Factors that influence moving costs from Madison to Huntsvilletoggle

The cost of Madison movers will depend on:

  • Move size: How much you're moving directly affects the cost. A one-bedroom move from Madison to Huntsville might cost as little as $1,492, while a four-bedroom home could reach up to $7,899.
  • Time of year: Summer is considered peak moving season in Madison, 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 $664 to $1,505. Just keep in mind these options involve more hands-on work than hiring professionals.

What to know before moving from Madison to Huntsville

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

Madison Huntsville
Average rent cost $1,600 $1,409
Average home value $367,934 $266,736
Average income (per capita) $62,919 $60,959
Cost of living (single person) $2,292 $3,133
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,457 $4,140
Unemployment rate 3.3% 3.1%
Sales tax 5.5% 9.0%
State income tax 7.65% 5.0%
  • Rent prices in Huntsville are 12% lower than in Madison, 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 Huntsville.
    Home prices in Huntsville are 27.5% lower than in Madison.
  • Income in Huntsville is 3.1% lower than in Madison, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Huntsville include Qualitest Pharmaceuticals, Huntsville Hospital, and Sequel Youth and Family Services.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Huntsville, since the cost of living for a single person in Huntsville is 36.7% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • The cost of living for a family in Huntsville is 24.1% lower than in Madison.
  • The unemployment rate in Huntsville is 6.06% lower than in Madison.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Huntsville, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Huntsville are 63.64% higher than in Madison.
  • One perk of moving to Huntsville is paying less in state income taxes, which are 34.64% lower than in Madison.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,100.79 in Huntsville to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Madison.

How life is different in Madison vs. Huntsville

Huntsville Madison
Population 241,114 269,840
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 2 6
Walkability score 24 50
Bike friendliness score 40 66
Crime Index 42.55 34.57
Safety Index 57.45 65.43
Air Quality Good Good
  • Huntsville's population is about 11% less than Madison.
  • Huntsville's public transportation has a score of 2 out of 10 versus Madison's higher score of 6.
  • Huntsville is less walkable than Madison with a score of 24 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
  • Huntsville has a bike-friendliness score 40 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100.
  • Huntsville's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 42.55 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Huntsville neighborhoods are safer than 42.55% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
  • Huntsville is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 57.45 vs Madison's 65.43.
  • Air quality in Huntsville is good, and in Madison it's good.

Other things to consider for your Madison vs. Huntsville move

  • Weather: Huntsville experiences hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Huntsville is located in tornado alley.
  • 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: To guarantee the safety and reliability of local moving services in Alabama, it is essential for moving companies to possess a registration number issued by the Alabama Public Service Commission (APSC). Trust your move to registered professionals for a secure and dependable experience. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Alabama, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Alabama 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 Huntsville 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. Moving companies typically take responsibility for your belongings at a rate of 60 cents per pound (or even less) per item. This means that for a lightweight item weighing five pounds and valued at $500, the reimbursement would be only $3 in the event of loss or damage. To enhance your coverage, certain movers provide additional valuation options, such as declared value or lump sum value protection, which offer better protection compared to the basic released value protection. To better understand and explore these options, consider discussing them with your chosen moving company.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.

Where to live in Huntsville

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

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Five Points
  • Downtown Huntsville
  • Hampton Cove
  • Whitesburg
  • Research Park

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Blossomwood
  • Hampton Cove
  • Jones Valley
  • Madison
  • South Huntsville

Things to do in Huntsville

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Alabama, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Huntsville has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Huntsville features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, U.S. Veterans Memorial Museum, Huntsville Museum of Art, Lowe Mill Arts & Entertainment, and Earlyworks Museum Complex.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Big Spring Park, Dog Spot dog park, Bicentennial Park, and California Street Park 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 Huntsville Havoc (SPHL), North Alabama SC Gravity (WPSL), Rocket City Roller Derby (WFTDA), or Rocket City Trash Pandas (AA Minow League) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Madison to Huntsville?

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

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

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

The 734-mile journey from Madison, WI to Huntsville, AL typically takes one to six days. Some movers in Madison offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Huntsville.

Helpful moving resources