Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Madisontoggle

The cost of Portland movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Portland to Madison can be as low as $1,746 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,470.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Portland, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,363 to $3,567. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Portland to Madison

Portland Madison
Average rent cost $1,530 $1,600
Average home value $522,596 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $85,876 $62,919
Cost of living (single person) $2,572 $2,292
Cost of living (family of 4) $6,077 $5,457
Unemployment rate 6.9% 3.3%
Sales tax 0.0% 5.5%
State income tax 9.9% 7.65%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Madison are 5% higher than in Portland.
  • Home prices in Madison are 29.6% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Madison is 26.7% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 10.9% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 10.2% lower than in Portland.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 52.17% lower than in Portland.
  • Sales taxes in Madison are 5.50% higher than in Portland.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 22.73% lower than in Portland.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,673.41 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How life is different in Portland vs. Madison

Madison Portland
Population 269,840 652,503
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 50 81
Bike friendliness score 66 92
Crime Index 34.57 57.37
Safety Index 65.43 42.63
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Madison's population is about 59% less than Portland.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Portland's lower score of 8.
  • Madison is less walkable than Portland with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Portland's 81 out of 100.
  • Madison has a bike-friendliness score 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92 out of 100.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 34.57 compared to Portland's 57.37. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 65.43 vs Portland's 42.63.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Portland it's good.

Other things to consider for your Portland 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: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, itโ€™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 through the state's public utilities commission.
  • 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 and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Madison. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Madison

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Mad City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Madison.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Madison
  • Shorewood Hills
  • Middleton
  • Fitchburg
  • Maple Bluff
  • Monona
  • Columbus
  • Sun Prairie
  • Lake Mills
  • Verona

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Dudgeon-Monroe
  • Hill Farms-University
  • Maple-Prairie
  • Westmorland
  • Wexford

Things to do in Madisontoggle

After settling into your new Wisconsin home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Madison has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, Wisconsin Historical Museum, and University of Wisconsin Geology Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA), Madison Mallards (Baseball), Madison Radicals (AUDL), or Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Portland to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Portland.

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

Because most people are moving from Portland to Madison in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Portland to Madison take?

The 1,997-mile move from Portland, OR, to Madison, WI, takes five to 16 days. Some Portland movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Madison.

Helpful moving resources

Portland moving services

Popular Oregon routes

Popular moving resources