Factors that influence moving costs from Kansas City to Madison
What to know before moving from Kansas City to Madison
Moving from Kansas City to Madison means adjusting to a different pace of life โ and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Kansas City than in Madison, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Kansas City compares to Madison so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Kansas City | Madison | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,300 | $1,600 |
Average home value | $233,378 | $367,934 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,551 | $62,919 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,473 | $2,292 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,361 | $5,457 |
Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 3.3% |
Sales tax | 8.4% | 5.5% |
State income tax | 4.8% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 23% higher than in Kansas City, which means youโll have less money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, youโll be able to get more for your money in Kansas City.
Home prices in Madison are 57.7% higher than in Kansas City. - Income in Madison is 2.5% lower than in Kansas City, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Madison include Datex Ohmeda, American Family Insurance, and Fairway Independent Mortgage.
- The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 7.3% lower than in Kansas City. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- The cost of living for a family in Madison is 14.2% lower than in Kansas City.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 37.74% lower than in Kansas City.
- Youโll spend less on retail and restaurants in Madison, since the cityโs sales taxes in Madison are 34.52% lower than in Kansas City.
- State income taxes in Madison are 59.38% higher than in Kansas City.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,780.43 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Kansas City.
How life is different in Kansas City vs. Madison
Madison | Kansas City | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 508,090 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 6 | 4 |
Walkability score | 50 | 35 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 35 |
Crime Index | 34.57 | 58.4 |
Safety Index | 65.43 | 42.6 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 47% less than Kansas City.
- Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Kansas City's lower score of 4.
- Madison is more walkable than Kansas City with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Kansas City's 35 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Kansas City, 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 lower than Kansas City with a score of 34.57 compared to Kansas City's 58.4. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Kansas City neighborhoods are safer than 58.4%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Kansas City with a safety index of 65.43 vs Kansas City's 42.6.
- Air quality in Madison is good, and in Kansas City it's good.
Other things to consider for your Kansas City 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: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, itโs not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Wisconsin doesn\โt require moving permits, but it\โs still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. Youโll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Madison. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry.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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to "Mad City"? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Madison.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Maple Bluff
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Once youโre settled into your new home in Wisconsin, itโs time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโs something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Madison features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The cityโs Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens 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 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 Kansas City to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Kansas City to Madison. Youโll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Kansas City.
When is the cheapest time to move from Kansas City to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Kansas City 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 Kansas City to Madison take?
The 477-mile journey from Kansas City, MO to Madison, WI typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Kansas City 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.