($353+) Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to St. Louis, MO, runs anywhere from $364 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,105 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 359 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,075, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,105 or more.
- Moving containers run $944 - $2,734, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $364 - $942.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to St. Louis, MO. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,780 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Moving options from Madison to St. Louis fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,780 - $4,890 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 359-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 359-mile route from Madison to St. Louis, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,075 - $4,099 with full-service movers, $944 - $1,659 with a container, $364 - $619 with a rental truck, or $800 - $1,522 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $1,780 - $4,890 full-service, $1,244 - $2,329 by container, $403 - $734 by rental truck, or $994 - $1,863 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $2,913 - $7,105 full-service, $1,505 - $2,734 by container, $489 - $942 by rental truck, or $1,241 - $2,233 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Hiring full-service movers from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Louis, Missouri, costs between $1,075 and $7,105. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 359-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $286 - $1,908, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Madison and St. Louis. For a rough baseline, movers based in Madison tend to start around $371 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,075 - $4,099
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,780 - $4,890
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,913 - $7,105
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Madison to St. Louis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Missouri. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In St. Louis, 86% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $477 - $4,770 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $191 - $1,145/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,290 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers | $954 - $2,862 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,385 - $9,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $715 - $1,358 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $954 - $2,385 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $763 - $3,339 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $286 - $1,431 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $620 - $1,908 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,310+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,339+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to St. Louis?
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Madison, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Madison to St. Louis with a local mover averages $1,869 - $5,134. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Madison, WI can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Above Average Moving LLC (4.48/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Madison, ranked #3 in Wisconsin, based on our analysis of feedback from 226 customers, 92.0% of which is positive.
Address: 1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI, 53704 | Founded: 2016
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Louis, Missouri, cost between $944 and $2,734. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Madison runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $944 - $1,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,244 - $2,329
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,505 - $2,734
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $668 in Madison, WI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $72 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $143 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your St. Louis, MO, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Missouri move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $944. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,244 - $2,329, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Madison to St. Louis?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Madison to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Madison:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
- Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Renting a moving truck for the 359-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Louis, Missouri, costs between $364 and $942, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $109 - $125
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to St. Louis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $364 - $619
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $403 - $734
- 4+ bedrooms: $489 - $942
Pro tip: The base rate of $364 - $942 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Madison to St. Louis. Fuel ($109 - $125) , lodging at around $143/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $143 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $62 and $310 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $109 - $125 in fuel for the 359-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $668 in Madison, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to St. Louis?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Louis, Missouri. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. Most long-distance moves using this method run roughly between $994 and $1,863.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to St. Louis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $800 - $1,522
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $994 - $1,863
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,241 - $2,233
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $72 - $143 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, typically costs $668.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to St. Louis?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs St. Louis, MO
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in St. Louis, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Madison, WI | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 103 | 84 |
| Average rent | $1,600/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $346,854 | $180,206 |
| Average income | $76,983/yr | $55,279/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 4.8% |
| Walkability score | 50/100 | 66/100 |
| Safety index | 65.43/100 | 30.35/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Louis, MO to Madison, WI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Missouri over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 40 movers in our Wisconsin network to compare for this 359-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 359-mile route from Madison, WI, to St. Louis, MO, run $1,075 - $7,105 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $944 - $2,734, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $364 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,780, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to St. Louis tend to point to rich culture and bountiful arts and recreational activities, though poor education and high crime rate come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include BJC HealthCare and Walmart.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to St. Louis, MO
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($109 - $125), daily insurance ($29/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $143/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $403 - $734. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
