($637+) Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $637 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,648 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 901 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $2,086, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,648 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,166 - $3,928, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $637 - $1,622.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Montgomery, AL, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,649 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 Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Moving options from Montgomery to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,649 - $6,317 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 46% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 74% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 901 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 901-mile route from Montgomery to Madison, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,086 - $4,771 with full-service movers, $1,166 - $1,972 with a container, $637 - $1,158 with a rental truck, or $979 - $1,813 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,649 - $6,317 full-service, $1,427 - $2,911 by container, $682 - $1,446 by rental truck, or $1,119 - $2,192 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $4,043 - $8,648 full-service, $1,940 - $3,928 by container, $863 - $1,622 by rental truck, or $1,475 - $3,143 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $2,086 and $8,648. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 901-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $266 - $1,772, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Montgomery and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Montgomery tend to start around $462 plus $133/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Montgomery to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,086 - $4,771
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,649 - $6,317
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,043 - $8,648
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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 45% of Montgomery movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing64% of local movers | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready45% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs36% of local movers | $886 - $2,658 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,215 - $8,860 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $664 - $1,261 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items36% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type45% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Coleman Worldwide Moving | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% nationally | $576 - $1,772 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $266 - $13,290+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $266 - $3,101+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Montgomery to Madison?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Wisconsin Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Montgomery, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,166 and $3,928. 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 Montgomery adds around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Montgomery to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,166 - $1,972
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,427 - $2,911
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,940 - $3,928
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Montgomery, AL and Madison, WI. 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 $620 in Montgomery, AL, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $66 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $133 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 Alabama 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 $1,166. 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 $1,427 - $2,911.
What are the best moving containers Montgomery 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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery:
- C & R Movers, LLC (4.2/5), 12 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.5/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
A rental truck for this 901-mile move from Montgomery, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $637 and $1,622. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $254 - $290
- Daily insurance: $27/day
- Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
- Montgomery 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 Montgomery to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $637 - $1,158
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $682 - $1,446
- 4+ bedrooms: $863 - $1,622
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $637 - $1,622 when pricing out a rental truck from Montgomery to Madison. Fuel alone runs $254 - $290, and overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Montgomery, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $620.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $254 - $290 for the 901-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 $53 and $288, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $133 per night for hotel stops on the 901-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $266 - $399.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Montgomery 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 Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Montgomery, Alabama, 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 $1,119 and $2,192.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $979 - $1,813
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,119 - $2,192
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,475 - $3,143
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 $66 - $133 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 Montgomery, Alabama, typically costs $620.
What are the best freight companies from Montgomery 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Montgomery, AL 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 Montgomery on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Montgomery, AL | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 79 | 103 |
| Average rent | $1,200/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $146,265 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $55,687/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.8% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.0% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 26/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 34.75/100 | 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 Montgomery, AL guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Wisconsin over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 112 movers in our Alabama network to compare for this 901-mile move.
Our take
A move from Montgomery, AL, 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 $2,086 - $8,648 on the 901-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,166 - $3,928, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $637 - $1,622. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,649 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 Montgomery, AL, to Madison, WI
How walkable is Madison?
Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 26 and 33 in Montgomery. 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 Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $637 to $8,648, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,086 and $8,648, 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 Montgomery, AL 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 do local movers charge in Montgomery?
Local movers based in Montgomery typically start around $462 as a base rate, plus $133/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Madison run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 45% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 36% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.