Best Irvine to Madison Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Irvine to Madison and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,018 mile move from California to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 29 Irvine to Madison moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Terry Moving & Storage), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Irvine compared to Madison. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Irvine to Madison Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
2Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3NorthStar Moving Company9.218.97Authorized For HHGContact
4Trek Movers9.199.02Authorized For PropertyContact
5The Go To Guys, LLC9.078.7Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Irvine to Madison

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,018 miles from Irvine, CA to Madison, WI will cost on average $3,497 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Irvine to Madison move is roughly $8,439. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,347300 ft³7.82
1 Bedroom$3,497450 ft³7.77
2 Bedrooms$5,791750 ft³7.72
3 Bedrooms$8,4391100 ft³7.67
4 Bedrooms$12,1951600 ft³7.62
5+ Bedrooms$13,6291800 ft³7.57
*Please note: These California to Wisconsin moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & Wisconsin. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed CA to WI mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Irvine guide.

Compare the 5 Best Irvine to Madison Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 2,029+ data points

310 Progress Way Suite 140

Sun Prairie, WI, 53590

About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...

Services

  • Residential moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Local/statewide moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
2
NorthStar Moving Company Logo

NorthStar Moving Company

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.21/10
based on 10,283+ data points

633 W 5th St 26th floor

Los Angeles, CA, 90071

About NorthStar Moving Company

Founded in 1994, Los Angeles-based NorthStar Moving Company treats all its customers as VIPs when helping them with local, intrastate, interstate,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • International Moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1836576 / 665757

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved220,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Trek Movers Logo

Trek Movers

Exceptional9.19/10
based on 6,965+ data points

7225 Hollywood Blvd Unit 321

Los Angeles, CA, 90046

About Trek Movers

Trek Movers is a moving company based in Los Angeles, certified by the AMSA and accredited by the BBB with the...

Services

  • Local Movers
  • Long Distance Movers
  • Office Movers

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3256910 / 1424894

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved15,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
The Go To Guys, LLC Logo

The Go To Guys, LLC

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 275+ data points

Bayside, WI, 53217

About The Go To Guys, LLC

The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3760134 / 1338262

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2024)
View Full Review
5
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Irvine vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you have grown attached to your local neighborhood. To ease this transition, this guide provides a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Irvine, CA & Madison, WI . By leveraging your familiarity with Irvine's communities, we aim to help you find a comparable neighborhood in Madison that fits your preferences and lifestyle.

IrvineMadisonHow They're Similar
WoodbridgeMaple BluffFamily-friendly, waterfront access
Turtle RockShorewood HillsAffluent, academic community
Shady CanyonNakoma LeagueHistoric homes, leafy
Quail HillBlackhawkScenic views, upscale living
NorthwoodHill FarmsUniversity, vibrant community life
WoodburyMiddleton HillsPlanned community, green spaces
University ParkRegentClose to university, eclectic mix
Portola SpringsArboretumNature-centric, community-oriented
Great Park NeighborhoodsSchenk-AtwoodActive, artsy community
WestparkSunset VillageQuaint, with local charm

In moving from the meticulously planned Woodbury neighborhood in Irvine, with its picturesque parks like Jeffrey Open Space Trail, to Middleton Hills in Madison, you'll find a similar sense of community and an emphasis on green spaces, such as Pheasant Branch Conservancy. For those drawn to Turtle Rock's blend of educational excellence and natural beauty, Shorewood Hills in Madison offers an equally affluent atmosphere with the added charm of historic architecture and proximity to the University of Wisconsin. Shorewood Hills also boasts unique local fixtures such as Shorewood Hills Pool and local getaways like Picnic Point, ensuring a smooth lifestyle transition while maintaining a high standard of living and community connectivity.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Madison

  • Explore Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
  • Discover history at Wisconsin State Capitol.
  • Enjoy a concert at Overture Center for the Arts.
  • Kayak on Lake Mendota.
  • Sample cheese at Fromagination.
  • Bike the Capital City Trail.
  • Attend a Madison Mallards game.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Irvine to Madison

Moving from one city to another offers a blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to give a candid look at the transition from Irvine, CA to Madison, WI , highlighting the cons compared to the pros and the pros compared to the cons of such a relocation. It's designed to help you weigh the differences between these two unique cities, ensuring you're well-informed before making such a significant move.

CONs
PROs
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Heavy traffic
  • Limited seasons
  • Less public transport options
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congestion
  • Distinct seasons
  • More robust public transit
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Colder climate
  • Further from major cities
  • Smaller culinary scene
  • Lack of ocean proximity
Irvine, CA iconIrvine, CA
  • Milder winters
  • Proximity to LA
  • Diverse cuisine options
  • Abundant beaches

Moving from Irvine, CA to Madison, WI brings with it a host of changes. Irvine's proximity to Los Angeles provides easy access to a sprawling metropolis full of diverse cuisine options, with notable establishments like Providence and Nobu, alongside beautiful beaches like Laguna Beach. On the other hand, Madison offers a respite from the bustle with its serene neighborhoods and thriving local scenes, such as the popular Dane County Farmers' Market and the engaging community atmosphere of the Olbrich Botanical Gardens. While you might miss Irvine's milder winters and close access to the Pacific Ocean, you'll likely find Madison's distinctive seasons and vibrant city life, dotted with lakes and parks like James Madison Park, a refreshing change.

Irvine vs. Madison Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Irvine & Madison to highlight how food reflects local culture and what living in each area can be like. Understanding the differences in food scene can help you feel more at home in your new city.

IrvineMadison
Most iconic local food itemFish TacosCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishKorean BBQBratwurst
Most popular street food itemTaco Truck TacosFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodAvocado ToastVegetarian Pasty
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Habana
  • Din Tai Fung
  • 85°C Bakery Café
  • Graze
  • Lombardino's
  • The Old Fashioned
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When exploring the vibrant food scenes of Irvine and Madison, you'll discover a diverse range of dishes that reflect the unique cultural landscape of each city. In Irvine, neighborhoods like Diamond Jamboree are known for their eclectic mix of Asian cuisines, from the Taiwanese delights at Din Tai Fung to the Korean fusion at BCD Tofu House. Meanwhile, Madison's State Street and Capitol Square showcase the city's love for locally-sourced, hearty foods – the fried cheese curds at The Old Fashioned or vegetarian options at Graze are not to be missed. Both cities offer a blend of health-conscious and indulgent options, catering to foodies and fitness enthusiasts alike.

Irvine vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison

Settling into a new city is a journey of discovery, especially when it comes to finding your go-to dining spots. Food plays a pivotal role in making a place feel like home. This guide facilitates a smooth culinary transition by comparing the top restaurants in Irvine to their Madison equivalents , helping you find your new favorite eateries.

IrvineMadisonWhat You'll Love
HiroNori Craft RamenStrings RamenFlavorful, authentic ramen with a similar dedication to craft
North ItaliaOsteria PapaveroOffers a taste of Italy with hand-crafted pasta dishes
Din Tai FungMuramoto DowntownKnown for exquisite dumplings and Asian fusion dishes
Burnt CrumbsGrazeFocuses on innovative sandwiches and locally sourced ingredients
Kabuki Japanese RestaurantTakara 88Offers a range of Japanese cuisine, including sushi and bento boxes
The StandThe Tipsy CowGreat burgers and a robust selection of beers on tap
Tender GreensForage KitchenFeatures hearty salads and bowls with an emphasis on fresh, local produce
Portola Coffee RoastersColectivo CoffeeRenowned for its high-quality coffee and comfortable atmosphere
Hello Kitty Grand CafeLazy Janes Cafe & BakeryUnique, quirky atmosphere with exceptional baked goods
Square One Pizza CafeSalvatore's Tomato PiesKnown for creative and delicious pizza options

Among the noteworthy comparisons, HiroNori Craft Ramen and Strings Ramen shine as beacons for ramen enthusiasts. Both establishments are celebrated for their dedication to crafting authentic and flavorful ramen dishes that are sure to satisfy your cravings. On the Italian dining scene, North Italia's cozy and contemporary approach finds its match in Madison's Osteria Papavero, where the emphasis on hand-crafted pasta dishes creates a similarly inviting ambiance. Meanwhile, fans of innovative and locally sourced ingredients will find a relocation from Burnt Crumbs to Graze an effortless transition, with both eateries boasting a creative approach to casual dining. Each of these pairings underscores a shared commitment to quality and atmosphere, ensuring you can relish in familiar dining experiences as you make Madison your new home.

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Ready to start your move?

Irvine vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding the real estate climate is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the differences between Irvine, CA and Madison, WI, focusing on various housing aspects such as cost, architecture, and lifestyle. Knowing these details will streamline your transition, ensuring you find a home that suits your needs and preferences in your new city.

ComparisonIrvineMadison
Typical Architecture StyleModern and SpanishPrairie and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingCommunity pools, green spacesLake views, proximity to parks

When comparing Irvine and Madison, one immediately notices the stark difference in housing costs—with Irvine’s median home price significantly higher than Madison’s. This disparity extends to rental prices as well. The architectural styles reflect the regional influences, with Irvine showcasing modern and Spanish influences, while Madison boasts Prairie and Craftsman styles, echoing its Midwestern roots. Madison scores higher in walkability and bikeability, making it a more accessible city for non-motorists. These differences highlight the diverse lifestyles between the two cities, with Irvine offering a more upscale, suburban environment and Madison providing a blend of urban accessibility and natural beauty, as seen in its listings that often highlight lake views and park proximity.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Madison, WI

1. Williamson-Marquette: This neighborhood is known for its community vibe and welcoming atmosphere, where you'll often see pets and their owners enjoying the many local parks and pet-friendly cafes.

2. Nakoma League: With its close proximity to the UW Arboretum, your pets will love the extensive trails and natural areas ideal for long walks and exploration.

3. Shorewood Hills: This area boasts ample green spaces and a pet-friendly attitude, with easy access to the Shorewood Hills Pool for summer dog swims and several off-leash parks nearby.

Irvine vs. Madison Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, it's vital to understand how the weather in Irvine, CA and Madison, WI may differ from what you're accustomed to. This comparison will guide you through seasonal highs and lows, sunshine days, and more, ensuring you're well-prepared for your move.

Summer icon
83°F/64°F

Irvine, CA

82°F/61°F

Madison, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
67°F/47°F

Irvine, CA

27°F/11°F

Madison, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
13

Irvine, CA

37

Madison, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
0

Irvine, CA

50

Madison, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIrvineMadison
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersWildfires, EarthquakesSnowstorms, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Relocating from Irvine to Madison means preparing for colder winters and embracing snow, given Madison experiences an average of 50 inches of snow annually compared to Irvine's virtually none. The summer temperatures in both cities are fairly similar, but winters in Madison are significantly colder with highs often only reaching the 20s. Additionally, Madison has nearly 100 fewer sunny days per year than Irvine, influencing activities and potentially even mood. Understanding these climate differences will help ensure a smoother transition as you settle into your new home.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Irvine to Madison

When contemplating a move from one city to another, it's crucial to understand how your finances will be impacted. This comparison aims to illuminate the differences in cost of living, taxation, and economy between Irvine, CA, and Madison, WI, helping you make an informed decision regarding your relocation.

ComparisonIrvineMadison
Avg. Household Income$105,774$67,270
Cost of Living Index136.495.65
State Income Tax13.3 (max)7.65 (max)
Avg. Property Tax0.71.94
Avg. Sales Tax7.755.5
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, Education, Health ServicesEducation, Health Services, Manufacturing
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowModerate
HomelessnessNoticeableLower

Moving from Irvine to Madison could significantly affect your financial situation. While the average household income in Irvine is substantially higher, your dollars might stretch further in Madison due to its lower cost of living index. Madison's lower maximum state income tax could also leave more money in your pocket, despite its higher property tax rates compared to Irvine. Additionally, the shift in dominant industries might impact your career prospects. Understanding these financial nuances will help you navigate your transition more smoothly.

Irvine vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison

In this section, we provide a comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Irvine & Madison, offering a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the community you're moving into. This comparative analysis aims to highlight the differences and similarities in the political leanings and religious affiliations of the residents in each city.

IrvineMadison
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsCentrist, with progressive tendenciesProgressive, liberal policies prevalent
ReligionDiverse, with Christian and non-Christian communitiesPluralistic, but with a strong presence of Christian churches

While both Irvine and Madison lean Democratic, Madison exhibits a significantly more progressive stance on local politics and is known for its liberal policies. In Irvine, you'll find a more centrist approach, although there are progressive tendencies among the population. Regarding religion, both cities boast diverse religious communities. However, in Madison, there's a notable presence of Christian churches despite the pluralistic nature of the city's religious landscape. This diversity in both cities offers an eclectic array of community activities, cultural festivals, and places of worship that enrich the social fabric of each area. Understanding these dynamics can help you anticipate the social and cultural environment of your new home.

Irvine vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Irvine, CA to Madison, WI means adapting to new daily commutes and understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in both cities, helping you navigate your move more smoothly.

ComparisonIrvineMadison
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2519
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingEasier

In Irvine, the average commute time is slightly longer, and the city experiences higher traffic congestion compared to Madison. This could be because Irvine is part of the larger Los Angeles Metro area, which is known for its busy roads. Although public transportation exists, it's not as developed or relied upon as in some cities, so having a car is almost essential. Madison, on the other hand, provides a more relaxed commuting experience with less congestion. The city's public transit system is slightly better rated, making it easier for residents to get around without a personal vehicle. This can be particularly appealing for those looking to reduce their carbon footprint or save on transportation costs.

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