($375+) Madison, WI to Dayton, OH Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH, runs anywhere from $379 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,073 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 448 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 $1,189, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,073 or more.
- Moving containers run $912 - $3,019, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $379 - $1,079.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,919 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 Dayton, OH
Moving options from Madison to Dayton 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 $1,919 - $5,315 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 448 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 448-mile route from Madison to Dayton, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,189 - $3,923 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($912 - $1,712), rental truck ($379 - $728), or freight trailer ($873 - $1,540). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,919 - $5,315 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,073.
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 Dayton, OH
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 448-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio, with costs ranging from $1,189 - $8,073. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $281 - $1,876. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Madison and Dayton. Local movers in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,189 - $3,923
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,919 - $5,315
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,307 - $8,073
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 Dayton.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Ohio. 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 Dayton, OH
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Dayton, 88% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $188 - $1,126/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,251 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers | $938 - $2,814 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,345 - $9,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $703 - $1,335 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $610 - $1,876 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,283+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Dayton?
Movers licensed to operate in Ohio are typically members of the Ohio Association of Movers, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 Dayton with a local mover averages $1,976 - $5,474. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Madison, WI can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
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 Dayton, OH
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $912 and $3,019. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Madison typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $912 - $1,712
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,253 - $2,242
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,631 - $3,019
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Madison, WI and Dayton, OH. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $657 in Madison, WI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $70 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $141 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Ohio 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 $912. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,253 - $2,242, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Dayton?
- 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 Dayton, OH
A rental truck for this 448-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio, costs between $379 and $1,079. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $134 - $153
- Daily insurance: $28/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 Dayton based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $379 - $728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $413 - $820
- 4+ bedrooms: $514 - $1,079
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Dayton looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $379 - $1,079. But once you factor in fuel ($134 - $153) , overnight lodging ($141/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?
- Gas: Fuel adds $134 - $153 for the 448-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours typically costs around $657.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 448-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $141 per night, adding $281 - $422 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $281.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Dayton?
- 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 Dayton, OH
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $933 and $1,870.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $873 - $1,540
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $933 - $1,870
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,369 - $2,416
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
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 $70 - $141 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 $657.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Dayton?
- 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 Dayton 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 Dayton, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dayton, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Madison, WI | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 103 | 80 |
| Average rent | $1,600/mo | $925/mo |
| Median home value | $346,854 | $94,536 |
| Average income | $76,983/yr | $43,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 50/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 65.43/100 | 40.68/100 |
| 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 Dayton, OH to Madison, WI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Ohio, 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 40 movers licensed in Wisconsin, useful context for sizing up this 448-mile move.
Our take
The 448-mile move from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH, costs between $1,189 and $8,073 with full-service movers, $912 - $3,019 with a moving container, and $379 - $1,079 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,919 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services and Premier Physicians.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH
How walkable is Dayton?
Dayton has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, compared to 50 and 66 in Madison. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Dayton a safe place to live?
Dayton has a safety index of 40.68 out of 100 and a crime index of 4.0, compared to 65.43 and 34.57 in Madison. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Dayton, OH?
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 Dayton, OH?
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 Dayton, OH 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 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.
