Best Madison to Sacramento Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Madison to Sacramento and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,005 mile move from Wisconsin to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 32 Madison to Sacramento 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 Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.), 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 Madison compared to Sacramento. 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 Madison to Sacramento Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Rickey's Gold Country Moving | 9.21 | 8.91 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.07 | 8.7 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Top Notch Movers | 9.05 | 9 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Workhorse Moving Co. | 8.46 | 8.69 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Madison to Sacramento
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,005 miles from Madison, WI to Sacramento, CA will cost on average $3,486 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Madison to Sacramento move is roughly $8,412. 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 Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,339 | 300 ft³ | 7.80 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,486 | 450 ft³ | 7.75 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,773 | 750 ft³ | 7.70 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,412 | 1100 ft³ | 7.65 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,156 | 1600 ft³ | 7.60 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,585 | 1800 ft³ | 7.55 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Sacramento to Madison guide.
Compare the 5 Best Madison to Sacramento Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2627768 / 1031866 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 173,000 (2023) |
Rickey's Gold Country Moving
15887 Rattlesnake Rd
Grass Valley, CA, 95945
About Rickey's Gold Country Moving
Rickey's Gold Country Moving is a moving company based in Grass Valley, CA. They have received positive customer reviews for their...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3065202 / 1398360 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2023) |
The Go To Guys, LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3760134 / 1338262 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2024) |
Top Notch Movers
2829 Perry St Suite 214
Madison, WI, 53713
About Top Notch Movers
Top Notch Movers may be a young business, but it’s already built an excellent reputation. It lives up well to its...
Services
- Local & Interstate Residential Moving
- Packing Services
- Junk Removal
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3322160 / 1066819 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 70,000 (2023) |
Workhorse Moving Co.
West Sacramento, CA, 95691
About Workhorse Moving Co.
Workhorse Moving Co. is a locally-owned and operated moving company in Calaveras County that has been serving the Gold Country since...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3369346 / 1080028 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
| Registered Drivers | 1 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 10 (2023) |
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.
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.
Madison vs. Sacramento Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when you are unfamiliar with the local neighborhoods. To ease this transition, we will explore a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Madison, WI & Sacramento, CA, highlighting similar communities to help you find your new home.
| Madison | Sacramento | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| State Street | Midtown | Vibrant nightlife & arts |
| Maple Bluff | East Sacramento | Affluent homes & gardens |
| Willy Street (Williamson-Marquette) | Land Park | Historic homes & community events |
| Shorewood Hills | Faber | Upscale, scenic neighborhood vibes |
| Nakoma League | Curtis Park | Quaint homes & park access |
| Hilldale | Elmhurst | Quaint with small-town feel |
| Monroe Street | East Sacramento | Boutique shops & dining |
| Capitol | Downtown | Government buildings & urban living |
| Dudgeon-Monroe | Tahoe Park | Family-friendly & outdoor spaces |
| Atwood Avenue | Oak Park | Cultural diversity & history |
In transitioning from the iconic Willy Street in Madison to Land Park in Sacramento, you'll find the same emphasis on historic charm and a strong sense of community, but with the added bonus of Sacramento's extensive park systems and community events, such as those held at William Land Park. Similarly, the move from the upscale neighborhood of Maple Bluff to East Sacramento means trading lakefront views for picturesque streets lined with towering trees and stately homes, not unlike those around McKinley Park. The vibrant local scene on Madison's State Street, known for its arts and nightlife, finds a match in Sacramento's Midtown, where establishments like Hook & Ladder Manufacturing Company contribute to a bustling, cultural atmosphere. These examples underscore the diverse yet comparably enriching experiences that Sacramento neighborhoods offer to newcomers from Madison.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Sacramento
Moving from one city to another offers a unique blend of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to reflect honestly on Madison, WI, and Sacramento, CA, providing a balanced view of the pros and cons associated with relocating. Whether it's the climate, lifestyle, or community vibes, understanding both sides will better prepare you for the journey ahead.
Madison, WI- Cold winters
- Smaller city
- Fewer sunny days
- Less diverse
Sacramento, CA- Milder winters
- Larger city
- More sunny days
- More diverse
Sacramento, CA- Less personal
- Less greenery
- Higher cost of living
- Car-dependent
Madison, WI- Close-knit community
- Abundant nature
- Lower cost of living
- Bike-friendly
Despite the colder weather and smaller community vibes in Madison, many folks cherish its close-knit neighborhoods, such as Monroe Street, renowned for cozy coffee shops like Barriques. On the other hand, Sacramento, with its sunnier days and greater diversity, offers unique opportunities to explore vibrant communities like Midtown, awash with eateries like the farm-to-table Magpie Café. Sacramento's larger size contributes to its array of outdoor activities, such as those found in the expansive Capitol Park. The leap from Madison's abundant greenery and bike paths to Sacramento's more urban setting might take adjustment, but the rich cultural experiences and warmer climate can provide a refreshing change.
Madison vs. Sacramento Food Guide
When relocating, it's essential to explore the culinary landscape of your new home. Food is a significant aspect of local culture and lifestyle. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Sacramento , giving you a taste of what to expect and how it blends with your food preferences.
| Madison | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Farm-to-Fork Cuisine |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Tri-tip Steak |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Cheese Curds | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Tofu Scramble | Vegan Burritos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
While Madison is known for its dairy-rich comfort food like cheese curds and hearty meat dishes such as bratwurst, Sacramento takes pride in its farm-to-fork ethos, offering a plethora of fresh, locally-produced foods. Noteworthy is Sacramento's Tri-tip Steak, a testament to California's rich agricultural heritage. In the Tower District, Tower Cafe solidifies this ethos with a menu that reflects the diversity and seasonality of the Sacramento Valley. Similarly, Sacramento's vibrant food truck scene and higher vegan-friendly score point towards an evolving food scene that caters to a variety of tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you’re strolling through Madison's State Street or Sacramento's Midtown, you’ll find each city's food culture deeply ingrained in their respective neighborhoods, each offering a unique palette of flavors.
Madison vs. Sacramento Restaurant Comparison
Embarking on a move from Madison, WI to Sacramento, CA can be an exciting adventure, especially when it comes to exploring new culinary delights. Food is a cornerstone of feeling at home in a new city. This restaurant comparison between Madison and Sacramento aims to ease your transition by guiding you to your next favorite dining spots, using your current hometown favorites as a point of reference.
| Madison | Sacramento | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L'Etoile | The Kitchen Restaurant | Upscale dining experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. |
| Graze | Magpie Café | Farm-to-fork philosophy with a casual, yet refined atmosphere. |
| Sardine | Waterboy | Neighborhood bistro with a menu inspired by the seasons. |
| Marigold Kitchen | Tower Café | Unique breakfast and brunch options in an iconic setting. |
| Mickies Dairy Bar | Fixins Soul Kitchen | Homestyle comfort food with a nostalgic diner feel. |
| A Pig in a Fur Coat | Mulvaney's B&L | Farm-to-table eats with a penchant for meat dishes. |
| Sal's Tomato Pies | OneSpeed | Pizza and Italian dishes with an emphasis on local ingredients. |
| Monty's Blue Plate Diner | Fox & Goose Public House | Classic diner fare with a British twist. |
| Pasture and Plenty | Localis | Chef-driven menus featuring seasonal, local produce. |
| Short Stack Eatery | Pushkin's Restaurant | Breakfast and brunch spot known for dietary-friendly options. |
Relocating from Madison to Sacramento doesn't mean you have to leave behind your culinary comforts. Places like Waterboy in Sacramento offer a dine experience with the warmth and familiarity that Sardine provides back in Madison, complete with seasonal menus inspired by available local produce. If you're missing the laid-back yet refined ambiance of Graze, you'll find a similar vibe and farm-to-fork philosophy at Magpie Café. And for those who crave the unique and vibrant flavors of a good pie, OneSpeed in Sacramento matches the creativity and local ingredient focus of Sal's Tomato Pies. Each restaurant in Sacramento offers a piece of home with its own unique flair, making your culinary transition an exciting journey of discovery.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Sacramento Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts a move, necessitating a comparison of what Madison, WI, and Sacramento, CA, offer. This analysis aims to illuminate the differences in housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle factors between Madison and Sacramento, equipping you with knowledge for a well-informed decision.
| Comparison | Madison | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Craftsman | Spanish Colonial and Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakeside views, green spaces | Proximity to state capital, historic landmarks |
While both Madison and Sacramento boast enriching lifestyles and lovely homes, they cater to markedly different tastes and preferences. Madison's housing market often highlights lakeside views and abundant green spaces, reflecting the city's serene environment and robust outdoor culture. On the other hand, Sacramento's proximity to the state capital delivers a unique blend of historic charm and urban living, with listings frequently boasting Spanish Colonial architecture among the area's bikeable and walkable neighborhoods. Deciding between the two may depend on your preference for Madison’s verdant tranquility or the lively urban beat of Sacramento. Exploring local establishments like Olbrich Botanical Gardens in Madison or Midtown Sacramento could offer further insight into each city's unique offerings.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Sacramento, CA
1. Midtown : This area's abundant dog parks, such as Truitt Bark Park, and pet-friendly patios make it a haven for pet owners.
2. East Sacramento : Known for its picturesque streets and close proximity to the spacious McKinley Park, it's perfect for long walks with your furry friend.
3. Land Park : With its expansive green spaces like William Land Park, it's ideal for pets that love outdoor activities and living close to nature.
Madison vs. Sacramento Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Madison, WI to Sacramento, CA, understanding the weather differences between these two cities is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison will provide insights into what you can expect in your new home city.
Madison, WI
Sacramento, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Sacramento, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Sacramento, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Sacramento, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Wildfires, Earthquakes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Madison and Sacramento offer distinct seasons, the type and severity of the weather you'll encounter vary significantly. Moving to Sacramento from Madison, you'll enjoy a significant increase in sunny days and a markedly warmer summer, but with less humidity. However, it's important to prepare for Sacramento's hotter summers and mild winters, a stark contrast to Madison's snowy and cold winters. Additionally, the shift in natural disaster risks from blizzards and tornadoes to wildfires and earthquakes is noteworthy. Awareness of these differences can help you adjust more effectively to your new environment.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Sacramento
When relocating from Madison, WI to Sacramento, CA, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and local economy in Madison stacks up against Sacramento. This understanding will ensure you are financially prepared for the change.
| Comparison | Madison | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $75,311 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 116.2 |
| State Income Tax | 5.3 | 9.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94 | 0.84 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 8.75 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Government, Healthcare, Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderately High |
| Poverty | Low | Higher |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
While both cities offer robust economic opportunities, Sacramento presents a higher cost of living index than Madison, partly due to California's state income tax and sales tax rates. However, Sacramento might feel more affluent, reflecting in its slightly higher average household income and thriving tech industry. Property taxes are lower in Sacramento, potentially making home ownership more accessible despite the higher general cost of living. This shift accompanies a notable difference in poverty and homelessness rates, underscoring the importance of anticipating these economic differences before your move.
Madison vs. Sacramento Political & Religious Comparison
When preparing for a move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Sacramento, California, understanding the differences and similarities in the community's fabric is essential. This comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Madison & Sacramento provides a quick snapshot to help you grasp the character of your future home.
| Madison | Sacramento | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Progressive | Liberal/Progressive |
| Local Politics | Strong focus on social issues and education | Diverse interests with a strong emphasis on environmental policy and social justice |
| Religion | Various, with significant non-religious population | Highly diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, Islam, and more |
Both Madison and Sacramento hold liberal and progressive values close, yet they express these ideologies through different local priorities. In Madison, there's a concentrated effort on social issues and educational reforms, which mirrors the city's highly educated demographic. Meanwhile, Sacramento's political scene is shaped significantly by environmental policy due to California's broader stance on climate change and sustainability. The religious landscape in both cities reflects a breadth of diversity, accommodating people from various faiths. This aspect enriches the cultural tapestry and social discourse in both communities, preparing you for a dynamic and inclusive environment in Sacramento.
Madison vs. Sacramento Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Madison, WI to Sacramento, CA? This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Madison & Sacramento to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences will be like.
| Comparison | Madison | Sacramento |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 26 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible but challenging | Possible, easier than Madison |
In Madison, the average commute time is relatively short, and traffic congestion is minimal, making it somewhat easier to navigate the city during peak hours. However, while public transit options exist, they might not cover all areas extensively, making owning a car more of a necessity for some. On the other hand, Sacramento sees a bit more traffic but boasts a slightly better public transportation system, including buses and light rail services like SacRT, improving accessibility across the city. Those considering going carless might find Sacramento more accommodating thanks to this increased availability of public transit options.
Additional Resources
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