Best Madison to Chicago Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from Madison, the City of Four Lakes, to Chicago, the Windy City, marks an exciting chapter in your life, filled with new possibilities and adventures. You're leaving behind Madison's vibrant college town atmosphere for Chicago's bustling streets, iconic skyline, and deep-dish pizza. It's crucial to ensure that this significant transition is as smooth as possible by choosing trusted and reliable professional movers. Our team at Great Guys Moving uses an unbiased ranking algorithm to connect you with the best movers for your long-distance move, making sure your journey to Chicago is stress-free and successful.
Best Madison to Chicago 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 |
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | 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 Chicago to Madison guide.
5 Best Madison to Chicago 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 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
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. Chicago Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, especially when the neighborhoods are unfamiliar. To make the transition smoother, we've crafted a comparison to help you match the feel of your current Madison neighborhood with a similar one in Chicago. This guide is perfect for those looking to find a new home in Chicago, IL that mirrors their favorite spots in Madison, WI.
| Madison | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| State Street | Wicker Park | Vibrant nightlife & arts scene |
| Willy Street (Williamson) | Andersonville | Eclectic shops & progressive vibe |
| Capitol | The Loop | Central business district & cultural attractions |
| Monroe Street | Lincoln Park | Upscale, family-friendly with parks |
| Near East | Logan Square | Trendy food scene & historic boulevards |
| Shorewood Hills | Gold Coast | Elite, with stately homes & luxury shopping |
| Maple Bluff | Lakeview | Diverse community with a waterfront view |
| Nakoma League | Ravenswood | Quiet, tree-lined streets & family-oriented |
| Dudgeon-Monroe | Roscoe Village | Quaint & cozy feel with artisanal shops |
| Schenk-Atwood | Pilsen | Rich in arts & cultural festivals |
For those moving from Madison's Willy Street, renowned for its quirky atmosphere and eclectic shops, Chicago's Andersonville offers a similar diverse charm, with a bustling Clark Street filled with unique storefronts, restaurants like Big Jones that give you a taste of the local cuisine, and cultural highlights like the Swedish American Museum. Conversely, if you're leaving behind the stately vibe of Capitol in Madison, The Loop in Chicago presents an unparalleled urban experience, where iconic attractions like The Art Institute of Chicago and sprawling Millennium Park meet cutting-edge dining and shopping. Lakeview and Maple Bluff share scenic beauty and a tight-knit community feel, with Lakeview's extensive lakefront providing both stunning views and outdoor activities at places like Lincoln Park. This comparative guide roots you in familiar comforts while inviting you to explore the vibrant neighborhoods of your new city.
Things to Do in Chicago
Explore the Art Institute of Chicago- Watch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field
- Visit Shedd Aquarium
- Enjoy Millennium Park concerts
- Take the Chicago Architecture River Cruise
- Discover the Field Museum
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Madison to Chicago
Moving can be a life-changing event, filled with both opportunities and challenges. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and bad attributes of relocating from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL . Understanding these aspects will help you make a well-informed decision about your move.
Madison, WI- Smaller city vibe
- Less diverse cuisine
- Fewer job opportunities
- Less cultural events
- Lower nightlife activity
Chicago, IL- Larger urban area
- Wider food variety
- More job prospects
- Rich cultural scene
- Vibrant nightlife
Chicago, IL- More impersonal
- Poorer air quality
- More traffic congestion
- Higher cost of living
- Fewer green spaces
Madison, WI- Close-knit community
- Better air quality
- Less traffic
- Lower cost of living
- More outdoor activities
Relocating from Madison to Chicago introduces you to a vastly different lifestyle. While you might miss the tranquil, community-focused lifestyle of Madison, with its easy access to nature and outdoor recreational activities like those available at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, Chicago welcomes you with its dynamic urban energy. The cultural diversity in Chicago means you can explore an incredible array of cuisine, from the renowned deep-dish pizza at Giordano's to authentic Mexican food in Pilsen. Chicago’s rich arts scene, represented by institutions like the Art Institute of Chicago and vibrant nightlife in areas such as Logan Square, contrasts sharply with Madison's more laid-back vibe. Despite the higher cost of living and more traffic, many find the trade-offs—like increased job opportunities and an expansive cultural calendar—worthwhile. Moreover, the presence of parks, like Millennium Park, provides urban green spaces for relaxation and recreation amidst the bustling city environment.
Madison vs. Chicago Food Guide
When comparing the local cuisine between Madison & Chicago, it's essential to consider the unique flavors and culinary experiences each city offers. Moving to a new city doesn't just mean a change of scenery; it also involves immersing yourself in the local food culture. This comparison aims to give you a taste of what to expect, enriching your relocation journey.
| Madison | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Deep-Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Italian Beef |
| Most popular street food item | Fried Cheese Curds | Hot Dogs |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Cheese Platter | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
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| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Madison and Chicago both offer vibrant food scenes characterized by their unique local flavors and dishes. In Madison, the emphasis on dairy is palpable with staples like cheese curds and vegan cheese platters, reflecting Wisconsin's rich dairy heritage. Iconic restaurants such as Lombardino's and Graze highlight the city's commitment to quality and innovation. Chicago's culinary scene is renowned worldwide, boasting legendary dishes like deep-dish pizza and Italian beef. The city's dedication to diverse culinary experiences is embodied in establishments from Giordano's to the avant-garde Alinea. Whether you're exploring the bustling food truck scene in Chicago's neighborhoods or sampling vegan delights in Madison's cafes, each city offers its own unique taste of local culture.
Madison vs. Chicago Restaurant Comparison
Finding a new favorite eating spot can make a new city feel like home. Through this comparison, we aim to bridge the culinary gap for those moving from Madison to Chicago by matching top restaurants in Madison with their Chicagoland counterparts. This guide is crafted to ease the transition by shedding light on where to find similar flavors and dining experiences.
| Madison | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| L'Etoile | Alinea | Exceptional fine dining and innovative cuisine |
| Forequarter | Longman & Eagle | Rustic ambiance with a focus on farm-to-table fare |
| Graze | Girl & The Goat | Inventive small plates in a bustling atmosphere |
| Mickies Dairy Bar | Lou Mitchell's | Classic diner experience known for breakfast and brunch |
| Pig in a Fur Coat | Publican | Meat-centric dishes with a focus on quality ingredients |
| Sardine | Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! | Vibrant setting for brunch and beyond, with a focus on European flavors |
| Naples 15 | Spacca Napoli | Authentic Neapolitan pizza and Italian dishes |
| Sal's Tomato Pies | Pequod's Pizza | Deep-dish pizza with a caramelized crust |
| Heritage Tavern | Gilt Bar | Intimate space with a creative menu focusing on new American cuisine |
| Monty's Blue Plate Diner | Little Goat Diner | Retro diner with a creative, upscale twist on comfort food |
While you might miss the cozy and intimate atmosphere of L'Etoile in Madison, you'll find Chicago's Alinea introduces you to an unparalleled level of culinary innovation and fine dining. Similarly, Fans of Sal's Tomato Pies' distinct flavors in Madison will appreciate the unique, caramelized crust and deep-dish delights at Pequod's Pizza in Chicago. The transition from Madison's dining landscape to Chicago's includes a jump from small, chef-driven venues like Forequarter to Chicago's beloved Longman & Eagle, where the emphasis on locally sourced ingredients and inventive menus creates a bridge between the two cities' vibrant food scenes.
Ready to start your move?
Madison vs. Chicago Real Estate & Living Facts
When you're planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial. It's important to compare how Madison, WI, and Chicago, IL stack up in terms of housing . This comparison aims to highlight the differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help make your decision easier.
| Comparison | Madison | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Prairie, Craftsman | Greystone, Bungalow |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to lakes, Spacious yards | Access to public transit, Skyline views |
While both Madison and Chicago offer unique living experiences, the contrast in urban lifestyle scores and architecture types highlight the difference between a more laid-back, spacious environment and the bustling, dense city life. Chicago's higher urban lifestyle score reflects its vibrant cultural scene, diverse dining options, and comprehensive public transit system, appealing to those seeking an active urban experience. Madison, with its emphasis on proximity to nature and spacious yards, offers a quieter, more relaxed setting. This detailed comparison between Madison's prairie and craftsman style homes and Chicago's iconic greystones and bungalows provides valuable insight into the architecture and lifestyle you can expect in each city.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
1. Lincoln Park: With its sprawling namesake park, you'll find plenty of green spaces for walks and the Lincoln Park Dog Park where your furry friend can run off-leash.
2. Lakeview: Home to the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park, Lakeview offers an urban setting with a pet-friendly attitude, hosting numerous pet supply shops and pet-friendly patios.
3. Andersonville: This community-oriented neighborhood not only features pet-friendly dining and shopping but also events like the annual Andersonville Pet Parade, making it a delightful place for pet owners.
Madison vs. Chicago Weather Considerations
Understanding how the weather differs between your current home and your new one is crucial when planning a move. By comparing Madison and Chicago on key weather aspects, you'll better grasp what to expect and how to prepare. This weather comparison aims to ease your transition.
Madison, WI
Chicago, IL
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Chicago, IL
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Madison, WI
Chicago, IL
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Madison, WI
Chicago, IL
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Madison | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Tornados | Snowstorms, Tornados |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Madison to Chicago, you'll find the climates fairly similar, yet there are subtle differences to note. Chicago experiences slightly milder winters with higher low temperatures and less snowfall annually, which may be preferable for those not keen on heavy snow. While both cities enjoy nearly the same amount of sunshine, Chicago's slightly higher summer lows suggest warmer nights, making evening outdoor activities more comfortable. Being aware of these nuances will help you adjust your lifestyle and plans accordingly, ensuring a smoother transition to your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Madison to Chicago
When contemplating a move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, grasping the financial implications and cost of living differences is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight key monetary aspects in both cities, ensuring you make an informed decision tailored to your lifestyle and budget.
| Comparison | Madison | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $67,270 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 95.65 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 7.65 | 4.95 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.94 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.5 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Healthcare, Education, Manufacturing | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Low | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Low | High |
Although the average household income in Madison is higher than in Chicago, the cost of living and sales tax rates in Chicago are notably higher. This discrepancy suggests you might feel a tighter pinch on your wallet in Chicago, especially when purchasing goods and services. However, Chicago's top industries, particularly finance and IT, can offer significant employment opportunities, potentially leading to higher personal income levels over time. The higher property tax in Chicago also reflects on the value and demand for real estate in the city, indicating a vibrant, albeit more expensive, housing market.
Madison vs. Chicago Political & Religious Comparison
In considering a move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, it’s crucial to grasp the lifestyle you’re stepping into. This guide offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot comparing the political and religious makeup of the residents between Madison & Chicago . By understanding these dynamics, you'll better anticipate the community vibe and local culture awaiting you.
| Madison | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Progressive local government | Strong Democratic presence |
| Religion | Mixed, with prominent Christian and non-religious communities | Diverse, with a significant Catholic presence alongside other faiths |
While both cities share a liberal political makeup, the nuances of their local politics and religious communities highlight the unique flavor of each. Madison is well-known for its highly progressive local government, reflecting the city's strong values on social issues. Meanwhile, Chicago's political scene is dominated by a longstanding Democratic presence, impacting everything from city policies to community programs. Religion in Madison presents a mixed landscape, with a significant portion of the population identifying as non-religious. In contrast, Chicago's religious makeup is quite diverse, with a notable Catholic community alongside a variety of other faith groups. This diversity enriches the cultural and social fabric of Chicago, offering newcomers a mosaic of traditions and beliefs to explore.
Madison vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL, it's vital to understand the differences in daily commute and traffic, providing a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Madison & Chicago.
| Comparison | Madison | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 34 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Yes |
When moving from Madison to Chicago, you'll notice significant differences in your daily commute. Chicago offers a more robust public transit system, ranked higher in availability compared to Madison, meaning getting around the city without a car is more feasible. While the average commute time in Chicago is longer, the city's comprehensive public transit options, including buses and the "L" train system, compensate for this. Traffic congestion in Chicago is also higher, which is expected given its larger population and density. Understanding these differences can help you better prepare for your move, ensuring your transition is as smooth as possible.
Popular Madison, WI to Illinois Moving Routes
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