$1,248 Movers From Madison, WI to California
Quick answer: The cost to move from Madison, WI, to California averages from $1,329 to $7,410, and can take anywhere from six-seventeen days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.
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Moving 2,092 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Madison moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from California to Madison, WI guide.
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The best Madison to California moving companies
Hiring the right interstate moving company from Madison to California is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Madison and 267 throughout the Golden State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Madison to California.
- 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
Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.
If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI, to California?
Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Madison to California:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 Bedroom | $1,248 - $4,826 | $1,146 - $2,897 | $1,157 - $2,369 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,604 - $7,410 | $1,977 - $4,247 | $1,329 - $2,657 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,173 - $10,948 | $2,824 - $5,620 | $1,580 - $3,420 |
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 2,092 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.
The cost to move from Madison, WI, to California will depend on:
- Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Madison, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.
How much does it cost to hire movers from Madison, WI, to California?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to California will cost between $1,248 to $4,826. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Madison to CA will range from $3,604 to $7,410. A large move from Madison to California will cost anywhere from $6,173 to $10,948.
How much are moving containers like PODS from Madison, WI, to California?
Moving pods from Madison to California will cost you $1,146 to $2,897. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,977 to $4,247. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,824 to $5,620. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Madison to California.
How much is a moving truck from Madison, WI, to California?
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 $1,157 to $2,369. A larger move will cost $1,329 to $2,657, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Madison to California costs from $1,580 to $3,420.
Is moving from Madison, WI, to California a good idea?
If you’re moving to California from Madison, WI, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.
Cost of living: Madison, WI, vs California
| Madison, WI | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,856 |
| Average home cost | $367,934 | $771,057 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $91,905 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.4% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 13.3% |
California sources: World Population Review, US Census Bureau, US BLS, Tax Foundation
- Rent is about 23% more expensive in California than in Madison.
- Home prices are about 131.5% higher in California than in Madison.
- The average income is about 40.0% higher in California than in Madison.
- California has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 72.4%.
- Income taxes are 73.86% higher in California than in Madison.
How is life different in Madison, WI, from California?
| Madison, WI | California | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 39,029,342 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Democratic 59-41 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 87ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 59ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 22" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 7" |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 28.43 |
California sources: US Census Bureau, 270TOWIN, BestPlaces
- The population of California is approximately 14,364% greater than the population of Madison.
- In the last presidential election, California voted Democratic and Madison voted Democratic.
- The average high in the summertime in California is 87º F and in Madison, it’s 82º F.
- During the coldest part of the year, California reaches the temperature of 59º F and Madison gets down to 10º F.
- You can expect about 22 inches of annual rainfall in California vs. 36 inches of rainfall in Madison.
- In California, it snows about 7 inches annually vs. 42 inches of snow in Madison.
Considerations for moving to California
- Weather: California has a great Mediterranean climate throughout most of the state. In the Southeast, you may experience colder winters and hotter summers. The northern part of California experiences more rain than the rest of the state. Before your move be sure to check for rain or very hot days..
- 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: When contacting a local moving company for an estimate in California, make sure each has a “T Number” issued by the California Public Utilities Commission (CAPUC). Moving companies with valid T Numbers have met state requirements for insurance, safety, and financial stability and have passed criminal clearance checks conducted by the California Department of Justice. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a California moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
- Moving permits: California 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 California. Get started here.
- Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. Opt for Released Value Protection – a cost-free choice provided by movers with minimal coverage. The liability is capped at 60 cents per pound per article. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, your reimbursement is only $15 (60 cents x 25 pounds). To ensure comprehensive coverage for your items' full value, consult with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance options.
- Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.
Looking for local Madison movers?
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI, 53718 (608) 838-5940 |
| Two Men and a Truck | Get A Quote |
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3817 Kipp Street, Madison, WI, 53718 (608) 340-1557 |
| Top Notch Moving and Storage | Get A Quote |
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905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI, 53716 (608) 590-3710 |
Visit our best movers in Madison page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
What to do in California
Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in California.
Museums in California
- The Getty Center
- USS Midway Museum
- Hess Persson Estates
- California State Railroad Museum
- The Getty Villa
- Griffith Observatory
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
- Norton Simon Museum
- Mission San Luis Rey
- Tallac Historic Site
- Petersen Automotive Museum
- Original McDonald's Site and Museum
- Oakland Museum of California
- March Field Air Museum
- Donner Memorial State Park and Emigrant Trail Museum
Parks in California
- La Jolla Cove
- Heisler Park
- Sonoma Plaza
- Mount Rubidoux Park
- Redwood Regional Park
- MacKerricher State Park
- Tilden Regional Park
- Dinosaur Caves Park
- Greystone Mansion and Park
- Rancho San Antonio County Park
- Serra Cross Park
- Coyote Hills Regional Park
- Folsom Lake State Recreation Area
- Palisades Park
- Irvine Regional Park
Sports Teams in California
- Anaheim Ducks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Kings (NHL)
- San Jose Sharks (NHL)
- Los Angeles Angels (MLB)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (MLB)
- Oakland Athletics (MLB)
- San Diego Padres (MLB)
- San Francisco Giants (MLB)
- Los Angeles Chargers (NFL)
- Los Angeles Rams (NFL)
- San Francisco 49ers (NFL)
- Golden State Warriors (NBA)
- Los Angeles Clippers (NBA)
- Los Angeles Lakers (NBA)
- Sacramento Kings (NBA)
- LA Galaxy (MLS)
- Los Angeles FC (MLS)
- San Jose Earthquakes (MLS)
Universities in California
- Stanford University
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- University of Southern California
- University of California, San Diego
- University of California, Davis
- University of California, Irvine
- California Institute of Technology
- University of California, Santa Barbara
- University of California, Riverside
- University of California, Santa Cruz
- University of California, San Francisco
- San Diego State University
- California State University, Northridge
FAQs: Moving from Madison to California
What is the best way to get a car from Madison to California?
Need to get your car from Madison to California? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Madison to California car shippers.
Why are people moving from Madison to California?
Many people are moving to California because of its ample economic opportunity and pleasant weather.
Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Madison?
Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Madison.
