($358+) Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $354 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,391 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $1,241, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,391 or more.
- Moving containers run $928 - $2,808, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $354 - $1,010.
- 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 $2,005 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 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. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,005 - $5,498 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 395 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 395-mile route from Ann Arbor to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,241 - $4,159 | $928 - $1,632 | $354 - $690 | $809 - $1,574 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,005 - $5,498 | $1,211 - $2,293 | $413 - $835 | $959 - $1,817 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,024 - $7,391 | $1,652 - $2,808 | $469 - $1,010 | $1,283 - $2,317 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 395-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, with prices running from $1,241 - $7,391. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $314 - $2,096 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Ann Arbor and Madison are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Ann Arbor movers tend to run around $304 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Ann Arbor to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,241 - $4,159
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,005 - $5,498
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,024 - $7,391
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Michigan to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 88% of Ann Arbor movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Madison, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $524 - $5,240 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready88% of local movers85% 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 coverage6% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% 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 items21% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Bos Moving & Services, Inc. | $1,048 - $2,620 |
| Piano | Any piano type61% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $838 - $3,668 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling12% of local movers | $314 - $1,572 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers22% 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?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, 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 Ann Arbor, MI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Ann Arbor to Madison with a local mover averages $2,025 - $5,552. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Ann Arbor, MI 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.
Flex Moving & Storage (4.26/5 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: 2023
Moving container costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $928 and $2,808. 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 Madison. If you go over that window, storage in Ann Arbor adds around $75/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Ann Arbor to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $928 - $1,632
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,211 - $2,293
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,652 - $2,808
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 $928. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,211 - $2,293, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- Handle With Care Moving (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 22 years in business
- Men on the Move (4.7/5), 31 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI
Renting a moving truck for the 395-mile move from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $354 and $1,010, before these typical add-ons:
- 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: $354 - $690
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $413 - $835
- 4+ bedrooms: $469 - $1,010
Pro tip: A rental truck from Ann Arbor to Madison looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $354 - $1,010. But once you factor in fuel ($132 - $151) , overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $734.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $132 - $151 for the 395-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $63 and $341, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $157 per night for hotel stops on the 395-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $314 - $472.
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 a solid option for larger DIY moves from Ann Arbor, Michigan, to Madison, Wisconsin. 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 $943 and $1,817.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Ann Arbor to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $809 - $1,574
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $959 - $1,817
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,283 - $2,317
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?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $734.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $79 and $157 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Ann Arbor to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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 moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Michigan to Wisconsin, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Michigan alone has 84 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 395-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI, 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 $1,241 - $7,391 on the 395-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $928 - $2,808, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $354 - $1,010. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,005 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 Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Ann Arbor, MI, to Madison, WI
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.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
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 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 $413 - $835. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Madison?
For families, Dudgeon-Monroe, Hill Farms-University, and Maple-Prairie are worth a look in Madison. If you're moving solo or without kids, Madison, Shorewood Hills, and Middleton tend to be popular picks instead.
What percentage of Ann Arbor movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 61% of movers in Ann Arbor handle piano moves, and 21% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
