34.57 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 65.43 vs Houston's 36.5.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Houston it's good.

Other things to consider for your Houston 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

  • Madison
  • Shorewood Hills
  • 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 Houston to Madison?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Madison?

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

The 1,135-mile journey from Houston, TX to Madison, WI typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Houston 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