Best Sacramento to Madison Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the City of Trees to the City of Four Lakes is more than a change of scenery; it's an adventure that promises new experiences and opportunities. Leaving Sacramento's endless summer for Madison's vibrant fall colors, you embark on a journey from California's gold to Wisconsin's dairy land, trading in regions known for their distinct charms and challenges. Recognizing the magnitude of such a long-distance move, it's crucial to rely on trusted and reliable professional movers, ensuring your transition is smooth and stress-free. Trust us at Great Guys Moving to help you find the best service for your relocation adventure.
Best Sacramento to Madison Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Smooth Move, LLC | 9.59 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Madison Smooth Moves | 9.56 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Rickey's Gold Country Moving | 9.22 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Workhorse Moving Co. | 8.48 | NR | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| House to Home Moving | 8.44 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Sacramento guide.
5 Best Sacramento to Madison Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
This listing has been claimed by A Smooth Move, LLCAbout A Smooth Move, LLC
A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>
Services
- Full-Service Moves
- Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
- Business and Residential Relocation Services
About Madison Smooth Moves
Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Moves
- Local Moves
- Long-distance Moves
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 efficient...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
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 2012. I...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
About House to Home Moving
Family-owned since 2010, House to Home Moving has been helping residents with its high-quality relocation services for a decade. This compan...Read More >>
Services
- Local and long distance moving services
- Specialized senior relocation (white glove)
- Packing and Unpacking, including materials
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.
Sacramento vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison
If you're planning a move and looking for a touch of the familiar in a new city, understanding the local neighborhoods can be a great start. This guide aims to help by comparing the local neighborhoods between Sacramento, CA & Madison, WI , offering a comparative view of similar communities. Find out which neighborhood in Madison feels like home, with its Sacramento counterpart as a baseline.
| Sacramento | Madison | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Midtown | Wil-Mar | Vibrant arts scene |
| East Sacramento | Nakoma League | Historical homes, quiet ambiance |
| Land Park | Maple Bluff | Family-friendly with parks |
| Natomas | Sun Prairie | Growing community, newer homes |
| Oak Park | Atwood | Eclectic and diverse |
| Tahoe Park | Monroe Street | Quaint, with local businesses |
| Curtis Park | Shenk-Atwood | Community-oriented, historic charm |
| Pocket-Greenhaven | Middleton | Suburban feel, well-planned |
| Elmhurst | Hill Farms | University feel, green spaces |
| Downtown | State-Langdon | Bustling, near capitol and university |
For those moving from Sacramento to Madison, finding a neighborhood that feels like "home" is crucial. In Madison, the Wil-Mar neighborhood offers a vibrant arts scene reminiscent of Midtown Sacramento, with local galleries and music venues that anchor the community. If you've enjoyed the historical charm and quiet streets of East Sacramento, you'll find a similar ambiance in Nakoma League, where you can admire the historical homes and lush greenery. Madison's Shenk-Atwood neighborhood shares Curtis Park's community-oriented spirit and historic charm, offering a mix of dining, entertainment, and recreational options. The comparison between Tahoe Park and Monroe Street highlights their quaint vibes and bustling local businesses, perfect for those who appreciate a strong sense of community with unique shopping and dining experiences. Through these comparisons, newcomers can navigate the relocation journey with a bit more ease, finding pieces of Sacramento in their new Madison neighborhood.
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 Sacramento to Madison
Moving from the West to the Midwest involves weighing numerous factors. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI . By examining the cons and pros side by side, prospective movers can make well-informed decisions about their futures.
Sacramento, CA- Higher living costs
- Hot summers
- Less snow activities
- Longer commutes
Madison, WI- More affordable living
- Cooler summers
- Winter sports available
- Smaller city, shorter commutes
Madison, WI- Smaller diversity pool
- Longer winters
- Less outdoor variety
- Seasonal allergies maybe worse
Sacramento, CA- Diverse culture
- Year-round events
- Vast outdoor activities
- Better air quality
While moving from Sacramento to Madison presents some changes, such as shorter commutes in Madison’s smaller urban landscape compared to Sacramento’s bustling environment, it offers a significant benefit in affordability. Madison is known for its vibrant outdoor activities, including ice fishing and skiing, thanks to its cooler summers and snowy winters. Though you might find Sacramento’s diverse cultural events and extensive outdoor activities like biking along the American River Parkway hard to leave behind, Madison welcomes newcomers with its own charm. The city boasts of excellent neighborhood parks like Tenney Park, fantastic local restaurants like Graze, and iconic sights such as the Wisconsin State Capitol building, ensuring you will always have something to explore.
Sacramento vs. Madison Food Guide
When contemplating a move, local cuisine plays a pivotal role in understanding the cultural landscape of your new home. Through this guide, we will embark on a flavorful journey, providing a comparison of the local cuisine between Sacramento & Madison, so you can anticipate the culinary delights that await in your new city.
| Sacramento | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Farm-to-Fork Cuisine | Cheese Curds |
| Most popular meat dish | Grilled Tri-tip | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Fried Cheese Curds |
| Most popular vegan food | Açai Bowls | Vegan Cheese Options |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Sacramento, you'll quickly notice the emphasis on farm-to-fork dining, a testament to the region's rich agricultural heritage. Exploring neighborhoods like Midtown or the R Street Corridor, you'll find an array of restaurants offering everything from freshly prepared farm-to-fork dishes at places like The Kitchen to vibrant food trucks serving globally-inspired street food. Moving to Madison introduces you to a different culinary scene where cheese curds reign supreme, both in traditional diners and innovative eateries like Graze. Madison's State Street and the Capitol Square area are hubs for foodies seeking both local fare and international cuisine, ensuring that your transition to this city comes with an exciting gastronomic exploration.
Sacramento vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a crucial role in making a new city feel like home. This restaurant comparison between Sacramento and Madison aims to ease your transition by pinpointing where you can find your next culinary favorites, using your current favorites as a guide.
| Sacramento | Madison | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| The Kitchen | L'Etoile | Fine dining with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients |
| Mulvaney's B&L | Graze | Farm-to-table dining with a casual yet upscale vibe |
| Ella Dining Room and Bar | Harvest | Offers a similar elegant dining experience with an emphasis on local ingredients |
| Frank Fat's | Imperial Garden | Renowned for its authentic Chinese cuisine, akin to Frank Fat's reputation |
| Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar | Muramoto | Sushi and contemporary Japanese dishes that rival Mikuni's |
| La Trattoria Bohemia | Osteria Papavero | Offers an Italian dining experience that closely mirrors La Trattoria Bohemia's charm |
| Tower Cafe | Monty's Blue Plate Diner | A diner with an eclectic menu and a unique atmosphere reminiscent of Tower Cafe |
| Gunther's Quality Ice Cream | Babcock Hall Dairy Store | Famous for their ice cream, offering a nostalgic taste similar to Gunther's |
| Fixins Soul Kitchen | Quivey's Grove | Known for its hearty American fare with a soul food twist |
| Zócalo | Canteen | The go-to for modern Mexican cuisine in Madison, reminiscent of Zócalo's flavors |
For those missing the intricate flavors of The Kitchen in Sacramento, you'll discover L'Etoile in Madison offers a similarly exceptional fine dining experience, with dishes prepared using the best local and seasonal produce. Similarly, fans of the laid-back, farm-to-table vibe of Mulvaney's B&L will find Graze in Madison a perfect match, with its focus on sustainability and locally sourced ingredients. On the international front, Mikuni Japanese Restaurant and Sushi Bar enthusiasts will be pleased with Muramoto’s comparable quality of sushi and innovative Japanese cuisine. Furthermore, for those who have a soft spot for Gunther's Quality Ice Cream's nostalgic treats, Babcock Hall Dairy Store in Madison stands as a beloved institution, promising similarly crafted, rich-flavored ice cream that's sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
Ready to start your move?
Sacramento vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate significantly impacts your moving experience, understanding the differences in housing aspects between Sacramento, CA, and Madison, WI, is essential. These cities offer unique living experiences, and comparing their housing costs, architecture, walkability, and more will help you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Sacramento | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Mediterranean & Craftsman | Prairie & Cape Cod |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large backyards, pools | Lakeside views, green spaces |
When comparing Sacramento and Madison, it's evident that the cost of living, especially the housing market, leans more favorably towards Madison with both lower median home prices and monthly rents. However, Sacramento's Mediterranean and Craftsman architectural styles contrast with Madison's Prairie and Cape Cod influences, reflecting their divergent historical and cultural backdrops. Notably, Madison scores higher in terms of walkability and bikeability, making it an ideal city for those who prioritize a more active and accessible urban lifestyle. Furthermore, while Sacramento listings often highlight large backyards and pools, Madison's real estate tends to boast about its lakeside views and ample green spaces, showcasing the cities' different appeals.
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.
Sacramento vs. Madison Weather Considerations
When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the differences in weather is crucial for a smooth transition. This comparison aims to highlight how the weather conditions in Sacramento and Madison might affect your daily life. By comparing key weather aspects, you will be better prepared for what awaits you in your new home.
Sacramento, CA
Madison, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Sacramento, CA
Madison, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Sacramento, CA
Madison, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Sacramento, CA
Madison, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Sacramento | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Floods, Earthquakes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
In transitioning from Sacramento to Madison, you'll notice significant differences, particularly in winter weather and annual snowfall. Madison experiences cold winters with substantial snowfall, a stark contrast to Sacramento's milder and wetter winters. This change means preparing for snow-related activities and possibly adjusting your wardrobe. Additionally, Madison's higher humidity and fewer sunny days can influence lifestyle and outdoor activities. Understanding these differences can help you adapt more comfortably to your new surroundings.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Sacramento to Madison
When considering a move from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI, understanding the financial landscape is crucial. Analyzing differences in costs of living and economic conditions between your current and future homes helps in planning and ensures a smoother transition.
| Comparison | Sacramento | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $75,311 | $67,270 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.2 | 95.65 |
| State Income Tax | 1 - 13.3 | 3.54 - 7.65 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.73 | 1.94 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 7.75 - 8.75 | 5 - 5.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Healthcare, Technology | Education, Healthcare, Manufacturing |
| Affluence | Moderate | Moderate to high |
| Poverty | High | Lower than national |
| Homelessness | Significant | Less significant |
The move from Sacramento to Madison presents a notable change in the cost of living and tax rates. Sacramento's higher cost of living index reflects its more expensive lifestyle, partly due to California’s higher income tax and sales tax rates. However, this is balanced by the higher average household income there. Madison, while cheaper in day-to-day expenses, has a higher property tax rate which could impact long-term residency costs. Yet, its lower cost of living and sales tax rate make daily life more affordable. Both cities boast robust economies but differ in industry strengths, which could influence job opportunities. Understanding these financial dynamics will aid in your planning and adjustment process.
Sacramento vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison
When considering a move from Sacramento, CA, to Madison, WI, it's not just the weather and landscape that will change. This comparison of the politics and religious makeup between Sacramento & Madison offers a quick snapshot of the cultural atmosphere you're moving into, setting the stage for a smoother transition.
| Sacramento | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies on environment and social issues | Strong emphasis on community and equality initiatives |
| Religion | Diverse; significant Christian and non-religious population | Diverse; prominent non-religious demographic |
Both Sacramento and Madison showcase a liberal/democratic political leaning, meaning your adjustment to local politics might be smoother than expected. However, Madison tends to place a stronger emphasis on community involvement and equality initiatives which can offer a new dynamic to your civic participation. While both cities celebrate religious diversity, you might find Madison's prominent non-religious demographic and public policies reflecting a slightly different social atmosphere compared to Sacramento's balance. This blend of political and religious climates crafts unique cultural experiences in each city, enriching your relocation.
Sacramento vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI, involves significant changes, especially regarding your daily commute and traffic experience. This comparison aims to help you better understand what the daily commute and traffic is like between these two cities.
| Comparison | Sacramento | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 26 | 22 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | With Difficulty | More Easily |
When moving from Sacramento to Madison, you'll notice a slight reduction in average commute time, reflecting Madison's smaller city layout and less congested roads. Traffic in Sacramento is a bit more intense compared to the more manageable roads of Madison. Although both cities offer public transit options, Sacramento boasts a slightly more extensive network, which includes buses and light rail systems. However, Madison's smaller size and comprehensive cycling infrastructure make it more navigable without a car. This aspect is crucial if you're leaning towards a more sustainable lifestyle or looking to reduce dependence on a vehicle.
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