Best Kansas City to Madison Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Kansas City to Madison Movers

Moving from Kansas City, MO to Madison, WI is not just a relocation; it's an adventure filled with new beginnings and opportunities. You're leaving behind the bustling, barbecue haven of the Heart of America for Madison's laid-back vibe and its title as the City of Four Lakes. Given the distance and the life-changing nature of this move, it’s crucial to ensure that your belongings are in trusted hands. Our team at Great Guys Moving uses an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best, most reliable movers, making your transition as smooth and stress-free as possible.

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Best Kansas City to Madison Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
A Smooth Move, LLC9.59A+Authorized For HHGContact
Madison Smooth Moves9.56A+Authorized For HHGContact
God's Movers, LLC9.07A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Golden Rule Relocation8.99A+Authorized For HHGContact
Courtesy Movers LLC8.98B-Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Madison to Kansas City guide.

5 Best Kansas City to Madison Moving Companies

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

A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.59/10
based on 1,293+ data points

About 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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Madison Smooth Moves Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 894+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
2
God's Movers, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.07/10
based on 503+ data points

About God's Movers, LLC

God’s Movers is a family-owned and operated moving company that has served Greater Kansas City, MO for more than 20 years. It provides compl...Read More >>

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Cross-country moving services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2417601 / 946280

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2023)
View Full Review
3
Golden Rule Relocation Logo
Superb8.99/10
based on 318+ data points

About Golden Rule Relocation

Golden Rule Relocation is a premier residential and commercial moving and storage company based in Kansas City, Missouri, and serves the ent...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Interstate Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3420954 / 1105839

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Courtesy Movers LLC Logo
Superb8.98/10
based on 1,051+ data points

About Courtesy Movers LLC

Courtesy Movers LLC is a client-oriented, Kansas City-based company that provides quality moving services at an affordable price. Its priori...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap Moving Services
  • Local Moving Services
  • Long Distance Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3241776 / 1018373

Authorized For Property, 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.

Kansas City vs. Madison Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can often feel like venturing into the unknown. To ease this transition, we've created a guide that compares local neighborhoods between Kansas City, MO & Madison, WI . By identifying similarities in their character, vibe, and offerings, you can find a new home in Madison that feels familiar. Let's discover which Madison neighborhood mirrors your favorite Kansas City spot.

Kansas CityMadisonHow They're Similar
BrooksideRegentFamily-friendly, historic homes
WestportWilly StreetVibrant nightlife, independent businesses
Country Club PlazaHilldaleShopping, dining, upscale ambiance
WaldoSchenk-AtwoodEclectic vibe, local eateries
River MarketState StreetCultural hub, diverse dining options
Power & Light DistrictCapitol SquareEntertainment, lively social scene
Ward ParkwayNakomaLush greenery, historic architecture
Hyde ParkMarquetteCommunity-oriented, artistic flair
Crossroads Arts DistrictEast JohnsonCreative arts scene, unique shops
Union HillMonroe StreetQuiet, residential with a hint of urban

For those drawn to the vibrant energy of Westport's bars and indie shops, Willy Street in Madison offers a similar eclectic mix that attracts locals and visitors alike. Imagine exploring the unique boutiques and savoring dishes from farm-to-table restaurants like Weary Traveler Freehouse, echoing Westport's lively streets. If the historic charm and laid-back atmosphere of Brookside are what you love, then Regent's well-preserved homes and family-friendly parks, such as Regent Park, will make you feel right at home. And for those who appreciate the mix of shopping and dining in the Country Club Plaza, Hilldale in Madison offers an upscale experience with stores like Hilldale Shopping Center that cater to every taste.

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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 Kansas City to Madison

Moving can be a major life event filled with both excitement and anxiety. This comparison seeks to provide an honest reflection on the pros and cons of relocating from Kansas City, MO to Madison, WI, helping you weigh your options carefully. By examining the advantages and disadvantages, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your potential new home.

CONs
PROs
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • Hot summers
  • Lower walkability
  • Less bike-friendly
  • Smaller tech scene
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Cooler summers
  • High walkability
  • More bike-friendly
  • Larger tech scene
Madison, WI iconMadison, WI
  • Fewer BBQ spots
  • Smaller music scene
  • Higher cost of living
  • Less diverse cuisine
Kansas City, MO iconKansas City, MO
  • BBQ culture
  • Vibrant music scene
  • Lower cost of living
  • More diverse cuisine

When considering the move from Kansas City, MO, to Madison, WI, it's important to weigh the uniquely vibrant cultural aspects and quality of life factors each city offers. Kansas City is known for its legendary BBQ culture and a lively music scene which might be missed. Places like the Crossroads Arts District are a hub for arts and entertainment. Meanwhile, Madison boasts an impressive amount of green spaces like James Madison Park, paired with a highly walkable and bike-friendly layout. Its tech scene is growing too, offering more career opportunities in technology sectors. Though Madison might have a higher cost of living, its emphasis on sustainability, community-oriented lifestyle, and burgeoning tech industry make it an attractive destination for many.

Kansas City vs. Madison Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Kansas City & Madison, highlighting an integral part of what defines the living experience in these areas. Through this comparison, you'll gain insights into the regional food scenes, assisting your transition to a new culinary landscape.

Kansas CityMadison
Most iconic local food itemBBQ RibsCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishBrisketBratwurst
Most popular street food itemBBQ SandwichFried Cheese Curds
Most popular vegan foodBBQ JackfruitVeggie Pasties
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Joe's Kansas City Bar-B-Que
  • Q39
  • Jack Stack Barbecue
  • Graze
  • Lombardino's
  • Old Sugar Distillery
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When you move to Madison, you're entering a city where the love for cheese and bratwurst runs deep, mirroring the state's rich dairy and farming heritage. Neighborhoods like Capitol Square and Willy Street are bustling with eateries that showcase Wisconsin's penchant for fresh, local ingredients. Places like Graze not only offer stunning skyline views but also a taste of Madison's farm-to-table movement, with options ranging widely from luxurious cheese platters to innovative vegan dishes. The energetic food scene in Madison is also characterized by its abundant farmers' markets, particularly the Dane County Farmers’ Market, where locals and chefs alike gather for the freshest produce and artisan food items.

Kansas City vs. Madison Restaurant Comparison

Food is a vital part of making any place feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition for those moving from Kansas City, MO, to Madison, WI. By linking your present dining loves with future favorites, we want to help you find your new favorite eateries in Madison by using Kansas City as a guide.

Kansas CityMadisonWhat You'll Love
Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-QueSmoky Jon's #1 BBQBoth offer award-winning, authentic BBQ experiences.
The Capital GrilleL'EtoileElegant dining with a focus on local ingredients, similar to The Capital Grille's upscale atmosphere.
Garozzo's RistoranteOsteria PapaveroBoth are known for their authentic Italian dishes and cozy, family-friendly environments.
Port FondaCanteenOffering a creative twist on traditional tacos and Mexican cuisine, comparable to Port Fonda's innovative dishes.
BluestemForequarterUnique, locally sourced dishes that offer a modern take on American cuisine, much like Bluestem.
Arthur Bryant's BarbequeThat BBQ JointBoth are famed for their unique contributions to their city's BBQ scene, with a focus on deep flavors.
GrünauerEssen HausAuthentic German fare served in a traditional setting, mirroring Grünauer's dedication to Austrian-German cuisine.
Fiorella's Jack Stack BarbecueBrickhouse BBQKnown for their wide range of BBQ styles and sauces, similar to Fiorella's diverse barbecue offerings.
Q39DLUXWhile not a BBQ spot, DLUX offers a unique burger experience that captures Q39’s innovative and foodie-friendly spirit.
Rye KCThe Old FashionedBoth prioritize regional cuisine and have a strong emphasis on local sourcing and traditional American foods.

Discovering the vibrant food scene in Madison can be an exciting journey for anyone moving from Kansas City. For instance, if Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que has been your go-to, Smoky Jon's #1 BBQ in Madison will not disappoint, boasting its own lineup of award-winning ribs and brisket. Similarly, the transition from the upscale dining of The Capital Grille can be smoothly made to L'Etoile, where you'll find an elegant atmosphere coupled with a strong commitment to locally-sourced ingredients. These parallels not only reflect the diverse culinary landscape waiting for you in Madison but also ensure that you'll find comfort in familiar tastes as you explore new flavors in your new city.

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Ready to start your move?

Kansas City vs. Madison Real Estate & Living Facts

When preparing for a move, delving into the real estate landscape is crucial for understanding how Kansas City and Madison stack up against each other. This comparison aims to highlight key housing characteristics, providing a clear picture of what to expect in your new city.

ComparisonKansas CityMadison
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and BungalowPrairie and Craftsman
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious yards, proximity to BBQ spotsLakeside properties, access to bike trails

The difference in the median home prices and monthly rents between Kansas City and Madison reflects the variance in living costs, with Madison being the pricier option. However, the higher cost in Madison often comes with perks like better walkability and bikeability, a nod to the city's robust bike paths and pedestrian-friendly streets. While both cities boast a love for their respective architectural styles, Madison's market has a unique edge with its enchanting lakeside properties - a rarity in Kansas City's listings which, however, celebrates its spacious yards close to iconic BBQ spots. This comparison sheds light on the lifestyle changes you might anticipate, from leisure activities to commuting habits.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

Kansas City vs. Madison Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another means adapting to new weather patterns. It's crucial to understand how weather stats like average temperatures, annual rainfall, and air quality may differ from what you're accustomed to. This comparison between Kansas City and Madison will help you prepare for your relocation by highlighting the key climatic differences you should expect.

Summer icon
89 / 68

Kansas City, MO

82 / 62

Madison, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
41 / 24

Kansas City, MO

29 / 13

Madison, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
42

Kansas City, MO

37

Madison, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
19

Kansas City, MO

56

Madison, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonKansas CityMadison
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, severe stormsSnowstorms, cold snaps
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Understanding the differences in weather can be crucial in your adaptation to a new city. For instance, you'll find Madison's winters significantly colder and longer than those in Kansas City, emphasizing the need for warmer clothing and perhaps impacting your daily routines. The higher average snowfall in Madison also means more activities like snowshoeing or skiing but requires readiness for snow removal and winter driving. Madison experiences fewer sunny days annually than Kansas City, which might affect your outdoor activities planning. Knowledge of these variations ensures you're not just physically prepared with the right gear and home maintenance plans, but also mentally prepared for the change in scenery and lifestyle.

Ready to start your move?

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

Understanding the financial nuances of relocating is crucial. If you're considering moving, comparing the cost of living, income tax, and economic environment between Kansas City and Madison can help you transition smoothly to what you'll encounter.

ComparisonKansas CityMadison
Avg. Household Income$63,396$67,270
Cost of Living Index97.895.65
State Income Tax5.47.65
Avg. Property Tax1.21.76
Avg. Sales Tax8.65.5
Top 3 IndustriesHealthcare, Finance, TechnologyEducation, Healthcare, Technology
Affluencemoderatehigh
Povertymoderatelow
Homelessnessnoticeableless noticeable

When moving from Kansas City to Madison, you'll find the cost of living to be a significant change. The average household income is slightly lower in Madison, but the city enjoys a higher affluence level, indicating a better distribution of wealth among its residents. State income tax and property tax rates in Madison are higher, reflecting the city's funding towards public services and infrastructure. Despite the higher costs, Madison's robust education, healthcare, and technology sectors offer substantial employment opportunities, potentially offsetting the increased expenses and contributing towards a less noticeable level of homelessness.

Kansas City vs. Madison Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison of the politics between Kansas City & Madison aims to provide a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in these cities. Understanding these differences can help you better anticipate the community vibes as you transition from one city to the other.

Kansas CityMadison
Political Make-upLeans DemocraticStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsModerately progressiveHighly progressive
ReligionMix of evangelical Protestant and CatholicLess religiously affiliated, diverse religious views

The political landscape of your new city, Madison, leans more strongly Democratic and is known for being highly progressive, especially in comparison to Kansas City. This may manifest in local policies, daily conversations, and the community’s priorities. While Kansas City has a significant religious community with a mix of evangelical Protestant and Catholic beliefs, Madison boasts a more secular and diverse religious landscape. Understanding these dynamics can give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of community engagement, local governance, and social interactions in Madison.

Kansas City vs. Madison Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Kansas City, MO, to Madison, WI? Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Kansas City & Madison will help you better adapt to your new daily commute and traffic scenarios.

ComparisonKansas CityMadison
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2522
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?ChallengingEasier

While Kansas City and Madison share some midwestern charm, their traffic and transport systems tell a different story. Madison boasts a slimmer average commute time and slightly less congestion, reflecting the city’s efficient layout and transport services like Madison Metro. Public transit in Madison scores marginally better, suggesting a small but significant edge over Kansas City. This might mean living in Madison without a car could be more feasible, especially if you're located near the city center or frequent bus routes. Transitioning your lifestyle and commuting habits from Kansas City to Madison might require a slight adjustment, but understanding these nuances will smooth the way.

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