Milwaukee to Madison Movers & Costs (2026)
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The cost to move from Milwaukee to Madison, WI (~79 miles) typically ranges from $75 to $3,989.
Local movers such as College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 1,237 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $105/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
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September availability is going fast in Milwaukee
Summer is the busiest time to move. Prices run 20 - 30% above the annual average and movers fill weeks in advance. Book now to secure your preferred date.
What are the best ways to move from Milwaukee to Madison?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Milwaukee to Madison are regulated by Wisconsin law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Wisconsin intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Wisconsin companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.72/5) as the top local pick, followed by Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.52/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Milwaukee to Madison moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 40+ Wisconsin movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee to Madison?
The cost to move from Milwaukee to Madison ranges from $75 to $3,989*, according to moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset.
Here's what to expect depending on which moving service you pick and how much you're hauling:
- Full-service movers: $527 - $3,989
- Moving containers: $493 - $1,633
- Rental trucks: $75 - $152
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves cover packing, loading, transport, and unloading end-to-end. Professional packing on its own adds $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs because you handle the loading and unloading while the company handles the drive.
- Rental trucks come in roughly 30% cheaper than full-service, but you have to drive the truck yourself and find or hire moving labor.
- Running quotes through moveBuddha's cost calculator helps movers save 30% versus their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $527 - $2,582 | $493 - $925 | $75 - $116 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,099 - $3,030 | $758 - $1,425 | $82 - $135 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,451 - $3,989 | $902 - $1,633 | $103 - $152 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 40+ Wisconsin moving companies, and are updated as of September 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Milwaukee, WI movers.
How Milwaukee to Madison moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $105 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,260.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 17% of Milwaukee movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 24% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 8% of Milwaukee movers handle hot tubs, vs 22% nationally. Top pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Milwaukee to Madison
Moving from Milwaukee to Madison is a job for local and regional Wisconsin movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.72 out of 5 stars across 1,237 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Milwaukee to Madison
Local movers operating within Wisconsin know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.72/5 stars): 94.6% positive customer ratings.
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.52/5 stars): 76.3% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.42/5 stars): 65.6% positive customer ratings.
- Hernia Movers Inc (4.34/5 stars): 84.3% positive customer ratings.
- Brothers Moving & Storage (4.3/5 stars): 67.1% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 12 movers in Milwaukee, drawing on 1,755 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Milwaukee to Madison
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Wisconsin moving resources
How does Madison compare to Milwaukee?
Cost of living: Milwaukee vs. Madison
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| 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% |
Cost-of-living data for Milwaukee and Madison comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated September 2026 across 40+ Wisconsin moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Madison are 28% higher than in Milwaukee. A renter relocating without a salary increase will see roughly 28% more of monthly income absorbed by housing.
- Home prices in Madison are 103% higher than Milwaukee. Existing homeowners trading up to similar square footage face a meaningful jump in down payment and monthly mortgage.
- Average income in Madison is 48% higher than Milwaukee. Negotiating a cost-of-living raise is realistic if you're transferring within the same employer.
- Cost of living for one person in Madison is 13% higher than Milwaukee. Plan to add roughly 13% to your current monthly budget for a like-for-like lifestyle.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Madison is 10% higher than Milwaukee. Childcare, healthcare, and housing typically drive the gap.
- Unemployment in Madison runs 55% lower than Milwaukee. Hiring is more competitive, which typically supports faster offers and wage growth.
- Sales taxes in Madison are 12% higher than Milwaukee. The difference adds up on big-ticket purchases like appliances, electronics, and furniture.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,390 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Madison
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Madison might look different from Milwaukee in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| 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 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Wisconsin can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 38% of movers in Wisconsin, vs 33% nationally).
- Madison is 53% smaller in size than Milwaukee. Smaller cities typically offer lower housing costs and shorter commutes, with fewer industry options for niche careers.
- In the last presidential election, both Milwaukee and Madison voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Madison (82°F) match Milwaukee (83°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Milwaukee (14°F) and Madison (10°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Milwaukee (35 inches) and Madison (36 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Milwaukee (45 inches) and Madison (42 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Madison (34.57) is lower than Milwaukee (66.76). Lower property crime typically translates to lower home insurance premiums and broader housing options.
Things to do in Madison
Adventure, cultural attractions, live sports, and college campuses define Madison's lifestyle profile. The categories below highlight where to start.
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
Final verdict: Milwaukee to Madison movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Wisconsin service. For smaller moves, College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.72/5) is the top local choice, with 94.6% positive reviews across 1,237 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $75 - $3,989, based on our analysis of 40+ Wisconsin movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Milwaukee to Madison
How long does a move from Milwaukee to Madison take?
Most moves from Milwaukee to Madison take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
How far in advance should I book Milwaukee-to-Madison movers?
Book your Milwaukee to Madison movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Milwaukee to Madison?
A full-service move from Milwaukee to Madison costs $478 - $2,132 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,099 - $3,030, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,451 - $3,989.
What percentage of Milwaukee movers handle piano or antique moves?
About 42% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Madison?
The cheapest time to move to Madison is between early October and late April, outside the industry's peak season of May through September. Demand and prices both drop once summer ends, so timing your move in the off-season saves money.
