Aerial view of Downtown Madison, Wisconsin, and the surrounding forests and lakes. There are many sailboats out on the water, and the mature trees in the downtown area are lush with green leaves.

Moving to Madison, Wisconsin: That Hometown Feel With Big-City Perks

Wisconsin Madison

by Matt Lyons Posted on August 29, 2023

It’s been named the and one of the , among other accolades. So, needless to say, if you’ve been considering moving to Madison, Wisconsin, you’re in for a treat.

Alongside its beautiful parks and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the city has a great community and vibrant downtown filled with coffee shops, boutiques, and even farmers’ markets to explore whenever you have the chance. Before you create your list of must-sees, though, you have to know how you’re getting there. Our guide is here to help you get to know the city while laying out all the best moving options.

Madison at a Glance

  • Madison is located right in the center of Dane County, about 80 miles west of Milwaukee and 150 miles northwest of Chicago.
  • Madison has a population of .
  • The of Madison residents is a little over 31 years old.
  • If you're moving for college, the has around 50,000 students spread among its 13 schools and universities.
  • Moving to Madison, WI- FAQ

    Q: Is it worth moving to Madison, WI?
    A: With an affordable cost of living and plenty of great amenities, it’s safe to say moving to Madison, Wisconsin, is definitely worth considering. 

    Q: What is it like to live in Madison, Wisconsin?
    A: As one of the , Madison offers plenty of fun outdoor recreation activities, along with top-tier restaurants and bars. Affordable housing and great school options also make it a popular place for many to consider.

    Q: How much does it cost to live comfortably in Madison, WI?
    A: The estimated monthly costs (before rent) in Madison for a family of four are around $4,000, while a single person can expect to pay closer to $1,100.

    Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin, during a stunning sunset. There is a lovely single-family home right on the banks of the lake, and in the distance, under a gorgeous sky, you can see the silhouette of the city of Madison.

    Lake Monona in Madison, WI

    Pros and Cons of Moving to Madison, WI

    With amenities for every walk of life and a vibrant community, Madison sure has a lot to offer its residents. However, it’s also important to look at the not-so-fabulous aspects before moving to any new city. Here are a few pros and cons to consider.

    PRO: It's the Perfect Place for Outdoor Enthusiasts

    Madison is filled with abundant parks — an estimated 11 parks per 10,000 people! Local favorites include — most ideal for bird watching — along with , where you can see the iconic .

    CON: Winters Can Be Brutal

    While Madison summers are described as being very cool and humid, the tune changes quite drastically by the time winter hits. The city goes through periods of the temperature frequently going below zero, along with an .

    PRO: It Has a Highly Regarded Medical System

    You won’t have to travel far to get to one of the best hospitals in the entire country, which is the . The state’s medical system is regularly ranked among the top in the country, as well.

    CON: The Taxes Are High

    Wisconsin in the country at 1.53 percent. Its sales tax isn’t quite as drastic, though, sitting at 5%.

    Close-up view of a man holding a flight of beers and walking them to a table at a local Madison, Wisconsin, brewery.

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    Cost of Living in Madison, WI

    Madison has an impressively low cost of living, considering everything it has to offer. There are a variety of housing options that can accommodate different budgets. Its transportation and food costs are also significantly lower than other cities, making it an ideal choice for people who are looking to lower their everyday expenses.

    Compared to the U.S. cost of living index of 100, Madison is , coming in at 101.4. Madison’s is around $377,000, while the for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,600. 

    Climate and Weather in Madison, WI

    can be pretty rough — especially if you’re moving from a different climate. Heavy snowfall and temperatures ranging from 14 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit aren’t uncommon. Summers are mild, though, with temperatures typically ranging from 63 to 82 degrees.

    Getting Around Madison, WI

    Most residents of Madison prefer to bike or walk whenever possible — especially those who live near the city center. Those who live further away typically rely on their cars.
     
    is centered around the Capitol/UW-Madison Campus, but it also has separate bus routes that go beyond this area. There are plenty of buses and routes for residents, but they can definitely get congested during morning and afternoon rush hours.

    Aerial view of the Madison suburb of Middleton, Wisconsin, in the summer. The sky is a clear blue, and there are many large, mature trees throughout the community, bushy with green leaves

    Middleton, WI

    Three of the Best Madison Suburbs

    Middleton, WI

    Ranked #1 on Niche’s list for “,” Middleton is a great place to raise a family and more. Located in the heart of Wisconsin's south-central region, what started as a small farming community into a flourishing business district full of restaurants, stores, and corporate offices. It’s also home to Greenway Station, a 51-acre outdoor shopping center located mere minutes from Downtown Madison.

    Monona, WI

    The has plenty of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Residents of this area can enjoy the natural beauty of Wisconsin by participating in various outdoor activities on the nearby . It’s also a great place to relocate for retirees, as there are several assisted living facilities in the area. 

    Fitchburg, WI

    for “Best Suburbs to Live in the Madison Area," is surrounded by open space and beautiful nature. It's also close to and other local attractions, making it a fun place for young professionals to settle down.

    A family is enjoying an afternoon boating on a lake by Madison, Wisconsin. The Downtown buildings are visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.

    (Source: )

    Things To Do in Madison, WI

    Madison is renowned for both its food and arts scenes. The city boasts world-class speakers, performers, and festivals. And locals love grabbing bites at places like and .

    If you’re in the mood for a concert, you’re in luck. On any particular weekend, there are amazing live shows at the , from free outdoor concerts to nationally touring acts.

    For greenery, you can look at the city’s parks or its rivers. Whether it's Mendota, Monona, Waubesa, or Kegonsa, you’ll be able to get out on the water and enjoy activities like swimming, sailing, canoeing, and paddleboarding.

    Moving to Madison, WI

    Before you move, it’s important to figure out how you’re getting there. For instance, if you're relocating from a different state, you might want to consider long-distance moving companies in Madison, WI. If you’re moving locally, a rental truck might be enough. There are other ways to get creative with your move, though.

    DIY With a Rental Truck

    If you're prepared to give up some time in exchange for a lower price, taking the DIY approach can be cost-effective. Keep in mind, though, that this option requires a lot of work on your part. Not only do you have to pack, load, and unload everything yourself, but you also have to figure out how to get your car there.

    Full-Service Movers

    If you have the budget, opting for moving services in Madison, WI, might be a great option, but you’ll need to check a few things off your list first. First, it’s important to research. Find three to five moving companies you’d be willing to work with, and then get quotes from each of them. Remember that some moving companies in Madison, Wisconsin, will also include the cost of unloading and loading their boxes, as well as other charges in their estimates. Knowing all these small details ahead of time will help ensure that you’re getting the best bang for your buck. 

    ÐÓ°ÉPro Portable Moving Containers

    Sometimes, you just need a customizable option for your move. That’s where working with ÐÓ°ÉPro comes in handy. Whether you’re moving near or far, you can easily find a portable storage container to fit your needs. Pick from the three available sizes, and your container will be delivered to your doorstep, making it easy to pack up and load on your own time. Once you’ve finished, you can schedule a pickup and have it delivered to your new home or to a secure ÐÓ°ÉPro Storage Center until you need it.

    A ÐÓ°ÉPro driver is about to climb into the cab of his signature red ÐÓ°ÉPro truck, which is parked in a residential driveway. The ÐÓ°ÉPro container on the back of the truck has been hoisted up by PODZILLA, and the driver is preparing to move the truck out from under PODZILLA so he can position the container in the driveway for easy loading.

    The Cost of Moving to Madison

    There are a number of factors that go into the overall cost of moving to Madison, including how much you’re moving, where you’re moving from, and the moving services you choose. Below are popular moving routes with cost estimates* for different types of moving services.** 

    Moving Route: Chicago to Madison

  • Distance: 150 miles
  • ÐÓ°ÉPro: $1,089-$1,497
  • Full-Service Movers: $1,556-$4,505
  • Rental Truck: $142-$217
  • Moving Route: Twin Cities to Madison

  • Distance: 270 miles
  • ÐÓ°ÉPro: $1,344-$1,848
  • Full-Service Movers: $1,556-$4,505
  • Rental Truck: $328-$505
  • Moving Route: Los Angeles to Madison

  • Distance: 1,970 miles
  • ÐÓ°ÉPro: $2,895-$3,981
  • Full-Service Movers: $3,013-$6,843
  • Rental Truck: $1,580-$2,282
  • Moving Route: Tampa to Madison

  • Distance: 1,325 miles
  • ÐÓ°ÉPro: $2,506-$3,446
  • Full-Service Movers: $3,013-$6,843
  • Rental Truck: $1,107-$1,706
  • *Based on estimates from ÐÓ°ÉPro and MoveBuddha for a 2-3 bedroom household (800-1,200 sf). Costs don’t include insurance or taxes. Prices will vary based on specific locations, dates, size of household to be moved, and available discounts. For a detailed quote, call ÐÓ°ÉPro at 877-350-7637.

    **ÐÓ°ÉPro estimates include transport and 1-month storage. Full-service movers estimates include transport and loading/unloading. Rental truck costs do not include fuel expenses.

    ÐÓ°ÉPro Will Help Get You to Madison With Ease

    Make your move to Madison a flexible one with ÐÓ°ÉPro. Have a container delivered right to your driveway for easy loading on your own schedule. And once you’re ready, ÐÓ°ÉPro will pick it up and deliver it to your new Madison home. Need a little more time to get settled in? No problem! One month’s storage is built into every ÐÓ°ÉPro move.

    Editor’s note: For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.

     

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