($1,213) Moving From California to Wisconsin
Quick answer: The average cost to move from California to Wisconsin ranges from $1,317 to $7,007 and takes six-seventeen days. The top cost factors are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.
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Hiring a full-service California moving company will be on the more expensive side, while a rental truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
You may also want to consider the potential added cost of getting your vehicle or boat to your new home as part of your move. Some full-service movers can coordinate auto transport for you as part of your relocation package for an additional fee. But you can also handle vehicle transport from California to Wisconsin separately through one of the top car shipping companies.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Wisconsin to California guide.
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The best California to Wisconsin movers
Hiring an interstate moving company from California to Wisconsin is a big deal.
There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving California to Wisconsin:
- Safeway Moving: Best overall value
- Mayzlin Relocation: Best for personalized service
- BLVD Moving: Best for quick quotes
- PODS: Best nationwide coverage
- American Van Lines: Most experienced mover
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Family owned & operated
- Affordable pricing
- Binding estimates
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
Looking for local California movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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800 Janopaul Lane, Modesto, CA, 95351 (209) 551-7772 |
| Meathead Movers | Get A Quote |
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4744 North El Capitan Avenue, Fresno, CA, 93722 (559) 785-0316 |
| Grizzly Moving | Get A Quote |
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7090 Miramar Rd #102, San Diego, CA, 92121 (844) 474-9959 |
Visit our Best Movers in California page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
How much does it cost to move from California to Wisconsin?
The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from California to Wisconsin for different moving services depending on the size of your home.
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,213 - $5,207 | $1,146 - $3,076 | $1,180 - $2,350 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,336 - $7,007 | $2,144 - $4,515 | $1,317 - $2,882 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,775 - $11,355 | $2,767 - $6,046 | $1,663 - $3,325 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,172 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect your final costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from CA to WI
There are many factors that influence California moving costs. The cost to move from California to Wisconsin will depend on these factors:
- Move size: Moving a large home costs more than moving a studio apartment.
- Time of year: The peak moving season in California is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are cheaper but you do all the heavy lifting compared to letting the pros handle your move.
How much does it cost to hire movers from California to Wisconsin?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from California to Wisconsin will cost between $1,213 and $5,207. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from CA to WI will range from $3,336 to $7,007, and a large move from California to Wisconsin will cost from $6,775 to $11,355.
How much are moving containers like PODS from California to Wisconsin?
Moving containers from California to Wisconsin will cost you $1,146 to $3,076 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,144 to $4,515. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,767 to $6,046. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of California.
How much is a moving truck from California to Wisconsin?
A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around
$1,180 to $2,350.
A two to three-bedroom move will cost
$1,317 to $2,882,
and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from California to Wisconsin costs from
$1,663 to $3,325.
These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.
Is moving from California to Wisconsin a good idea?
If you’re moving to Wisconsin from California, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: California vs. Wisconsin
| California | Wisconsin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,856 | $1,100 |
| Average home cost | $771,057 | $306,566 |
| Average income (per capita) | $91,905 | $72,458 |
| Cost of Living Index | 134 | 99 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 2.9% |
| Average Sales Tax | 8.68% | 5.43% |
| State Income Tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 41% less expensive in Wisconsin than in California.
- Home prices are about 60% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
- The average income is about 21% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
- Cost of living is 26% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
- Wisconsin has a lower unemployment rate than California by about 46%.
- Sales taxes are 37% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
- Income taxes are 42% lower in Wisconsin than in California.
How does life in Wisconsin differ from California?
| Wisconsin | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 5,910,955 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Republican 51-49 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 81ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 7ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 34" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 48" | 7" |
| Crime index | 16.82 | 28.43 |
- The population of Wisconsin is approximately 85% lower than the population of California.
- In the last presidential election, Wisconsin voted Republican and California voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in Wisconsin is 81ºF and in California, it’s 87ºF.
- During the coldest part of the year, Wisconsin reaches the temperature of 7ºF and California gets down to 59ºF.
- You can expect about thirty-four inches of annual rainfall in Wisconsin versus twenty-two inches of rainfall in California.
- In Wisconsin, it snows about forty-eight inches annually versus seven inches of snow in California.
- Wisconsin has a lower crime rate than California with a crime index of 28.43 vs 16.82.
Comparing the pros of California vs. Wisconsin
There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in California versus Wisconsin side by side.
| Pros of living in California | Pros of living in Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Ample economic opportunity | Low cost of living |
| Pleasant weather | High quality of life |
| Abundant recreational options | Abundant outdoor recreational activities |
| High quality of life | Unique tasty food |
| Fresh and healthy foods | Borders great lakes |
Comparing the cons of living in California vs. Wisconsin
Not everything is sunshine and rainbows all the time, no matter where you live. Here are some things to be aware of when leaving California for Wisconsin.
| Cons of living in California | Cons of living in Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| High cost of living | High tax burden |
| Heavy tax burdens | Extreme seasonal weather |
| Natural disasters | Lack of diversity |
| Terrible traffic | Poor roads |
| Strange laws | High rate of alcoholism |
What to know before your move to Wisconsin
- Weather: Wisconsin has warm-summers humid continental climate while the southern and southwestern portions are classified as hot-summer humid continental climate. Wisconsin also receives a large amount of regular snowfall averaging around 40 inches. Be sure to check your local weather station if you are planning your move for the summer.
- HOA Rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator Reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
- Parking Permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
- State Licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State Regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving Permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of Address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form so that all your mail will get properly forwarded to Wisconsin. Get started here.
- Mover's Insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance — also called “released value protection” — free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Things to do in Wisconsin
While you’re in Wisconsin, you won’t be bored. These are some of the coolest places to visit in your new home state:
- Waterparks, Wisconsin Dells
- Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee
- Door County
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens, Madison
- The Green Bay Packers: Lambeau Field And The Walk Of Legends
- Circus World Museum, Baraboo
- Geneva Lake Shore Path, Lake Geneva
- Wisconsin State Capitol
- EAA AirVenture Show And Museum, Oshkosh
- Cave of the Mounds, Blue Mounds
- Taliesin Preservation
- House on the Rock
- Devil’s Lake State Park
- National Railroad Museum
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory
- Pattison State Park
- Lake Minocqua
- Wisconsin Great River Road
- Bay Beach Amusement Park
- Wisconsin Ice Age Trail
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from California to Wisconsin?
The cheapest way to move from California to Wisconsin is with a DIY move. Here’s our guide for the cheapest way to move out of state.
What are the benefits of moving from California to Wisconsin?
The main reasons people are moving from California to Wisconsin are the amazing upsides of living in Wisconsin such as low cost of living and high quality of life.
Is it cheaper to live in California or Wisconsin?
It is generally cheaper to live in Wisconsin than in California. Housing is much more affordable in Wisconsin, with average rent about 41% less and home prices 60.2% lower than in California. Taxes are also lower in Wisconsin, most notably income taxes, which are more than 40% less than those paid by California residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Wisconsin?
You should make approximately $0 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Arizona. The cost of living in Arizona is approximately $0 per month for an individual and $0 for a family of four. The exact amount you’ll need to live comfortably may be more or less depending on where in Wisconsin you live For example, larger cities like Allouez and Appleton will have higher housing costs than those in smaller towns.
