Best Madison to San Francisco Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
If you're moving from Madison to San Francisco and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,107 mile move from Wisconsin to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 26 Madison to San Francisco 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 OCD Moving Services LLC), 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 San Francisco. 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 San Francisco Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | OCD Moving Services LLC | 9.66 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 2 | Bay - L.A. Express Moving | 9.32 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.07 | 8.7 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Top Notch Movers | 9.05 | 9 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Madison to San Francisco
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,107 miles from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA will cost on average $3,573 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Madison to San Francisco move is roughly $8,624. 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 | $2,397 | 300 ft³ | 7.99 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,573 | 450 ft³ | 7.94 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $5,918 | 750 ft³ | 7.89 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,624 | 1100 ft³ | 7.84 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,464 | 1600 ft³ | 7.79 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $13,932 | 1800 ft³ | 7.74 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Madison guide.
Compare the 5 Best Madison to San Francisco Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
OCD Moving Services LLC
5914 Cobblestone Ct
El Sobrante, CA, 94803
About OCD Moving Services LLC
For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Commercial Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2597230 / 911812 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 153,000 (2022) |
Bay - L.A. Express Moving
8 22nd St
San Francisco, CA, 94107
About Bay - L.A. Express Moving
Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in...
Services
- Long-distance moving
- Small relocation
- Full packing services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1396171 / 530464 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 60,000 (2022) |
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) |
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) |
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. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city is an exciting adventure. To ease the transition, we've crafted a comparison of popular neighborhoods in Madison, WI, and San Francisco, CA, helping you find your newhome sweet home by aligning it with what's familiar. Discover how the locales you love in Madison mirror those in San Francisco, weaving together Madison neighborhoods with their San Francisco counterparts.
| Madison | San Francisco | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Willy Street | Inner Richmond | Diverse food culture, liberal vibes |
| Maple Bluff | Pacific Heights | Upscale, great views |
| Downtown Madison | Financial District | Business hub, high energy |
| Shorewood Hills | Presidio Heights | Affluent, quiet residential |
| Nakoma League | Sea Cliff | Exclusive, scenic landscapes |
| Schenk-Atwood | Mission District | Artsy, community-focused |
| Hilldale | Cow Hollow | Shopping, uptown atmosphere |
| Middleton | Outer Sunset | Family-friendly, great outdoors |
| Greenbush | Nob Hill | Rich history, central location |
| Tenney-Lapham | Haight-Ashbury | Bohemian, historic charm |
In the heart of San Francisco, the Inner Richmond mirrors Madison's Willy Street with its kaleidoscope of cuisines and open-minded atmosphere, perfect for food enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike. Pacific Heights, akin to Maple Bluff, offers not only breathtaking views but also a glimpse into upscale living with historic mansions lining its streets. For a more artsy and vibrant scene reminiscent of Schenk-Atwood, the Mission District buzzes with murals, indie shops, and an unbeatable sense of community. Whether you're soaking in the historical essence of Nob Hill, akin to Greenbush, or embracing the Bohemian spirit of Haight-Ashbury that echoes Tenney-Lapham's charm, each San Francisco neighborhood brings its unique flavor, mirroring the spirit of Madison's beloved locales.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to San Francisco
Moving from one city to another involves weighing various factors to make an informed decision. This guide presents an honest reflection, comparing the pros and cons of relocating from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA and vice versa, to help you understand what you're gaining and what you might be giving up.
Madison, WI- Colder winters
- Smaller tech scene
- Less diversity
- Lower cost of living
San Francisco, CA- Milder climate
- Larger tech industry
- Greater diversity
- Higher cost of living
San Francisco, CA- Expensive housing
- More impersonal
- Less nature accessibility
- Foggy & cool summers
Madison, WI- More affordable
- Close-knit community
- Natural beauty
- Easier winters
While Madison, WI offers more affordable living, the move to San Francisco engages you with its vast tech industry and richer diversity. The Bay Area's milder climate and outstanding food scene, featuring establishments like Tartine Bakery and Ferry Building Marketplace, promise a vibrant lifestyle. San Francisco's neighborhoods such as the Mission District or North Beach captivate with their unique charm, bustling restaurants, and access to parks like the Golden Gate Park. However, the city's higher cost of living and competitive housing market demand careful financial planning and adjustment.
Madison vs. San Francisco Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & San Francisco aims to enlighten you about the vibrant food scenes in both cities, highlighting how food is a vital part of local culture and living experience.
| Madison | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Sourdough Bread |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Cioppino |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Walleye | Mission Burrito |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetarian Pho | Impossible Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When diving deeper into the food culture of San Francisco, you'll find neighborhoods teeming with culinary delights. The Mission District, for example, is famous for its Mission Burrito, a must-try for street food aficionados. San Francisco's strong health consciousness is reflected not just in the abundance of vegan options like the famous Impossible Burger found in many eateries, but also in the overall dining experience. Tartine Bakery and Zuni Café offer a taste of the city's iconic sourdough and splendid dining experiences that are hard to find anywhere else. Whether you're exploring the vibrant street food scene or savoring dishes at high-end restaurants, San Francisco caters to all palettes with its diverse and rich culinary heritage.
Madison vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison
Finding your next favorite eatery is essential to making a new city feel like home. This side-by-side comparison of top restaurants in Madison, WI, and their San Francisco, CA counterparts aims to ease your culinary transition. By guiding you through Madison to San Francisco's restaurant scene , we hope to cater to your diverse palate, ensuring you'll discover places that remind you of home while embracing the flavors of your new city.
| Madison | San Francisco | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L'Etoile | Quince | Exquisite fine dining with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients |
| Graze | Nopa | Farm-to-table American cuisine in a lofty, bustling space |
| A Pig in a Fur Coat | Cotogna | Inventive Italian dishes that showcase the bold flavors and textures |
| Mickies Dairy Bar | Eddie's Cafe | A traditional diner known for hearty breakfasts and a retro vibe |
| Lucille | Tony's Pizza Napoletana | Award-winning pizzas in a wide variety of styles |
| Forequarter | Rich Table | Cozy, inventive American cuisine with an ever-changing menu |
| Taqueria Guadalajara | La Taqueria | Famous for burritos and authentic Mexican street food |
| Sal's Tomato Pies | Delfina Pizzeria | Popular spot for thin-crust pizzas and Italian dishes |
| Marigold Kitchen | Zazie | Renowned brunch spot known for French-inspired dishes and cozy atmosphere |
| Osteria Papavero | Barbacco | Casual Italian eatery with a modern twist on traditional dishes |
As you begin to explore the bustling food scene in your new city, reflect on the culinary diversity that Madison offered. Places like L'Etoile in Madison share a kindred spirit with Quince in San Francisco, both championing the farm-to-table ethos with menus that celebrate the best of each season's offerings. Meanwhile, the transition from the rustic vibes of A Pig in a Fur Coat to the Italian artisan cuisine of Cotogna demonstrates the universal appeal of bold, uncompromised flavors no matter the geography. Foodies who loved the casual yet ever-delicious offerings at Taqueria Guadalajara will find solace in the authentic Mexican flavors of La Taqueria in San Francisco. Each restaurant, with its unique personality and menu, awaits to make your dining experiences as memorable as those in Madison.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts
Understanding the real estate landscape is pivotal when planning a move. This comparison between Madison, WI, and San Francisco, CA, highlights key housing aspects to consider, ensuring you make an informed decision about your new home.
| Comparison | Madison | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie and Craftsman | Victorian and Modern |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Spacious backyards, proximity to lakes | Views of the Bay, proximity to tech hubs |
Moving from Madison to San Francisco, you'll immediately notice the vast difference in housing costs. The Bay Area's iconic Victorian houses and modern condominiums contrast sharply with Madison's Craftsman and Prairie-style homes. In San Francisco, the promise of an urban lifestyle scores higher, thanks to its unrivaled walkability and proximity to the tech industry's beating heart. However, both cities offer exceptional bikeability, with Madison's spacious backyards and lake views lending a unique charm not easily found in San Francisco's densely packed neighborhoods.
Madison vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations
If you're considering a move, it's crucial to understand how the weather in Madison, WI compares to what you'll experience in San Francisco, CA. This comparison will help you prepare for the change in climate, ensuring you're not caught off guard by local weather patterns.
Madison, WI
San Francisco, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
San Francisco, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
San Francisco, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
San Francisco, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good to Moderate | Moderate to Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornados | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Madison to San Francisco, you'll notice a significant shift in weather patterns. San Francisco's mild, temperate climate offers cooler summers and warmer winters compared to Madison's more extreme temperature fluctuations. This means you can say goodbye to heavy snowfall and hello to more days of sunshine. However, being prepared for San Francisco's unique microclimates, which can bring rapid temperature changes within a single day, is vital. While Madison battles with snowstorms, San Francisco has its challenges with earthquakes and wildfires, making emergency preparedness a new consideration for you.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to San Francisco
When planning your move from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA, understanding the financial implications is crucial. Comparing costs of living between Madison and San Francisco will give you insight into how your expenses and lifestyle may change. This comparison includes aspects like average income, taxes, and housing costs to better prepare you for the transition.
| Comparison | Madison | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $121,826 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 164 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65 | 13.3 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94 | 0.67 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 8.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing | Technology, Finance, Tourism |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Significant |
While Madison offers a more moderate standard of living with its comparatively lower average household income and cost of living index, San Francisco boasts a significantly higher average income and cost of living index. The stark contrast in state income tax rates highlights the financial differences you'll encounter in each city. Moreover, San Francisco's prominence in technology and finance contrasts with Madison’s leading industries, suggesting diverse job opportunities depending on the city. However, it's important to note San Francisco's higher poverty and homelessness rates, which are indicative of its economic disparities. Understanding these financial aspects will better prepare you for your new life in either city.
Madison vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Madison, WI to San Francisco, CA brings a host of changes, including the political and religious environment you'll dive into. This guide provides a comparison of the politics and religion between Madison & San Francisco , offering a snapshot of what to expect in your new city.
| Madison | San Francisco | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Very Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies; strong emphasis on community and social services | Progressive policies; leading in environmental initiatives and social justice |
| Religion | Christianity dominates, but with a strong presence of other faiths | High diversity of faiths, with a notable number of people identifying as non-religious |
In comparing Madison and San Francisco, you’ll find both cities embrace progressive politics, though San Francisco often takes more radical steps, especially in environmental initiatives and social justice. San Francisco's political scene is influential globally, often setting precedents for other cities and states. Regarding religion, while Madison has a strong Christian community alongside other faith communities, San Francisco presents a more secular atmosphere with a rich tapestry of religious beliefs, reflecting its diverse population. This divergence in religiosity contributes to the cities' distinct cultural fabrics. Moving between these two cities will immer[e] you into communities that, while both progressive, offer unique experiences shaped by their local histories and demographics.
Madison vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from one city to another comes with its share of challenges, especially when it comes to adapting to new driving or transit environments. To help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between Madison & San Francisco, we’ve put together a comparative overview. This guide aims to make your transition smoother by familiarizing you with the differences in traffic and transportation options.
| Comparison | Madison | San Francisco |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
When comparing Madison to San Francisco, you’ll find significant differences in daily transportation dynamics. While Madison offers a relatively quick average commute time of 22 minutes, San Francisco’s average jumps up to 34 minutes, reflecting its denser urban environment and higher traffic congestion. San Francisco, however, shines in its availability of public transit—a crucial detail if you prefer not owning a car. The city’s robust public transit network, scored at 9 out of 10, makes it entirely feasible to navigate without a personal vehicle, unlike in Madison, where it could be more challenging to rely solely on public transportation. Adjusting to these changes will take time, but understanding these differences is a good start.
Additional Resources
Madison Moving Services
Popular Madison to California Routes
Popular Moving Resources
