($1,533) Moving from Portland to Madison

Quick answer: A move from Portland to Madison costs $1,284 to $8,170 and takes five-sixteen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 1,975-mile move yourself.

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  • Certified crews
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Portland will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Madison to Portland guide.

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The best Portland to Madison moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Portland to Madison 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 Portland to Madison.

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  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Portland to Madison?

Portland movers charge $130 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,533 - $5,905 $1,133 - $2,862 $1,163 - $2,265
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,789 - $8,170 $2,207 - $4,192 $1,284 - $2,829
4+ bedrooms $7,520 - $12,789 $2,764 - $5,537 $1,539 - $3,267
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,975 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Portland to Madison

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 $1,533 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $11,370.
  • 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 $1,163 to $3,102. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Portland to Madison?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Portland to Madison will cost between $1,533 to $5,905. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,789 to $8,170, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Portland to Madison will cost from $7,520 to $12,789.

How much are moving container companies from Portland to Madison?

Moving containers from Portland to Madison will cost you $1,133 to $2,862 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,207 to $4,192. A larger home will cost $2,764 to $5,537.

How much is a moving truck from Portland to Madison?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $1,163 to $2,265. A larger move will cost $1,284 to $2,829, and a four-bedroom move from Portland to Madison costs from $1,539 to $3,267. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Portland to Madison

Cost of living: Portland vs Madison

Portland Madison
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,600
Average home value $519,746 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $78,476 $62,919
Cost of Living (single person) $2,606 $2,292
Cost of Living (family of 4) $6,274 $5,457
Unemployment rate 6.9% 3.3%
Sales Tax 0.0% 5.5%
State Income Tax 9.9% 7.65%
  • Rent prices are the same in Madison and Portland.
  • Home prices in Madison are 29.2% lower than in Portland.
  • Income in Madison is 19.8% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 12.0% lower than in Portland.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 13.0% 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 into perspective, you would need around $2,638.53 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Portland.

How is life different in Portland compared to 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 66.39
Safety Index 65.43 43.3
Air Quality Good Good
  • 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 is less bike-friendly than Portland with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Portland's 92.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Portland with a score of 34.57 compared to Portland's 66.39. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 66.39%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Portland with a safety index of 65.43 vs Portland's 43.3.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Portland it's good.

Considerations for moving to Madison

  • 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, 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 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.

Local Portland movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Bellhop Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.72 overall rating
1648 SE Tenino St., Portland, OR, 97202
(503) 894-5260
Bridgetown Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
3620 NW St Helens Road, Portland, OR, 97210
(503) 664-4477

Visit our best long distance movers in Portland page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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 singles:

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

Best neighborhoods for families:

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

What to do in Madison

These are some of the best things to do in your new Wisconsin home.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Estate
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace
  • University of Wisconsin's Memorial Union Terrace
  • Chazen Museum of Art
  • The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
  • Henry Vilas Zoo
  • University of Wisconsin: Arboretum and Geology Museum
  • Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Get your sports on!

Madison is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
  • Madison Mallards (Baseball)
  • Madison Radicals (AUDL)
  • Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
  • Forward Madison (USL League One)

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 1,975-mile move from Portland, OR, to Madison, WI, takes five-sixteen 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