Moving from Milwaukee to Madison, WI
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Quick answer: Moving from Milwaukee to Madison costs between $86 to $4,314 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 79-mile route within Wisconsin take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Milwaukee to Madison
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Milwaukee to Madison are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Milwaukee to driving and unloading in Madison, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 79 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,190 - $3,657 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $845 - $1,556 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $96 - $172 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | Eagle Moving & Storage Co | $105/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Madison?
It costs between $86 to $4,314 to move from Milwaukee to Madison. The prices below break down your 79-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $655 - $4,314
- Moving containers: $596 - $2,008
- Rental trucks: $86 - $176
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $655 - $2,964 | $596 - $1,051 | $86 - $130 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,190 - $3,657 | $845 - $1,556 | $96 - $172 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,749 - $4,314 | $1,036 - $2,008 | $118 - $176 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $264 - $2,200+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $105/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $176 - $704 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $44 - $176 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Milwaukee to Madison
At 79 miles, your Milwaukee to Madison move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Milwaukee to Madison. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Wisconsin, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 79 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Milwaukee to Madison. They've been in business since 1948 (78 years of experience) and 75.0% of their 92 verified reviews are positive.
More Wisconsin moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison to Milwaukee guide.
Considerations when moving from Milwaukee to Madison
Cost of living: Milwaukee vs. Madison
The cost of living in Milwaukee vs. Madison isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Madison compares to what you’re used to in Milwaukee.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Milwaukee | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,250 | $1,600 |
| Average home cost | $171,025 | $346,854 |
| Average income (per capita) | $51,888 | $76,983 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,022 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,963 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 3.3% |
| Average Sales Tax | 4.9% | 5.5% |
- Rent prices in Madison are 28% higher than in Milwaukee, meaning a larger portion of your income may go toward housing, leaving less for savings or other expenses.
- Home prices in Madison are 103% higher than in Milwaukee, so you’ll likely need a larger down payment and can expect bigger monthly mortgage payments if you’re buying a home.
- You could enjoy greater earning potential and improved financial stability in Madison, where average income is 48% higher than in Milwaukee — especially if your salary is on par with the local average.
- Living costs for one person are 13% higher in Madison compared to Milwaukee. Make sure to budget for these higher expenses.
- If you’re relocating your family to Madison, plan for living expenses to be about 10% higher than in Milwaukee. Things like housing, childcare, and healthcare will likely cost more, so Madison is generally a more expensive spot for families.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is 55% lower than in Milwaukee. This points to a healthier job market, more openings, and better economic stability in your new city.
- You’ll find sales taxes in Madison are 12% higher than in Milwaukee, which means day-to-day expenses on items like clothes, electronics, or dining out may add up faster.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Milwaukee, you’ll need about $3,390 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Madison.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Madison
Before you move, check out how life in Madison measures up to Milwaukee. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Milwaukee | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 269,840 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 51-46 | Democratic 76-23 |
| Summer high | 83ºF | 82ºF |
| Winter low | 14ºF | 10ºF |
| Annual rain | 35" | 36" |
| Annual snow | 45" | 42" |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 34.57 |
Madison sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- You’ll notice that Madison has roughly 53% fewer people than Milwaukee. Smaller cities usually mean more peace of mind, more space, and lower living costs, though you may find yourself missing a few big-city conveniences.
- During the last presidential election, both Milwaukee and Madison supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Madison and Milwaukee have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Milwaukee and Madison—with winter lows around 14°F and 10°F.
- Both Milwaukee and Madison see similar yearly rainfall—Milwaukee averages 35 inches, while Madison gets 36 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Milwaukee and Madison, averaging 45 and 42 inches each year.
- Madison posts a lower crime rate than Milwaukee, with a crime index of 34.57 compared to Milwaukee’s 66.76.
Things to do in Madison
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Madison has plenty to offer:
Museums in Madison
- Chazen Museum of Art
- Madison Children's Museum
- Wisconsin Veterans Museum
- Wisconsin Historical Museum
- University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
Parks in Madison
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens
- University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
- Lake Mendota
- Allen Centennial Gardens
- Tenney Park
Sports teams in Madison
- Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
- Madison Mallards (Baseball)
- Madison Radicals (AUDL)
- Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
- Forward Madison (USL League One)
Universities in Madison
- Herzing University
- Madison Area Technical College
- Madison Media Institute
- University of Phoenix–Madison Campus
- University of Wisconsin–Madison
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Milwaukee to Madison?
Shipping furniture from Milwaukee to Madison with a moving company typically costs between $582 and $2,601. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,190 to $3,657. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,749 and $4,314 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Milwaukee to Madison?
If you’re planning a move from Milwaukee to Madison and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $455 and $1,100. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $845 to $1,556. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,036 to $2,008.
How much is a moving truck from Milwaukee to Madison?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $82 and $133. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $96 and $172. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Milwaukee to Madison, truck rentals usually range from $118 up to $176.
How far in advance should I book Milwaukee-to-Madison movers?
To make your move from Milwaukee to Madison as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Madison?
The cheapest time of year to move to Madison is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
