($386+) Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $386 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,121 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 489 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 $1,244, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,121 or more.
- Moving containers run $945 - $2,820, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $386 - $1,018.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Cleveland, OH, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,029 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 Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI
Moving options from Cleveland to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,029 - $5,233 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 43% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 78% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 489-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 489-mile route from Cleveland to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,244 - $3,928 | $945 - $1,642 | $386 - $764 | $825 - $1,433 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,029 - $5,233 | $1,150 - $2,334 | $450 - $837 | $950 - $1,848 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,582 - $8,121 | $1,641 - $2,820 | $538 - $1,018 | $1,300 - $2,467 |
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 Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI
For the 489-mile move from Cleveland, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,244 and $8,121. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $273 - $1,820 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Cleveland generally start around $185 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Cleveland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $3,928
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,029 - $5,233
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,582 - $8,121
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 Cleveland to Madison.
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 Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 62% of Cleveland 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 packing81% of local movers | $455 - $4,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready62% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $182 - $1,092/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $273 - $2,184 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs45% of local movers | $910 - $2,730 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,275 - $9,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $682 - $1,295 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items16% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Leaders Moving & Storage Co. | $910 - $2,275 |
| Piano | Any piano type31% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Bright Eyed Moving | $728 - $3,185 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $273 - $1,365 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $592 - $1,820 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $273 - $13,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $273 - $3,185+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Cleveland to Madison with a local mover averages $2,130 - $5,494. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Cleveland, OH 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.
Andrews Moving & Storage Co (4.58/5 stars) is a local mover in Cleveland, based on our analysis of feedback from 1,059 customers, 93.0% of which is positive.
Address: 10235 Philipp Pkwy, Streetsboro, OH, 44241 | Founded: 1908
Moving container costs from Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Cleveland, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $945 and $2,820. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Cleveland runs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Cleveland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $945 - $1,642
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,150 - $2,334
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,641 - $2,820
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $68 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $137 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $637 in Cleveland, OH, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Madison, WI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio 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 $945. 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 $1,150 - $2,334.
What are the best moving containers Cleveland 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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland:
- Bright Eyed Moving (4.8/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 9 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.7/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI
Truck rentals from Cleveland, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, range from $386 - $1,018 for the 489-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $142 - $162
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Cleveland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| 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 Cleveland to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $386 - $764
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $450 - $837
- 4+ bedrooms: $538 - $1,018
Pro tip: The base rate of $386 - $1,018 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Cleveland to Madison. Fuel ($142 - $162), lodging at around $137/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $137 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 Cleveland, Ohio, usually costs about $637 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 489-mile drive falls between $142 and $162, 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 $46 and $273 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Cleveland 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 Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Cleveland, Ohio, 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 $950 and $1,848.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Cleveland to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $825 - $1,433
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $950 - $1,848
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,467
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Cleveland, Ohio, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $637.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $68 - $137 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Cleveland to Madison?
- 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.
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: Cleveland, OH vs Madison, WI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Madison, side by side with Cleveland on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Cleveland, OH | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 83 | 103 |
| Average rent | $1,295/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $96,509 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $39,187/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.5% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 57/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 36.59/100 | 65.43/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
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 Madison, WI to Cleveland, OH guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Ohio to Wisconsin, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 282 movers in Ohio, so you have real options to compare for this 489-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 489-mile route from Cleveland, OH, to Madison, WI, run $1,244 - $8,121 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $945 - $2,820, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $386 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,029, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Cleveland, OH, to Madison, WI
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($142 - $162), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $137/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Madison?
Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 57 and 52 in Cleveland. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $386 to $8,121, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,244 and $8,121, 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 Cleveland, OH to Madison, WI?
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 percentage of Cleveland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 31% of movers in Cleveland handle piano moves, and 16% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.