($361+) Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $358 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,178 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 394 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 $1,125, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,178 or more.
- Moving containers run $975 - $3,042, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $358 - $981.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,853 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 Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Madison to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $1,853 - $5,342 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 394 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 4 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 394-mile route from Madison to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,125 - $4,120 | $975 - $1,698 | $358 - $697 | $885 - $1,424 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,853 - $5,342 | $1,163 - $2,270 | $401 - $835 | $969 - $1,909 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,152 - $7,178 | $1,541 - $3,042 | $508 - $981 | $1,296 - $2,223 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI
Hiring full-service movers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $1,125 and $7,178. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 394-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $313 - $2,084, 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 Ann Arbor. 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 Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,125 - $4,120
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,853 - $5,342
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,152 - $7,178
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 Ann Arbor.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Michigan. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Ann Arbor?
Michigan Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Michigan, on top of the picks below.
- 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 Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,798 - $5,182. 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 Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $975 and $3,042. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Ann Arbor. If you go over that window, storage in Madison adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $975 - $1,698
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,163 - $2,270
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,541 - $3,042
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 $729 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $156 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 Ann Arbor, MI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Michigan 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 $975. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,163 - $2,270, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Ann Arbor?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI
Plan on $358 - $981 for a rental moving truck on the 394-mile route from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $131 - $149
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $358 - $697
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $401 - $835
- 4+ bedrooms: $508 - $981
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $358 - $981 does not include fuel ($131 - $149) , lodging ($156/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Madison to Ann Arbor typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $156 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Madison, Wisconsin, usually costs about $729 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 394-mile drive falls between $131 and $149, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $52 and $313 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Ann Arbor?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $938 and $1,909.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $885 - $1,424
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $969 - $1,909
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,296 - $2,223
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $78 and $156.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $729.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Ann Arbor?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Ann Arbor fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Ann Arbor, MI
Madison and Ann Arbor land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 103 in Madison and 106 in Ann Arbor, and rent tracks closely too ($1,600/mo vs. $2,260/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (50 vs 52) and safety scores (65.43 vs 79.18) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Michigan 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 394-mile move.
Our take
A move from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,125 - $7,178 on the 394-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $975 - $3,042, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $358 - $981. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,853 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI?
Costs on this route range from around $1,125 to $7,178, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,125 and $7,178, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI?
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 do local movers charge in Madison?
Local movers based in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate, plus $85/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Ann Arbor run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI 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 are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?
For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.
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.
