Best Madison to Detroit Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Madison to Detroit and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 432 mile move from Wisconsin to Michigan go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Madison to Detroit 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 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Madison compared to Detroit. 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 Detroit 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 | The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.07 | 8.7 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Top Notch Movers | 9.05 | 9 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Professional Movers.com | 8.54 | 8.07 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc | 8.47 | 8.22 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Madison to Detroit
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 432 miles from Madison, WI to Detroit, MI will cost on average $2,149 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Madison to Detroit move is roughly $5,142. 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 | $1,447 | 300 ft³ | 4.82 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,149 | 450 ft³ | 4.77 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,543 | 750 ft³ | 4.72 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,142 | 1100 ft³ | 4.67 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,399 | 1600 ft³ | 4.62 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,234 | 1800 ft³ | 4.57 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Detroit to Madison guide.
Compare the 5 Best Madison to Detroit 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) |
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) |
Professional Movers.com
1001 Woodward Ave Suite 500
Detroit, MI, 48226
About Professional Movers.com
With three locations in Michigan, including one in Detroit, family-owned Professional Movers is an expert moving company specializing in statewide, cross-country,...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- International Relocation
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 266582 / 178368 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 22 |
| Registered Drivers | 19 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 714,000 (2022) |
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
11850 E Jefferson
Detroit, MI, 48214
About Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc
Grosse Pointe Moving & Storage Inc is a full-service moving and storage company based in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1985, the...
Services
- Residential moving
- Commercial moving
- Corporate moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 279708 / 629575 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 28,000 (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. Detroit Neighborhood Comparison
Whether you're mapping out your move or just daydreaming about a change of scenery, it helps to understand how the neighborhoods in your current city compare to those in your potential new home. In this guide, we'll dive into a comparison of local neighborhoods between Madison, WI & Detroit, MI , spotlighting the most similar areas in both cities. This way, you can get a feel for where you might want to live based on the places you already know and love.
| Madison | Detroit | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown Madison | Midtown Detroit | Vibrant arts and entertainment |
| Willy Street (Williamson-Marquette) | Corktown | Trendy, artsy vibe |
| Hilldale | New Center | Shopping and historic architecture |
| Shorewood Hills | Palmer Woods | Affluent, with stately homes |
| Maple Bluff | Indian Village | Exclusive, historic homes |
| Monroe Street | West Village | Hip, with local shops and cafes |
| Atwood | Woodbridge | Diverse, community-oriented |
| Capitol Neighborhoods | Boston-Edison | Historic, cultural hotspot |
| Nakoma | Rosedale Park | Family-friendly, community spirit |
| Schenk-Atwood | Eastern Market | Vibrant market scene |
In comparing the vibrancy of Downtown Madison to Midtown Detroit, it's worth noting that both neighborhoods boast a rich arts scene and bustling entertainment options. Midtown Detroit, for instance, is home to the Detroit Institute of Arts, paralleling Madison's concentration of galleries and live music venues. Corktown, similar to Madison's Willy Street, has become a hive for hip restaurants and co-working spaces, embodying an artsy and trendy atmosphere. For those interested in historical architecture coupled with modern shopping, Madison’s Hilldale finds a mirror in Detroit’s New Center area, which hosts a variety of shops set against the backdrop of historical buildings. A notable mention is Indian Village in Detroit, reflecting Madison's Maple Bluff with its stately homes and manicured lawns, showcasing the pinnacle of luxury and historic charm in both cities. These areas not only share aesthetic and cultural similarities but are also beloved by their communities for their unique blend of attractions and community spirit.
Things to Do in Detroit
Explore the Detroit Institute of Arts- Visit the Belle Isle Park
- Enjoy a game at Comerica Park
- Walk along the Detroit Riverfront
- Discover the Henry Ford Museum
- Experience the Motown Museum
- Try local eats at Eastern Market
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Detroit
Moving from one city to another offers a unique opportunity to reassess what we value in our surroundings. This guide is designed to show an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Madison, WI to Detroit, MI . By comparing the pros and cons, you'll gain insights into how this move could affect your lifestyle and possibly unveil new horizons.
Madison, WI- Smaller city vibe
- Higher living costs
- Less diverse industries
- Fewer cultural events
Detroit, MI- Larger urban area
- More affordable
- More job opportunities
- Vibrant arts scene
Detroit, MI- Broader community
- Urban-centric
- Higher crime rates
- More car dependent
Madison, WI- Tight-knit community
- Access to nature
- Lower crime rates
- Bike-friendly streets
While Madison offers a quaint, bike-friendly atmosphere with abundant natural landscapes, such as the serene Lakes Mendota and Monona, Detroit ushers in a vibrant urban allure. The Motor City boasts a dynamic arts and cultural scene underscored by institutions like the Detroit Institute of Arts and lively events such as the Detroit Jazz Festival.
Detroit’s Midtown and Downtown neighborhoods are teeming with chef-driven restaurants, such as Selden Standard, providing a rich culinary scene. Though the transition may present challenges, such as adapting to a more urban-centric lifestyle and navigating a larger city, the move from Madison to Detroit promises exposure to a tapestry of new experiences, from exploring Belle Isle Park’s green spaces to engaging with the city’s storied automotive history.
Madison vs. Detroit Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Detroit to explore how food is an integral part of local culture and living experience. Understanding the culinary scene can help you transition smoothly to your new city.
| Madison | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Coney Dog |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Detroit-style Pepperoni Pizza |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Cheese Curds | Gyro |
| Most popular vegan food | Tempeh Reuben | Lentil Burger |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Madison, cheese curds symbolize the state's rich dairy culture, found in many local taverns and markets, especially at the iconic Farmer’s Market on the Capitol Square. Detroit, known for its Coney dogs—an all-beef hot dog topped with chili, onions, and mustard—is a staple you'll encounter at many diners like Lafayette Coney Island, showcasing the city's love for comfort food with a Greek twist. Moreover, Detroit's revitalized downtown area, including neighborhoods like Midtown and Corktown, has seen an explosion of culinary innovation, with newer establishments like Slows Bar BQ and Supino Pizzeria drawing food enthusiasts for their unique takes on classic dishes. Madison, with its emphasis on local and organic, boasts an impressive array of vegan and health-conscious dining options, reflecting the city's active lifestyle. Both cities offer rich, distinct food scenes that mirror their unique cultural landscapes.
Madison vs. Detroit Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This restaurant comparison from Madison to Detroit aims to smooth your transition by linking your current dining favorites with potential new ones. Whether you're craving high-end cuisine or a casual bite, this guide will help you find your new go-to spots, ensuring your meals in Detroit feel just like home.
| Madison | Detroit | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L'Etoile | Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails | Both offer farm-to-table dining experiences with a focus on local, seasonal ingredients. |
| Graze Pub | Slows Bar BQ | Both have a laid-back atmosphere and serve high-quality, locally sourced pub fare. |
| A Pig in a Fur Coat | Selden Standard | Small plates and a cozy, intimate setting make both places perfect for foodies. |
| Forequarter | Marrow | Both feature innovative and sustainable farm-to-table menus, with a keen emphasis on craft cocktails. |
| Ian's Pizza | Supino Pizzeria | Renowned for their unique and creative pizzas, both spots are a hit among locals. |
| Nick's Restaurant | Lafayette Coney Island | Iconic go-to places in their cities for a quick, classic, and affordable meal. |
| Madison Sourdough | Astro Coffee | Both are beloved for their freshly made baked goods and excellent coffee, ideal for breakfast or a snack. |
| Sardine | Ottava Via | Each offers a refined yet casual dining experience with European influences and fresh, quality ingredients. |
| Salvatore's Tomato Pies | SheWolf | You'll find meticulously crafted Italian dishes in a stylish setting, highlighting the best of regional cuisine. |
| Taqueria Guadalajara | La Noria Bistro | Authentic Mexican fare that's both traditional and innovative, featuring fresh, vibrant flavors. |
For those who cherish a farm-to-table philosophy, transitioning from L'Etoile in Madison to Chartreuse Kitchen & Cocktails in Detroit will feel like finding a culinary soulmate. Similarly, patrons of Selden Standard in Detroit will appreciate the same dedication to small plates and intimate settings that fans of A Pig in a Fur Coat in Madison love. Pizza aficionados moving from Madison will be thrilled to discover Supino Pizzeria in Detroit, where the commitment to crafting unique and flavorful pizzas mirrors that of Ian's Pizza. For those morning breakfasts or a coffee break, Madison Sourdough visitors will find a new haven in Astro Coffee, where the aroma of fresh baked goods and strong coffee promise a delightful start to any day in Detroit.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Detroit Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, diving into real estate comparisons provides a clear picture of what to expect. Understanding how Madison, WI and Detroit, MI stack up against each other in terms of housing characteristics can guide your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Madison | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie, Craftsman | Art Deco, Colonial |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lake access, Green spaces | Historic neighborhoods, Downtown proximity |
While Madison showcases a higher median home price and monthly rent, it highlights the city's thriving economy and desirable living standards. The city's preference for Prairie and Craftsman architectural styles reflects a blend of modernism grounded in natural landscapes, contrasting with Detroit's iconic Art Deco and Colonial homes, mirroring its rich industrial history. Despite their differences, both cities offer unique lifestyles tailored to diverse preferences, from Madison's bike-friendly routes and green spaces to Detroit's vibrant urban life and historical charm. Notably, Detroit's revitalization efforts have made its downtown and historic neighborhoods sought-after in real estate listings, a testament to the city's enduring spirit and resilience.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Detroit, MI
1. Midtown: Known for its vibrant atmosphere, Midtown is ideal for you and your pets due to its numerous parks and green spaces, along with pet-friendly cafes and grooming salons.
2. Corktown: This historic neighborhood offers a welcoming community for pet owners, featuring dog-friendly restaurants and the popular Roosevelt Park, perfect for afternoon walks.
3. Woodbridge: With its quiet, tree-lined streets and close-knit community, Woodbridge offers a peaceful environment for pets, including easy access to spacious parks and the Michigan Humane Society for your pet’s needs.
Madison vs. Detroit Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather will compare between Madison and Detroit is crucial. This comparison will give you insight into seasonal adjustments, wardrobe changes, and lifestyle shifts that you may need to consider.
Madison, WI
Detroit, MI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Detroit, MI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Detroit, MI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Detroit, MI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Tornadoes | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Madison to Detroit, you'll find the climates are somewhat similar, with Detroit experiencing slightly milder winters and less snow. However, the difference in air quality could impact residents moving from Madison's cleaner air to Detroit's moderately rated air quality. Notably, while both cities have their share of natural disaster risks, such as blizzards and tornadoes, preparing for and understanding the local response to these events is key. Additionally, individuals with allergies might find the transition seasonally challenging due to the similar but slightly varied allergen profiles of each city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Detroit
When considering a move from one city to another, it's crucial to compare the financial aspects to ensure a smooth transition. This guide aims to highlight the differences in money and finance between Madison and Detroit, providing a foundation for what to expect in terms of living costs and economic environment.
| Comparison | Madison | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $36,140 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 99.4 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65 | 4.25 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94 | 2.44 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Automotive, Technology, Healthcare |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Less affluent |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Lower | Higher |
Moving from Madison to Detroit, you'll find that the average household income significantly differs, reflecting the broader economic conditions of each city. Despite Detroit's lower cost of living and sales tax rates, it also faces higher rates of poverty and homelessness, which are important factors to consider. Additionally, while Madison flaunts a solid educational and healthcare sector, Detroit's economy is buoyed by the automotive and emerging technology sectors, offering distinct professional opportunities. Understanding these nuances will help you prepare financially and professionally for your move.
Madison vs. Detroit Political & Religious Comparison
When making the move from Madison, WI to Detroit, MI, it's useful to understand the communities you're transitioning between. This quick comparison will offer you a glance at the politics between Madison & Detroit and the religious landscape of both cities, giving you insights into the fabric of their populations.
| Madison | Detroit | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, environmental initiatives | Focus on economic recovery, community development |
| Religion | Mixed, with a significant presence of liberal religious communities | Predominantly Christian, with a strong presence of African American churches |
In both Madison and Detroit, the political landscape leans towards the liberal/Democratic side, though the focus of local politics may vary with Madison prioritizing environmental initiatives while Detroit gears its efforts towards economic recovery and community development. Religion plays an integral role in both cities, albeit in different ways; Madison showcases a blend of religious beliefs, including liberal religious communities, while Detroit remains predominantly Christian, with a notable influence from African American churches. This mixture of political and religious environments shapes the unique cultural and social landscapes you'll find yourself adapting to as you make your move.
Madison vs. Detroit Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving cities is a big step, and understanding the daily commute is crucial to getting settled in. This guide provides a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Madison & Detroit, aimed at helping you better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like in these cities.
| Comparison | Madison | Detroit |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 24 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | Difficult |
When considering your move, it's essential to note that while average commute times in Madison and Detroit are similar, Detroit experiences slightly higher traffic congestion. Madison offers a marginally better public transit system, which could be important if you prefer to avoid driving. However, in both cities, leading a car-free lifestyle might present some challenges, albeit not impossible. This could significantly impact your decision, especially if you're keen on sustainable living or wish to avoid the added costs of vehicle ownership.
Additional Resources
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