Best Madison to Los Angeles Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Embarking on a journey from Madison, the heart of Midwestern charm, to Los Angeles, the city of dreams and star-strewn streets, is nothing short of an exhilarating adventure that promises a dramatic change in scenery, lifestyle, and opportunities. Leaving behind the cheese curds and tranquil lakes for a city synonymous with golden beaches, bustling Hollywood sets, and a mosaic of cultures can be thrilling yet overwhelming. Considering the vast distance and the myriad of logistics involved, the importance of entrusting your move to reliable and professional movers cannot be overstated—we at Great Guys Moving ensure you connect with the best, making this significant transition as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
Best Madison to Los Angeles 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 |
| Best California Movers | 9.52 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Prodigy Moving & Storage | 9.41 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.31 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Los Angeles to Madison guide.
5 Best Madison to Los Angeles 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 Best California Movers
Best California Movers is a family-owned moving company based in Southern California, with over six years of experience in the industry. Th...Read More >>
Services
- Cheap moving services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
About Prodigy Moving & Storage
Serving the greater Los Angeles area and California, Prodigy Moving & Storage has moved residences and offices since 2003. As a locally-...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3983945 / 1492541
MC-430697 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 11 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2022) |
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 comme...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
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. Los Angeles Neighborhood Comparison
Moving cities can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new home's neighborhoods. This guide aims to compare local neighborhoods between Madison, WI & Los Angeles, CA, using your knowledge of Madison to find your Los Angeles equivalent. Let's find your new favorite spot!
| Madison | Los Angeles | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| State Street | Abbot Kinney | Trendy shops and cafes |
| Capitol | Griffith Park | Historic landmarks and expansive green space |
| Willy Street | Silver Lake | Eclectic and vibrant community |
| Shorewood Hills | Brentwood | Upscale residential area with lush greenery |
| Atwood Avenue | Los Feliz | Artsy with a casual vibe, similar eateries |
| Maple Bluff | Pacific Palisades | Exclusive, with stunning views |
| Schenk-Atwood | Echo Park | Diverse with a strong sense of community |
| Monroe Street | Westwood | College town adjacent, active nightlife |
| Regent | Koreatown | Dense and vibrant, with rich culture |
| Nakoma League | Encino | Quiet, family-friendly with parks |
If you're drawn to the lively vibes of State Street in Madison with its trendy shops and cafes, you'll likely find Abbot Kinney in Los Angeles equally entrancing, boasting a string of boutique shops, art galleries, and eateries like Gjelina. Meanwhile, the historic charm and expansive green spaces of Madison's Capitol area echo the grandeur of Griffith Park in Los Angeles, offering numerous outdoor activities and landmarks such as the Griffith Observatory. For those who appreciate the eclectic community and vibrant arts scene of Willy Street, Silver Lake provides a similar vibe in LA, with a mix of unique shops and hip eateries like LAMILL Coffee. Whether you're looking for the upscale serenity of Shorewood Hills or the artsy, casual atmosphere of Atwood Avenue, Los Angeles has neighborhoods that mirror the comforts of home in Madison while introducing you to the diverse and expansive nature of LA living.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Los Angeles
Moving from Madison, WI to Los Angeles, CA presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. This comparison aims to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, helping you weigh the cons against the pros of moving from Madison to Los Angeles , and vice versa. It’s about understanding both sides of the coin before making your big move.
Madison, WI- Harsh winters
- Lesser job ops
- Smaller nightlife
- Limited diversity
- Fewer activities
Los Angeles, CA- Mild winters
- More job ops
- Vibrant nightlife
- Greater diversity
- Endless activities
Los Angeles, CA- Crowded
- Higher living cost
- More impersonal
- Traffic jams
- Urban sprawl
Madison, WI- Cozy small town
- Lower living cost
- Close-knit community
- Easy navigation
- Bucolic landscapes
While Madison’s cozy, small-town charm is undeniable, with its close-knit communities and bucolic landscapes, Los Angeles beckons with its dynamic nightlife along Sunset Boulevard, a plethora of job opportunities in industries like entertainment, tech, and more, and vibrant cultural diversity seen in neighborhoods such as Koreatown and Little Ethiopia. However, this comes with the challenge of a higher cost of living and navigating one of America's most infamous traffic scenes. Imagine exchanging the calm, snowy winters of Madison for year-round mild weather perfect for beach days at Venice Beach, hiking in Griffith Park, or exploring the endless dining options, from food trucks to high-end restaurants like Bestia in the Arts District. It’s a trade-off between the tranquility and affordability of Madison for the bustling, opportunity-filled life in Los Angeles.
Madison vs. Los Angeles Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Madison & Los Angeles, important for understanding the food culture of both areas. This comparison will help you get better acquainted with what to expect from the culinary scene in your new city.
| Madison | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Street Tacos |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Korean BBQ |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Cheese Curds | Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Plant-Based Burgers | Vegan Tacos |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Madison, cheese curds stand out as a beloved local snack, particularly when fried, matching the city's dairy-rich heritage. Bratwurst, another Wisconsin staple, is a popular meat choice, reflecting the state's German-American roots. Over in Los Angeles, the eclectic mix of cultures shines through its food scene. Street tacos, influenced by the city's large Mexican-American population, are a must-try. These can be found in numerous neighborhoods across LA, especially in places like Boyle Heights and Highland Park. Korean BBQ is also a hallmark of LA's culinary landscape, thanks to the vibrant Koreatown neighborhood. Both cities offer unique dining experiences, from Madison's cozy, farm-to-table eateries to Los Angeles's diverse, global cuisine, ensuring that no matter where you move, delicious food awaits.
Madison vs. Los Angeles Restaurant Comparison
Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering great places to eat. This comparison is aimed at making your move from Madison to Los Angeles a culinary adventure, helping you find spots that feel like home based on your existing favorites. Comparing top Madison restaurants to their Los Angeles counterparts emphasizes making Los Angeles feel like home.
| Madison | Los Angeles | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L’Etoile | Providence | Both offer exquisite fine dining with locally sourced ingredients. |
| Graze | Republique | Both feature farm-to-table menus in a bustling, casual setting. |
| A Pig in a Fur Coat | Animal | Both are known for bold, meat-centric dishes in a cozy atmosphere. |
| Sal's Tomato Pies | Pizzana | Artisanal pizzas with unique, high-quality toppings characterize both spots. |
| Marigold Kitchen | Sqirl | Both offer innovative, fresh breakfast and brunch menus geared towards foodies. |
| Mickies Dairy Bar | Du-par’s | Iconic diner experiences with a reputation for pancakes and hearty breakfasts. |
| The Old Fashioned | Cole’s | Both are historic spots known for their classic American fare and signature drinks. |
| Taqueria Guadalajara | Guerrilla Tacos | Authentic tacos and a vibrant street-food vibe at both locations. |
| Dotty Dumpling's Dowry | Father’s Office | Gourmet burgers and a wide beer selection are hallmarks of both. |
| Monty's Blue Plate Diner | The Apple Pan | Both offer a nostalgic diner experience with a focus on American classics. |
For those who cherish the farm-to-table dining experience, moving from Madison's Graze to Los Angeles's Republique will feel like a seamless transition. Both establishments boast vibrant, casual atmospheres where the menus showcase the best of local farms' offerings. Meanwhile, if your Madison weekends started with a breakfast at Marigold Kitchen, you'll find a similar love for innovative morning meals at Sqirl in Los Angeles, famous for its ricotta toast and sorrel pesto rice bowl. On the other hand, pizza aficionados will appreciate trading Sal's Tomato Pies in Madison for Pizzana in Los Angeles, where both pizzerias excel in serving up unique and high-quality toppings on every slice, making each meal an unforgettable experience.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Los Angeles Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, comparing the real estate aspects between Madison, WI, and Los Angeles, CA is crucial. This analysis will help you understand the differences in housing costs, styles, and lifestyle quality, ensuring you make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Madison | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie, Craftsman | Modern, Spanish Revival |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Lakeside views, Green spaces | City views, Proximity to entertainment |
The contrast in median home prices highlights the significant cost of living difference between Madison and Los Angeles, with the latter being nearly triple in terms of housing costs. While Madison offers a more laid-back lifestyle with its prairie and craftsman-style homes emphasizing green spaces and lake views, Los Angeles, renowned for its modern and Spanish revival architecture, caters to a more urban lifestyle. This is evident through its higher scores in walkability and urban lifestyle, reflecting its dense, vibrant city culture and close proximity to entertainment and nightlife options.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Los Angeles, CA
1. Studio City: With its multitude of pet-friendly cafes and the famous Laurel Canyon Dog Park, Studio City welcomes you and your furry friend with open arms.
2. Silver Lake: Known for its hip vibe, Silver Lake boasts an array of dog-friendly restaurants and a renowned dog park, Silver Lake Dog Park, making it a perfect place for pet owners.
3. West Hollywood: This neighborhood shines for pet lovers, highlighting pet-friendly establishments and the much-loved West Hollywood Park, which includes areas for dogs to play freely.
Madison vs. Los Angeles Weather Considerations
Moving from one city to another drastically changes your living environment, especially when it comes to weather. This comparison between Madison and Los Angeles highlights the key differences in weather patterns to help you adjust smoothly to what awaits. From sunny days to the amount of snowfall, understanding these changes is crucial.
Madison, WI
Los Angeles, CA
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Los Angeles, CA
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Los Angeles, CA
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Generally Good | Moderate Concern |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornadoes | Earthquakes, Wildfires |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
When moving from Madison to Los Angeles, you'll find the winters vastly milder, with LA's lowest winter temperatures being higher than Madison's average highs during the season. The significant increase in sunny days in Los Angeles, combined with lower humidity, promises more outdoor activity opportunities year-round. However, this comes with a higher UV index, requiring more diligent sun protection. Adjusting to the drier climate of Los Angeles also means experiencing less rainfall but possibly more concern over air quality and smog than in Madison. Each city has its blend of natural disaster risks, necessitating preparedness for different scenarios. Adapting to these changes will be an important part of your move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Los Angeles
When planning a move, understanding the financial differences between your current home and your new one is crucial. This comparison between Madison and Los Angeles highlights the key financial aspects that affect your cost of living, taxes, and the economy, providing a clear picture of what you might expect in your transition.
| Comparison | Madison | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $70,372 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 136.4 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 13.3% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94% | 0.79% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5% | 9.5% |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Information Technology | Entertainment, Aerospace, Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate to High |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Moving from Madison to Los Angeles will introduce significant changes in your financial situation. The cost of living in LA is substantially higher, primarily due to housing costs, which are captured in the staggering difference in the Cost of Living Index. However, Los Angeles offers unique career opportunities, especially in entertainment, aerospace, and technology sectors, potentially offsetting these higher expenses. While taxes, particularly state income and sales tax, are higher in California, the economic diversity and opportunities in LA contribute to its affluence. Nonetheless, poverty and homelessness are more pronounced issues here, reflecting the socio-economic disparities present in the sprawling metropolis. Understanding these financial nuances can help you plan and adjust your budget for a smoother transition.
Madison vs. Los Angeles Political & Religious Comparison
This guide offers a quick glimpse into the comparison of the politics between Madison & Los Angeles to help you understand the typical political and religious landscape of the residents in these cities at a glance.
| Madison | Los Angeles | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies | Progressive policies |
| Religion | Diverse religious communities | Diverse religious communities |
Both Madison and Los Angeles are known for their liberal political landscapes, with communities actively engaged in progressive policies. This reflects not only in their voting behavior but also in the local government's approach to social issues, healthcare, education, and environmental concerns. Religion in both cities is characterized by a diverse range of faiths and places of worship, accommodating residents from different backgrounds and beliefs. What this means for you is a transition into a community where diversity in thought and belief is not just accepted but embraced.
Madison vs. Los Angeles Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Understanding the differences in traffic and transportation options between Madison & Los Angeles is crucial for planning your daily commute. This comparison will help you better grasp what to expect when moving from Madison, WI to Los Angeles, CA.
| Comparison | Madison | Los Angeles |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 30 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Possible, but difficult |
When moving from Madison to Los Angeles, you'll notice a significant difference in average commute times and traffic congestion. In Los Angeles, the higher traffic congestion score reflects its infamous traffic jams, particularly during rush hours. However, Los Angeles also offers a slightly better public transit system, thanks to the LA Metro and extensive bus network, making it possible to get around without a car, albeit with some planning. In contrast, Madison's public transit options are more limited, and getting around without a car can be more challenging, especially during winter months or when traveling outside the city center.
Popular Madison, WI to California Moving Routes
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
