Best St. Paul to Madison Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from St. Paul to Madison and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 267 mile move from Minnesota to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 St. Paul 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 Metro Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in St. Paul 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.

Best St. Paul to Madison Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best St. Paul to Madison Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Metro Movers9.499.73Authorized For PropertyContact
2Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHGContact
3General Expert Moving Service LLC9.268.89Authorized For HHGContact
4Goal Line Moving9.259.42Authorized For HHGContact
5The Go To Guys, LLC9.078.7Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from St. Paul to Madison

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 267 miles from St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI will cost on average $2,008 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom St. Paul to Madison move is roughly $4,799. 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$1,354300 ft³4.51
1 Bedroom$2,008450 ft³4.46
2 Bedrooms$3,310750 ft³4.41
3 Bedrooms$4,7991100 ft³4.36
4 Bedrooms$6,9011600 ft³4.31
5+ Bedrooms$7,6731800 ft³4.26
*Please note: These Minnesota to Wisconsin moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Minnesota & 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 MN to WI mover.
Minnesota iconArrow iconWisconsin icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to St. Paul guide.

Compare the 5 Best St. Paul to Madison Movers

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

Metro Movers Logo

Metro Movers

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 1,008+ data points

434 Blake Rd N

Hopkins, MN, 55343

About Metro Movers

Metro Movers, a licensed and insured transport and logistics company in Minnesota, was founded by two childhood friends with a shared...

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Business Moving
  • Long Distance Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3742268 / 1503884

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved16,000 (2023)
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
General Expert Moving Service LLC Logo

General Expert Moving Service LLC

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 528+ data points

3804 22nd Ave S

Minneapolis, MN, 55407

About General Expert Moving Service LLC

General Expert Moving Service LLC is a family-owned moving company based in Minnesota. It started with two brothers and a pickup...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2846187 / 1285395

Authorized For HHG

Carrier/Shipper

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers24
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2024)
View Full Review
3
Goal Line Moving Logo

Goal Line Moving

Exceptional9.25/10
based on 664+ data points

Plymouth, MN

About Goal Line Moving

Located in Ham Lake, MN, Goal Line Moving is a family-owned and operated company with four years in the business and...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2926126 / 1088400

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2024)
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
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

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.

St. Paul vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison

When planning a move, getting to know your new city by comparing its neighborhoods to those you're familiar with can be incredibly helpful. This guide does just that, focusing on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between St. Paul, MN & Madison, WI . By identifying similar neighborhoods between these cities, you can more easily find your new favorite spots and feel at home faster.

St. PaulMadisonHow They're Similar
Summit HillMaple BluffAffluent, historic vibes
Highland ParkShorewood HillsFamily-friendly, upscale
Macalester-GrovelandDudgeon-MonroeCommunity-oriented, local shops
LowertownAtwoodArtsy, vibrant community
Grand AvenueWilliamson StreetEclectic shops, dining
Cathedral HillTenney-LaphamHistoric, charming appeal
Como ParkVilasGreen spaces, family-friendly
Dayton's BluffMarquetteDiverse, community spirit
Summit-UniversityRegentEducational hub, historical interest
Merriam ParkNakoma LeagueQuiet, tree-lined streets

If you're charmed by the affluent and historic vibes of Summit Hill, you'll likely appreciate Maple Bluff's similar atmosphere, where elegant homes and manicured lawns tell stories of the past. Meanwhile, Highland Park's family-friendly and upscale environment finds its match in Shorewood Hills, well-loved for its community feel and scenic beauty. For those drawn to the artsy and vibrant community of Lowertown, the Atwood neighborhood in Madison offers a similarly creative enclave, boasting an impressive array of local shops, galleries, and eateries. Notably, Merriam Park's quiet, tree-lined streets are mirrored by Nakoma League, providing a peaceful retreat amidst city life. Each of these comparisons not only highlights the aesthetic and communal likeness but also underlines the potential for new experiences and discoveries in Madison, WI.

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 St. Paul to Madison

Moving between cities is a significant life event, with each location offering its own blend of benefits and drawbacks. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of moving from St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI , highlighting the considerations that might make this relocation appealing or challenging. Let's delve into the specifics to better understand what awaits you.

CONs
PROs
St. Paul, MN iconSt. Paul, MN
  • Harsher winters
  • Fewer bike paths
  • Smaller lakes
  • Limited nightlife
  • Less green space
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Milder winters
  • More bike paths
  • Larger lakes
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • More green space
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Competitive job market
  • Similar healthcare access
  • Lesser community events
  • Fewer historical sights
St. Paul, MN iconSt. Paul, MN
  • Lively cultural scene
  • Strong job market
  • Access to healthcare
  • Vibrant community events
  • More historical sights

When you move from St. Paul to Madison, you're trading the bustling streets and the rich history of neighborhoods like Summit-University for the tranquil life alongside Lake Mendota and Lake Monona's shimmering waters. Although St. Paul's cultural scene, with landmarks such as the Minnesota History Center and the Fitzgerald Theater, presents a vibrant backdrop, Madison counters with its own lively atmosphere, including State Street's array of shops, restaurants, like the famous The Old Fashioned, and nightlife options. You might miss the vast network of parks and recreational areas such as Como Park in St. Paul, yet Madison's extensive bike paths and more substantial green spaces, including the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, offer a refreshing outdoor lifestyle that's hard to beat. This move presents a blend of new opportunities and adjustments, reflecting a change in scenery that's both scenic and opportune.

St. Paul vs. Madison Food Guide

As food plays a crucial role in understanding local culture and lifestyle, a comparison of the local cuisine between St. Paul & Madison will provide valuable insights for those considering a move. This analysis aims to give you a taste of what culinary delights await in your new city.

St. PaulMadison
Most iconic local food itemJuicy LucyBeer Cheese Soup
Most popular meat dishWalleye Fish FryBratwurst
Most popular street food itemMini DonutsFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodKimchi Tofu StewVegetable Pasties
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Cossetta's
  • Mucci's Italian
  • Handsome Hog
  • Lombardino's
  • Graze
  • Lao Laan-Xang
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In St. Paul, the Juicy Lucy, a cheese-stuffed burger, is a must-try, symbolizing the city's love for hearty, comforting food. You can find this local favorite at various spots, including the renowned 5-8 Club. On the other hand, Madison is known for its Beer Cheese Soup, emblematic of Wisconsin's rich dairy and brewing cultures, best enjoyed at cozy local pubs like The Old Fashioned. Both cities offer a diverse food scene, from the street food vibe with mini donuts and fried cheese curds to health-conscious and vegan options, reflecting their inclusive and evolving culinary landscapes. Additionally, the presence of iconic restaurants and an increasing number of food trucks in each city highlight the vibrant, dynamic nature of their food scenes, catering to a wide range of tastes and dietary preferences.

St. Paul vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison

Making a new city feel like home often hinges on finding those favorite dining spots where memories are made and flavors are explored. This restaurant comparison between St. Paul and Madison aims to ease your transition by guiding you to new eateries that mirror your old haunts. Whether you're craving upscale dining or a casual bite, consider this your culinary map to feeling right at home.

St. PaulMadisonWhat You'll Love
Mucci's ItalianOsteria PapaveroTraditional Italian dining experience
The LexingtonL'EtoileUpscale, farm-to-table dining
Brasa Premium RotisserieHeritage TavernFocus on farm-to-table meats and sides
Cossetta AlimentariGreenbush BakeryFor its variety and quality in Italian cuisine and deli options
J. Selby'sThe Green Owl CaféBoth are beloved for their inviting vegetarian menus
Happy GnomeDexter's PubKnown for craft beer and hearty comfort food
MeritageGraftOffers a modern, chic dining experience with a focus on wine pairings
BarrioCanteenServes up vibrant, taco-focused Mexican cuisine
RevivalA Pig in a Fur CoatFor the love of well-crafted, Southern inspired dishes
Mickey's DinerMickies Dairy BarBoth are iconic, nostalgic diners with a local following

When in Madison, food enthusiasts can revel in experiences akin to those they cherished back in St. Paul. For instance, Osteria Papavero offers an ambiance and culinary authenticity that Mucci's Italian lovers will appreciate, with both restaurants committed to bringing the heart of Italy to your table. Meanwhile, those missing the comforting, Southern flavors of Revival can find solace in A Pig in a Fur Coat’s rich, meticulously prepared dishes. Moreover, the transition from The Lexington’s elegant dining to L'Etoile’s sumptuous farm-to-table offerings highlights Madison’s capacity to cater to the sophisticated palate. Each restaurant, in its essence, captures the spirit of its respective city, allowing you to savor the familiar in a new setting.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

St. Paul vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a relocation, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. We'll compare the housing aspects of St. Paul, MN, and Madison, WI, focusing on cost, architecture, and livability to align with your lifestyle and budget needs.

ComparisonSt. PaulMadison
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian, CraftsmanPrairie, Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to parks, Historic charmLake access, Sustainable living

Both St. Paul and Madison boast a rich architectural heritage with an emphasis on Craftsman style homes, yet Madison tends to have a higher price point, both in purchasing and renting. Madison's edge in bikeability and slightly higher walkability score contribute to its appeal for those prioritizing a greener, more active lifestyle. The urban lifestyle is comparably vibrant in both cities, offering a rich mix of cultural experiences and community events. Not surprisingly, Madison's real estate listings often highlight lake access and sustainability, reflecting the city's focus on ecological living, whereas St. Paul's listings tend to emphasize historic charm and proximity to urban green spaces like parks.

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.

St. Paul vs. Madison Weather Considerations

Moving from one place to another often includes adjusting to new weather patterns. Understanding the weather differences between St. Paul, MN, and Madison, WI, is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight the weather variations and how they could affect your lifestyle in St. Paul versus Madison .

Summer icon
83/63

St. Paul, MN

82/62

Madison, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
24/7

St. Paul, MN

27/11

Madison, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
30.2

St. Paul, MN

32.1

Madison, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
52

St. Paul, MN

42

Madison, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSt. PaulMadison
Air QualityGoodGood to Moderate
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

While the overall climate in St. Paul, MN, and Madison, WI, shares several similarities, such as typical Midwestern winters with ample snow and chilly temperatures, there are subtle differences worth noting. For instance, St. Paul experiences slightly colder winters with more snowfall, compared to Madison. This may affect your winter outdoor activities and the necessity for winter gear. The number of sunny days differs slightly, with St. Paul enjoying a few more sunshine-filled days annually. Additionally, the slight variations in annual rainfall and humidity levels could influence your daily comfort and the enjoyment of outdoor activities. Considering these weather differences is key to adapting and planning for your new home.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from St. Paul to Madison

When considering a move from St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI, it's essential to compare the financial aspects to get a holistic view of how your expenses and income might change. Understanding the differences in cost of living, taxes, and job markets between these two cities can significantly impact your decision and adjustment process.

ComparisonSt. PaulMadison
Avg. Household Income$66,098$67,270
Cost of Living Index11095.65
State Income Tax7.056.27
Avg. Property Tax1.281.94
Avg. Sales Tax7.455.5
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Education, ManufacturingGovernment, Education, Healthcare
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyLowLower
HomelessnessModerateLow

Moving from St. Paul to Madison, you'll find that the average household income is slightly lower in Madison, however, the city boasts a higher affluence level and a lower rate of poverty, suggesting a more evenly distributed wealth among its residents. Although the cost of living index is higher in Madison, the state income tax is somewhat lower, which might offset some of the increased daily expenses. The significant difference in average property tax rates, with Madison being higher, is something to consider if you plan to buy property. Additionally, Madison's economy is heavily supported by government, education, and healthcare sectors, offering a stable job market for professionals in these fields.

St. Paul vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison

When preparing for your move from St. Paul, MN, to Madison, WI, understanding the local culture is crucial. This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents, featuring a comparison of the politics between St. Paul & Madison . Get insights into what you might expect in your new city.

St. PaulMadison
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocraticLiberal/Democratic
Local PoliticsActive participation in local governanceHigh civic engagement and progressive policies
ReligionChristianity dominant, with diverse religious communitiesPlurality of beliefs, strong secular and liberal religious communities

Both St. Paul and Madison share a liberal, Democratic political alignment, which is reflected in their governance and community values. However, Madison stands out for its particularly high civic engagement and progressive stance on various policies, making it an active hub for political movements and dialogues. While Christianity is the dominant religion in St. Paul, with establishments like the Cathedral of Saint Paul as a testament, Madison's landscape is more varied in terms of beliefs, with liberal religious communities and secularism playing a significant role as well. Understanding these dynamics will help you feel right at home in Madison's richly diverse and politically active environment.

St. Paul vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This section offers a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between St. Paul & Madison, to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic are like should you move from one city to the other.

ComparisonSt. PaulMadison
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2419
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible, but challengingMore feasible

While both cities offer robust public transit systems, life in Madison may present fewer challenges for those looking to live without a personal vehicle. The average commute time in Madison is notably shorter than in St. Paul, potentially offering you more leisure or productivity time. Moreover, despite Madison having a slightly lower score in public transit availability, its more compact urban layout makes it more conducive to biking and walking. Regardless, in both cities, planning and patience are key to navigating your daily route efficiently.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best St. Paul to Madison Movers Featured Image