($344+) Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $344 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,971 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 395 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 $1,159, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,971 or more.
- Moving containers run $849 - $2,621, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $344 - $880.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,891 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Moving options from Ann Arbor to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,891 - $4,886 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 81% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 395 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 395-mile route from Ann Arbor to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,159 for a studio up to $6,971 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $849 - $2,621 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $344 - $880, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $835 - $2,273, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 395-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, with costs ranging from $1,159 - $6,971. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $314 - $2,096. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Ann Arbor and Madison. Local movers in Ann Arbor typically start around $304 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ann Arbor to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,159 - $3,885
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,891 - $4,886
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,120 - $6,971
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 Ann Arbor to Madison.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $210 - $1,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,515 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage3% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,048 - $3,144 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,620 - $10,480 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $785 - $1,491 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items19% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Handle With Care Moving | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Extra Mile Moving | $681 - $2,096 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,720+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,668+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Ann Arbor to Madison?
Look for Wisconsin Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Wisconsin beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Ann Arbor, MI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Ann Arbor to Madison with a local mover averages $1,891 - $4,886. Working with a local mover based in Ann Arbor, MI often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.3/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Ann Arbor, based on our analysis of feedback from 49 customers, 93.9% of which is positive.
Address: 13520 Merriman Rd, Livonia, MI, 48150 | Founded: 2022
Moving container costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $849 and $2,621. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Ann Arbor costs roughly $75/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $849 - $1,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,097 - $2,271
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,453 - $2,621
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Ann Arbor, MI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $734, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $79 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $157 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Ann Arbor, MI, and Madison, WI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Michigan to Wisconsin 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 $849. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,097 - $2,271.
What are the best moving containers Ann Arbor to Madison?
- 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 Ann Arbor 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 Ann Arbor:
- Campus Concepts: Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.2/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 395 miles from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, running $344 - $880. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $132 - $151
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Ann Arbor daily rental rate: $19 - $29
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $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 Ann Arbor to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $344 - $632
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $363 - $727
- 4+ bedrooms: $470 - $880
Pro tip: A rental truck from Ann Arbor to Madison looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $344 - $880. But once you factor in fuel ($132 - $151), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, usually costs about $734 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 395-mile drive falls between $132 and $151, 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 $314 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Ann Arbor to Madison?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $887 and $1,766.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $835 - $1,343
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $887 - $1,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,258 - $2,273
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $79 - $157 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 Ann Arbor, Michigan, typically costs $734.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Madison quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Ann Arbor, MI vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Ann Arbor and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 106 vs. 103. Average rent: $2,260/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 52 vs. 50. Safety index: 79.18 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Wisconsin, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 173 movers licensed in Michigan, useful context for sizing up this 395-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,159 for a studio to $6,971 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 395-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $849 - $2,621. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $344 - $880, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,891 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI
What is the cheapest way to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI?
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 $363 - $727. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Madison a safe place to live?
Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, compared to 79.18 and 31.0 in Ann Arbor. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI?
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 do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations.
What percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 19% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.