($635+) Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Montgomery, AL, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $654 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,715 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 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 $2,207, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,715 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,128 - $3,919, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $654 - $1,805.
- 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 $2,563 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
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. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,563 - $6,746 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 901-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
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:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,207 - $4,998 | $1,128 - $2,196 | $654 - $1,153 | $1,004 - $1,880 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,563 - $6,746 | $1,510 - $3,110 | $659 - $1,514 | $1,257 - $2,344 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,545 - $8,715 | $2,052 - $3,919 | $852 - $1,805 | $1,610 - $3,292 |
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 Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Montgomery, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $2,207 and $8,715. 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: $2,207 - $4,998
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,563 - $6,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,545 - $8,715
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.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama to Wisconsin. 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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Montgomery 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 | $443 - $4,430 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $177 - $1,063/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $266 - $2,126 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage60% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs40% 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 items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $886 - $2,215 |
| Piano | Any piano type80% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: McCorquodale Transfer | $709 - $3,101 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling80% of local movers | $266 - $1,329 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect40% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Motivated Movers, Inc. | $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?
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.
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 $1,128 and $3,919. 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: $1,128 - $2,196
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,510 - $3,110
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,052 - $3,919
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $66 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $133 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Madison, WI, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $620 in Montgomery, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
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 $1,128. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,510 - $3,110, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
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:
- McCorquodale Transfer (5.0/5), 28 years in business
- Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
- Admiral Movers (4.8/5), 37 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI
Truck rentals from Montgomery, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, range from $654 - $1,805 for the 901-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- 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: $654 - $1,153
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $659 - $1,514
- 4+ bedrooms: $852 - $1,805
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $654 - $1,805 does not include fuel ($254 - $290) , lodging ($133/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Montgomery to Madison typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $133 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $58 and $288 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $254 - $290 in fuel for the 901-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $620 in Montgomery, Alabama, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,257 and $2,344.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Montgomery to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,004 - $1,880
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,257 - $2,344
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,610 - $3,292
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.
- MAF Expedited Bhm Express (4/5 stars): MAF Expedited Bhm Express 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 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: 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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Wisconsin, 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 46 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up 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 $2,207 - $8,715 on the 901-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,128 - $3,919, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $654 - $1,805. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,563 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
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.
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.
How much does it cost to move from Montgomery, AL to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $2,207 to $8,715, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,207 and $8,715, 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.
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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($254 - $290), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $133/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Montgomery movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 80% of movers in Montgomery handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
