Madison, WI to Nashville, TN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Nashville typically costs $2,500–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 621 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Nashville
Moving from Madison, WI to Nashville, TN typically costs $2,500–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 621-mile move from Madison to Nashville, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,142 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $4,729 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,946 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
3 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 01, 2026
Studio apartment
Dec 26, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 28, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Madison to Nashville
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Madison to Nashville might be as low as $1,600, while a four-bedroom could reach $8,600.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Madison.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $500 to $1,500 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Nashville movers by type
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to Nashville
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Madison to Nashville, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WI→TN movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 39 Wisconsin movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Madison to Nashville
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Nashville runs about 36% higher for singles and 55% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $3,108 in Nashville versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $8,447 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,887 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $4,044 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $428,678 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $79,020 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $3,108 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $8,447 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.75% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 0.0% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 23% higher in Nashville than in Madison, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 17% higher in Nashville than in Madison.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 26% higher in Nashville than in Madison, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Nashville, as the cost of living for a single person in Nashville is 36% greater than in Madison. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Nashville, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 55% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Nashville exceeds that of Madison by about 36%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Nashville exceed those in Madison by 77%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Tennessee has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Madison and Nashville, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Madison | Nashville |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $202.09 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $70.35 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.92 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.08 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $17.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $40.82 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Nashville.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Nashville.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Nashville.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Nashville.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Nashville.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Nashville.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Nashville.
How life is different in Madison vs. Nashville
| Madison | Nashville | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 689,447 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 4 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 96 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 72 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 49.1 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 50.9 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Nashville's population is about 156% greater than Madison.
- Nashville's public transportation score of 4 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Nashville is more walkable than Madison with a score of 96 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Nashville is more bike-friendly than Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Nashville's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 49.1 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Nashville is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 50.9 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Nashville is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Nashville move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Tennessee moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Tennessee, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Nashville without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. When it comes to movers' insurance in Tennessee, most moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra charge. This basic coverage extends to 60 cents per pound per item. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Additionally, exploring third-party insurance providers is a viable choice for tailored plans. Prioritize understanding coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Tennessee.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Nashville
Ready to relocate to Athens of the South? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Nashville.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Germantown
- The Gulch
- Midtown
- Music Row
Best neighborhoods for families
- Belmont-Hillsboro
- Buena Vista
- Green Hills
- Lockeland Springs
- Oak Hill
Things to do in Nashville
Now that you've made the move to Tennessee, it's the perfect time to explore Nashville. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Nashville include museums and art centers like the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, Andrew Jackson's Hermitage, The Johnny Cash Museum, and RCA Studio B.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Centennial Park, Radnor Lake State Park, Edwin and Percy Warner Parks, and Riverfront Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Tennessee Titans (NFL)Nashville Predators (NHL)Nashville SC (MLS) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Nashville?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Nashville. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Nashville?
With many people choosing to move from Madison to Nashville in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Madison to Nashville take?
Covering 621 miles, the move from Madison, WI to Nashville, TN typically takes one to six days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Nashville can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Madison can handle specialty items for my move to Nashville?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Madison, 3 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
