Best Nashville to Madison Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Nashville to Madison and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 636 mile move from Tennessee to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 38 Nashville to Madison moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Nashville 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 Nashville to Madison Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHGContact
2The Go To Guys, LLC9.078.7Authorized For HHGContact
3Little Guys Movers Nashville9.079.01Authorized For HHGContact
46th Man Movers9.008.79Authorized For HHGContact
5Smooth Moving & Storage8.938.63Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Nashville to Madison

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 636 miles from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI will cost on average $2,322 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Nashville to Madison move is roughly $5,566. 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$1,563300 ft³5.21
1 Bedroom$2,322450 ft³5.16
2 Bedrooms$3,833750 ft³5.11
3 Bedrooms$5,5661100 ft³5.06
4 Bedrooms$8,0161600 ft³5.01
5+ Bedrooms$8,9281800 ft³4.96
*Please note: These Tennessee to Wisconsin moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Tennessee & 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 TN to WI mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Nashville guide.

Compare the 5 Best Nashville to Madison Movers

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

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
1
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
2
Little Guys Movers Nashville Logo

Little Guys Movers Nashville

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 182+ data points

Nashville, TN, 37201

About Little Guys Movers Nashville

Established in 1992, Little Guys Movers Nashville is a highly regarded franchise providing numerous moving and packing services. They cater to...

Services

  • Long Distance Moving
  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

4004993 / 1506293

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
6th Man Movers Logo

6th Man Movers

Superb9.00/10
based on 5,314+ data points

309 Hermitage Ave

Nashville, TN, 37210

About 6th Man Movers

As a locally owned and operated moving company based in Nashville, Tennessee, 6th Man Movers serves Nashville residents with high-quality relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance
  • Labor Only

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2315850 / 853001

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved12,508 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Smooth Moving & Storage Logo

Smooth Moving & Storage

Superb8.93/10
based on 346+ data points

3620 Trousdale Dr

Nashville, TN, 37204

About Smooth Moving & Storage

Smooth Moving & Storage is a full-service moving and storage company based in Nashville, Tennessee, offering professional, reliable, and stress-free moving...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Residential moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2472874 / 1244900

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
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.

Nashville vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison

When considering a move, understanding the vibe and character of new neighborhoods can be a challenge. This guide aims to ease that transition by comparing popular neighborhoods between Nashville, TN & Madison, WI . By correlating the familiar with the new, you'll gain insights into where you might feel most at home in your new city.

NashvilleMadisonHow They're Similar
East NashvilleWil-MarVibrant arts scene, eclectic mix of dining
12 SouthWilliamson-MarquetteTrendy shopping, lively street festivals
The GulchCapitolModern condos, upscale nightlife
Green HillsHilldaleUpscale shopping, residential feel
Belmont/HillsboroRegentHistoric homes, community-focused
Music RowState-LangdonMusic and entertainment, student life
German TownTenney-LaphamRich history, tight-knit community
West EndShorewood HillsUniversity influence, high-end residential
Sylvan ParkNakoma LeagueQuiet, family-friendly, parks
The NationsBay CreekGrowing, mixed-use developments

Moving from the vibrant, artsy vibe of East Nashville, you'll find a kindred spirit in Madison's Wil-Mar neighborhood, known for its bustling arts scene and eclectic dining options, including the must-visit Bunky's Cafe for Mediterranean meets American cuisine. For those enchanted by the historic charm and community atmosphere of Belmont/Hillsboro, the Regent neighborhood in Madison offers a similar appeal with its historic homes and community-focused vibe, epitomized by the annual Regent Neighborhood Association Festival. Conversely, The Gulch's modern condos and upscale nightlife find a parallel in Madison's Capitol neighborhood, where the night can be rounded off at the elegant The Madison Concourse Hotel and Governor's Club for a taste of luxury living and entertainment.

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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 Nashville to Madison

Moving from one city to another is always a mix of challenges and opportunities. This guide aims to compare the pros and cons of moving from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI , offering an honest reflection of what expect. It will provide insight into the lifestyle changes, cultural shifts, and practical differences you'll encounter, helping you make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Nashville, TN iconNashville, TN
  • Hotter summers
  • Music city vibe
  • Lower snowfall
  • Spread out city
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Cooler summers
  • College town energy
  • Winter wonderland
  • Compact layout
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Less country music
  • Colder winters
  • More laid-back
  • Smaller culinary scene
Nashville, TN iconNashville, TN
  • Lively music scene
  • Warmer winters
  • Vibrant nightlife
  • Broad cuisine options

When moving from Nashville to Madison, you'll exchange the vibrant, music-filled nights on Broadway for the energetic, bustling atmosphere of State Street, known for its unique shops and restaurants like The Old Fashioned. Although Madison has a smaller music and culinary scene compared to Nashville, it boasts an impressive array of local eateries such as Graze that focus on farm-to-table dining. Madison's compact layout means beloved destinations like Olbrich Botanical Gardens and Henry Vilas Zoo are never far away, providing endless opportunities for weekend exploration without leaving the city. Meanwhile, the transition to Madison's winter wonderland may be a stark contrast to Nashville's mild winters, offering new experiences like ice skating at Tenney Park or experiencing the iconic Madison Winter Festival.

Nashville vs. Madison Food Guide

Food is an essential part of local culture and gives insight into what living in an area might be like. In this guide, we'll embark on a culinary journey to compare the local cuisine between Nashville, TN & Madison, WI, helping you understand the food scene in your new city.

NashvilleMadison
Most iconic local food itemHot ChickenCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishBBQ RibsBratwurst
Most popular street food itemGourmet TacosFarmers' Market Sandwiches
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVegan Cheese Pizza
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Prince's Hot Chicken Shack
  • Martin's Bar-B-Que Joint
  • Hattie B's Hot Chicken
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When moving from Nashville to Madison, you'll transition from the spicy kick of Hot Chicken to the heartwarming embrace of Cheese Curds. Both cities have a vibrant food scene, but Madison stands out for its fitness and health conscientiousness, which is reflected in its food selections and abundance of vegan options. Madison’s culinary landscape offers a rich blend of hearty homegrown flavors with a focus on farm-to-table dining. You'll find the iconic bratwurst at local haunts like the Memorial Union Terrace or enjoying vegan cuisine at spots such as Graze, highlighting that Madison's food scene artfully balances between tradition and innovation. Whether it's street food you crave or a fine dining experience, both cities deliver, but your new home, Madison, offers a unique twist rooted in local produce and community-centric dining.

Nashville vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison chart serves to connect the culinary delights of Nashville to Madison, guiding you towards your next favorite eateries based on your current preferences. Whether you're in search of upscale dining, casual bites, or iconic establishments, this comparison will ease your transition by finding a taste of Nashville in Madison.

NashvilleMadisonWhat You'll Love
The Catbird SeatL'EtoileOffers a comparable upscale and inventive dining experience, focusing on local and seasonal ingredients.
Hattie B's Hot ChickenMadison's Hot Chicken ShackServes up a fiery hot chicken that rivals Nashville's staple, satisfying spice lovers.
Prince's Hot ChickenLucilleKnown for its spicy chicken and lively atmosphere, echoing Prince's iconic status and flavor.
City HouseOsteria PapaveroBoth offer an innovative take on Italian cuisine, blending traditional methods with local flair.
Rolf and DaughtersForequarterProvides a similar focus on creative, farm-to-table dishes in a cozy and trendy setting.
Arnold's Country KitchenThe Old FashionedOffers hearty, comforting dishes that capture the essence of traditional Southern cooking.
Peg Leg PorkerSmoky Jon's #1 BBQRenowned for its smoked meats and authentic BBQ flavor, reminiscent of Peg Leg Porker's specialties.
Biscuit LoveShort Stack EateryA go-to for breakfast lovers seeking homemade biscuits and a warm, welcoming vibe.
Husk NashvilleGrazeOffers a plant-based dining experience that mirrors Husk's dedication to locally-sourced ingredients.
The Loveless CaféMarcy's DinerFamous for its homey feel and classic diner fare, a perfect equivalent for those missing The Loveless Café's comfort food.

Discovering the culinary landscape of Madison that mirrors the beloved flavors of Nashville offers an exciting adventure for the palate. At L'Etoile, you'll experience the artistic approach to dining that made you adore The Catbird Seat, ensuring a seamless transition of fine dining pleasures. For those fiery cravings, Madison's Hot Chicken Shack brings the heat, rivaling Hattie B's in both taste and satisfaction. The transition from Nashville's iconic biscuits to the warm, fluffy offerings at Short Stack Eatery ensures that the comfort of a Southern breakfast is never far from home. Each Madison counterpart not only matches the cuisine but also the atmosphere and ethos of its Nashville muse, affirming that your move doesn't have to mean sacrificing the flavors you love.

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Ready to start your move?

Nashville vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts

When you're moving, comparing real estate between Nashville, TN and Madison, WI is crucial for finding your perfect home. This comparison covers various aspects of housing including costs, style, and lifestyle to help you make an informed choice.

ComparisonNashvilleMadison
Typical Architecture StyleModern and Traditional MixPrairie and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingBackyards, Proximity to Music VenuesLakeside Views, Access to Parks

Examining housing characteristics between Nashville and Madison reveals important lifestyle implications. Nashville's slightly higher urban rating reflects its vibrant music and cultural scene, but Madison offers a more bike-friendly environment with higher overall walkability, making it appealing for those who prefer a more active, outdoorsy lifestyle. The architecture in Madison leans towards Prairie and Craftsman styles, embracing its unique historical and natural landscape, with many homes boasting lakeside views or easy access to green spaces. On the other hand, Nashville's real estate boasts a mix of modern and traditional designs, often featuring spacious backyards and proximity to the city's renowned music venues. These differences highlight the importance of personal preferences in choosing a new city to call home.

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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.

Nashville vs. Madison Weather Considerations

When planning your move from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI, it's crucial to anticipate how the weather variations between these two cities will impact your daily life. Understanding the climate differences will help you prepare for your new surroundings, making the transition smoother.

Summer icon
89/70

Nashville, TN

82/62

Madison, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
49/30

Nashville, TN

29/13

Madison, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
47

Nashville, TN

36

Madison, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
6

Nashville, TN

42

Madison, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonNashvilleMadison
Air QualityGoodVery Good
Natural DisastersTornadoes, StormsSnowstorms, Cold Waves
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Nashville to Madison, you'll experience crisper winters and somewhat cooler summers. Nashville's warmth can stretch well into the fall, a sharp contrast to Madison's brisk autumn. Madison's higher average annual snowfall (42 inches) compared to Nashville's (6 inches) suggests a significant difference in winter activities and necessities, like snow removal equipment. Air quality in Madison is generally better, which could be a relief if you're sensitive to pollution. Although both cities grapple with pollen as a top seasonal allergy, Madison's colder winters may offer a brief respite from allergies for those particularly sensitive.

Ready to start your move?

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

When considering a move from one city to another, assessing financial elements is crucial to anticipate changes in your lifestyle costs. This comparison aims to highlight the differences in money and finance aspects when moving from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI , providing a comprehensive view of what to expect in terms of income, taxes, and living costs.

ComparisonNashvilleMadison
Avg. Household Income$64,857$67,270
Cost of Living Index88.995.65
State Income Tax0Up to 7.65
Avg. Property Tax0.931.94
Avg. Sales Tax9.255.5
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Music, TourismEducation, Healthcare, Manufacturing
AffluenceModerateModerate-high
PovertyModerateLow
HomelessnessConcerningLower

While both Nashville and Madison offer moderate affluence levels, key differences in taxes and cost of living stand out. Madison's higher cost of living index and property taxes might be attributed to its quality of life and robust public services, offset by a slightly lower average household income compared to Nashville. Despite this, Madison's lower sales tax rate can ease the financial burden on daily purchases. Also, the presence of strong education and healthcare sectors in Madison contributes to its economy, potentially offering more job stability in these fields compared to Nashville's music and tourism-driven market. Considering these factors can help you make an informed decision about your move.

Nashville vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick comparison of the political and religious makeup of the populations in Nashville, TN, and Madison, WI. By exploring these aspects, you'll gain a better understanding of the communities in both cities. The goal is to provide a clear snapshot to help you ease into your new city of residence, this is a comparison of the politics between Nashville & Madison.

NashvilleMadison
Political Make-upLean DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerate, with growing progressive elementsKnown for progressive policies and governance
ReligionChristianity dominant, with a mix of other faithsLess religiously affiliated, diverse faith representation

While Nashville and Madison are both hospitable cities with vibrant communities, their cultural fabrics are woven with different threads. Nashville's political landscape is more moderate but leans towards democratic values, reflecting a mix of traditional Southern culture and progressive elements. This is complemented by its dominant Christian faith community, though other religions have a presence. On the other hand, Madison stands out for its strong commitment to progressive policies and less religious affiliation overall, making it a mecca for those who prioritize diversity and liberal values. The shift from Nashville's moderately progressive environment to Madison's distinctly liberal atmosphere is something you'll likely notice and may need to adapt to.

Nashville vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI? Understanding the differences in the daily commute and traffic, alongside the available transportation options between Nashville & Madison, will help you better prepare for your relocation. Let's dive into a comparative look at navigating these two cities.

ComparisonNashvilleMadison
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?ChallengingFeasible

When moving from Nashville to Madison, you'll notice a significant difference in the daily commuting experience. Nashville, with its higher traffic congestion score, tends to have slower traffic flows compared to Madison. This is partly due to Nashville’s public transit services not being as comprehensive, thus more residents relying on personal vehicles. Conversely, Madison’s higher score in public transit availability reflects a city that’s more navigable without a car. The city boasts a more efficient public transportation system and cycling infrastructure, making it easier to live without being dependent on a car.

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