Best Milwaukee to Madison Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Milwaukee to Madison and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 78 mile long distance Wisconsin move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 80 Milwaukee to Madison moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Badger Brothers Moving, LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Milwaukee compared to Madison. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best Milwaukee to Madison Moving Companies
| Rank | Company | Score  | Affordability Index |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Badger Brothers Moving, LLC | 9.72 | 9.69 |
| 2 | A Smooth Move, LLC | 9.60 | 9.35 |
| 3 | Badger Brothers Moving | 9.58 | 9.26 |
| 4 | Power Moves MKE | 9.43 | 9.57 |
| 5 | About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.33 | 9.33 |
(800) 787-5428How Much Does it Cost to Move from Milwaukee to Madison?
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 78 miles from Milwaukee, WI to Madison, WI will cost on average $1,848 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Milwaukee to Madison move is roughly $4,406. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,247 | 300 ft³ | $4.16 |
| 1 Bedroom | $1,848 | 450 ft³ | $4.11 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,042 | 750 ft³ | $4.06 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $4,406 | 1100 ft³ | $4.01 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $6,329 | 1600 ft³ | $3.96 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $7,030 | 1800 ft³ | $3.91 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Milwaukee guide.
Compare the 5 Best Milwaukee to Madison Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Badger Brothers Moving, LLC
313 W Beltline Hwy STE 205
Madison, WI, 53713
About Badger Brothers Moving, LLC
Badger Brothers Moving was founded in 2010 to serve the Madison, WI, area with high-quality relocation services. This company performs both...
Services
- Cheap hourly rate moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2977565 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,000 (2021) |
A Smooth Move, LLC
This listing has been claimed by A Smooth Move, LLC2065 W Arrow Court
Appleton, WI, 54913
About A Smooth Move, LLC
A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as...
Services
- Full-Service Moves
- Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
- Business and Residential Relocation Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3350934 / 1071302 Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2022) |
Badger Brothers Moving
W227N937 Westmound Dr
Waukesha, WI, 53186
About Badger Brothers Moving
Badger Brothers Moving has successfully moved over 20,000 people since opening its doors in 2010. It is one of Wisconsin’s most...
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2977565 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 8 |
| Registered Drivers | 20 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,000 (2021) |
Power Moves MKE
4788 N 126th
Butler, WI, 53007
About Power Moves MKE
Since its founding in 2014, Power Moves MKE has been a full-service, family-owned moving company based in Milwaukee and serving all...
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3490683 / - Not Authorized Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | - |
About Time Moving Systems LLC
4909 8th Ave
Kenosha, WI, 53140
About About Time Moving Systems LLC
This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation services. About Time...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2525330 / 877057 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Milwaukee vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison
Planning a move and trying to get a feel for your new city can be daunting. That's why we've created this guide, using comparison of the local neighborhoods between Milwaukee, WI & Madison, WI , to help you find areas similar to what you love about your current city. By comparing top neighborhoods, we aim to make your transition as smooth as possible.
| Milwaukee | Madison | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Bay View | Atwood | Vibrant arts scene and trendy dining |
| Third Ward | Capitol | Historic with a strong local marketplace |
| East Side | Willy Street | Eclectic shops and dining |
| Walker’s Point | State-Langdon | Youthful and buoyant nightlife |
| Wauwatosa | Hilldale | Family-friendly with shopping options |
| Brewer’s Hill | Schenk-Atwood | Historic homes with a strong community vibe |
| Riverwest | Greenbush | Diverse with community activism |
| Historic Third Ward | Monroe Street | Boutique shopping and dining |
| Washington Heights | Regent | Quaint and historic with urban feel |
| Shorewood | Maple Bluff | Upscale with a lakeside view |
For those moving from Milwaukee's Bay View to Madison, the Atwood neighborhood will feel very familiar with its bustling arts scene and hip dining spots like Alimentari that cater to a similar demographic. If it's the historical charm and marketplace atmosphere you love about the Third Ward, Capitol's State Street offers a Madison equivalent, where weekends can be spent perusing local shops and dining al fresco. Nature enthusiasts moving from Riverwest will find kindred spirits in Greenbush, where community-driven efforts support vibrant, inclusive green spaces like Aldo Leopold Park. Meanwhile, those accustomed to the upscale, lake-adjacent lifestyle of Shorewood will find Maple Bluff's lakeside properties and exclusive clubs, such as the Maple Bluff Country Club, a seamless transition to life in Madison.
Things to Do in Madison
Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens.- Discover history at Wisconsin State Capitol.
- Enjoy a concert at Overture Center for the Arts.
- Kayak on Lake Mendota.
- Sample cheese at Fromagination.
- Bike the Capital City Trail.
- Attend a Madison Mallards game.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to Madison
Moving from one city to another involves weighing both the advantages and disadvantages carefully. This guide aims to offer an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Milwaukee, WI to Madison, WI, through comparative charts, to help you make an informed decision about your move.
Milwaukee, WI- Higher crime rates
- Less bike-friendly
- Fewer job opportunities
- Smaller tech scene
- Higher living costs
Madison, WI- Lower crime rates
- More bike-friendly
- More job opportunities
- Larger tech scene
- Lower living costs
Madison, WI- Smaller city feel
- Fewer cultural venues
- Less dining diversity
- Quieter nightlife
- Less robust transport
Milwaukee, WI- Larger city vibe
- More cultural venues
- Diverse dining options
- Richer nightlife
- Better public transport
While the charms of Milwaukee's bustling streets, rich with diverse dining options like the renowned Sanford Restaurant, and its vibrant cultural scene highlighted by the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, are undeniable, Madison presents an enticing tableau of its own. Madison is celebrated for its extensive biking trails, such as those around the scenic Lake Wingra, and a welcoming tech environment bolstered by initiatives like Startup Madison. Job opportunities, particularly in the tech sector, flourish in Madison's innovative climate. Meanwhile, the city's commitment to safety and lower living costs in charming neighborhoods like the bustling Downtown Madison make the relocation beneficial for those seeking a blend of serene residential living with the convenience of city amenities.
Milwaukee vs. Madison Food Guide
When relocating, it's important to immerse oneself in the local culture, and cuisine plays a crucial role in that experience. To assist you, we’ve prepared a comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & Madison to help you better understand the food scene in your new home.
- Mader's
- Leon's Frozen Custard
- Ardent
- L’Etoile
- Graze Pub
- Marigold Kitchen
In Milwaukee, cheese curds and bratwurst are revered, reflecting the city's German heritage and dairy industry prominence. Ardent, Mader's, and Leon's Frozen Custard offer quintessential local flavors. Meanwhile, Madison's penchant for farm-to-table dining is evident, with establishments like L’Etoile and Graze Pub leading the charge. Madison's status as a college town ups its foodie game with a vibrant street food scene, primarily around the Capitol Square, especially during the Saturday Farmers' Market. Whether it's Milwaukee's hearty, meat-oriented dishes or Madison's lighter, farm-fresh options, both cities offer unique dining experiences rooted in their distinct cultures.
Milwaukee vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts at the dinner table, making the quest for scrumptious meals essential for any move. This restaurant comparison between Milwaukee and Madison will help newcomers discover their next go-to dining spots, drawing parallels from familiar Milwaukee favorites to exciting Madison equivalents. Let this guide illuminate your culinary journey!
| Milwaukee | Madison | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Ardent | L'Etoile | Fine dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients |
| Sanford | Eno Vino Downtown | Creative plates and wine selection |
| Odd Duck | Graze Pub | Innovative farm-to-table dining |
| HoneyPie | Monty's Blue Plate Diner | Comfort food with a twist |
| La Merenda | Fresco | Diverse global fusion menu |
| Transfer Pizzeria Café | Sal's Pizza | Artisan pizza with local twist |
| Bavette La Boucherie | Forequarter | Boutique meat and unique eats |
| Leon's Frozen Custard | Michael's Frozen Custard | Iconic custard stand |
| Speed Queen Bar-B-Q | Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ | Authentic smoky flavors |
| The Purple Door Ice Cream | Babcock Ice Cream | UW Madison's own creamy delights |
For those who cherish the fine dining scenes in Milwaukee, the transition to Madison is made smoother with establishments like L'Etoile, mirroring the sophisticated and deeply local culinary experiences offered by places like Ardent. Madison's Graze Pub and En Vino Downtown echo Milwaukee’s Odd Duck and Sanford respectively, in both the innovative approach to cuisine and the vibrant, cozy atmospheres. When the craving for something sweet hits, Michael's Frozen Custard in Madison stands as a testament to the beloved tradition of post-meal delights, reminiscent of Milwaukee's Leon's Frozen Custard. Each Madison equivalent not only matches up in terms of food quality but also in the unique dining experiences they offer, ensuring that the move from Milwaukee to Madison is a seamless gastronomic journey.
Ready to start your move?
Milwaukee vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate landscapes between your current and future homes is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide provides a detailed comparison between Milwaukee and Madison, WI , focusing on various housing aspects to help you make an informed decision.
In comparing Milwaukee and Madison's housing aspects, you'll notice a stark difference in median home prices and monthly rents, with Madison being notably higher. This is often reflective of Madison's burgeoning job market and its appeal to professionals and families seeking an urban lifestyle with ready access to nature and amenities. Madison's emphasis on bikeability and its higher walkability score cater to those looking for a sustainable and active lifestyle within city bounds. The architecture differences highlight Milwaukee's historic charm versus Madison's modern and eco-friendly building trends, each appealing to different aesthetic appreciations. These elements are just a slice of the factors to consider when deciding on your relocation from Milwaukee to Madison.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Madison, WI
1. Willy Street : You'll love Willy Street for its numerous parks and open spaces perfect for walking or playing with your pets.
2. Schenk-Atwood : This neighborhood offers pet-friendly cafes and shops, making it easy for you to spend quality time with your furry friends.
3. Near West Side : With its extensive trails and proximity to Lake Mendota, you and your pets will enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures here.
Milwaukee vs. Madison Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Milwaukee to Madison, it's crucial to compare the climate and weather you'll experience. Understanding the variations can help you prepare for your relocation. Our charts focus on the weather differences between Milwaukee and Madison, providing a clear picture of what to expect in your new home.
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
While both Milwaukee and Madison experience a range of weather conditions, there are subtle differences. For instance, Madison tends to have slightly warmer summer days but cooler winter nights compared to Milwaukee. Additionally, Madison receives a bit more annual rainfall, which could be a factor in your outdoor activities or gardening plans. Air quality and seasonal allergies are relatively similar, so your adjustment in that aspect will be minimal. Understanding these nuances will help you better prepare for your move, ensuring a smooth transition to your new environment in Madison.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Milwaukee to Madison
When deciding to move, understanding how the cost of living and financial aspects compare between Milwaukee and Madison is crucial. This comparison will help you grasp the financial differences you're likely to experience, ensuring a smooth transition.
Moving from Milwaukee to Madison, you'll notice differences in economic factors. Despite both cities being within the same state and subject to the same state income tax, Madison displays a higher average household income and a slightly higher cost of living index. This increase in income can be attributed to Madison being a hub for government, education, and healthcare employers, which traditionally offer stable, well-paying jobs. Conversely, Milwaukee's economic landscape is more diversified but faces challenges like higher poverty and homelessness rates. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your relocation, especially in budgeting for housing and daily expenses.
Milwaukee vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison
This brief overview provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot designed to offer insight into the political and religious makeup of the residents between Milwaukee & Madison. Understanding these aspects can help you better anticipate the cultural and social environment awaiting you in your new city.
Moving from Milwaukee to Madison, you'll find yourself transitioning from an already Democratic-leaning landscape to an environment where progressive ideals are more deeply ingrained in the local politics. Madison puts a notable emphasis on environmental stewardship and progressive policy initiatives that may offer a sharp contrast to Milwaukee's more balanced focus on urban development alongside its significant, though not exclusive, attention to progressive issues. Religion in Madison presents a broadly pluralistic scene, where a significant secular community emphasizes inclusivity alongside various religious groups, somewhat different from Milwaukee's more pronounced historical denominations. This shift reflects not just a change in locale but also a substantial variation in the cultural and ideological atmosphere that defines each city.
Milwaukee vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When considering a move from Milwaukee to Madison, it's crucial to compare the traffic and transportation options between Milwaukee & Madison to better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences might be like. This comparison will help you anticipate and prepare for your daily travels in your new city.
Moving from Milwaukee to Madison may significantly impact your commuting habits. With an average commute time that’s shorter in Madison, you could enjoy more free time or a longer lie-in before starting your day. Madison's lower traffic congestion rating also promises a smoother daily commute, sparing you from the stress and delays often experienced in more congested cities. Though both cities offer public transit, it's interesting to note the slight dip in Madison's scores, suggesting that while you can rely on public transportation, researching routes and schedules is recommended to ensure it fits your daily needs. Living without a car might be more feasible in Madison than in Milwaukee, especially if you position yourself strategically within the city, close to work, and essential amenities.
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