Factors that influence moving costs from Chesapeake to Madisontoggle

The cost of Chesapeake movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Chesapeake to Madison might cost as little as $1,377, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,917.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Chesapeake, 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 $852 to $1,958. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Chesapeake to Madison

Moving from Chesapeake to Madison comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Madison is generally more expensive than Chesapeake, 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:

Chesapeake Madison
Average rent cost $1,800 $1,600
Average home value $375,209 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $63,484 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $1,882 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $3,656 $5,457
Unemployment rate 5.0% 3.3%
Sales tax 6.0% 5.5%
State income tax 5.75% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 11% lower than in Chesapeake, which means youโ€™ll have more money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Madison.
    Home prices in Madison are 1.9% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Income is the same in Madison and Chesapeake. 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 21.8% higher than in Chesapeake. 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 49.3% higher than in Chesapeake.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 34.00% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • Youโ€™ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Madison are 8.33% lower than in Chesapeake.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 33.04% higher than in Chesapeake.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,653.56 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chesapeake.

How life is different in Chesapeake vs. Madison

Madison Chesapeake
Population 269,840 249,422
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 2
Walkability score 50 21
Bike friendliness score 66 35
Crime Index 34.57 25.0
Safety Index 65.43 70.88
Air Quality Good Good
  • Madison's population is about 8% greater than Chesapeake.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chesapeake's lower score of 2.
  • Madison is more walkable than Chesapeake with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Chesapeake's 21 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Chesapeake, which has a score of 35 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Madison's crime rate is higher than Chesapeake with a score of 34.57 compared to Chesapeake's 25.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chesapeake neighborhoods are safer than 25.0%.
  • Madison is considered to be less safe than Chesapeake with a score of 65.43 vs Chesapeake's 70.88.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Chesapeake it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chesapeake 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
  • Maple Bluff
  • Columbus
  • Lake Mills
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for families

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

Things to do in Madison

After settling into your new Wisconsin home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Madison has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • 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, 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 sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on 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 Chesapeake to Madison?

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

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

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

The 1,048-mile journey from Chesapeake, VA to Madison, WI typically takes two to eight days. Some movers in Chesapeake 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