San Antonio, TX to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from San Antonio to Madison typically costs $3,000–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,262 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from San Antonio to Madison
Moving from San Antonio, TX to Madison, WI typically costs $3,000–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,262-mile move from San Antonio to Madison, 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
- Roadway Moving recently quoted $5,332 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $3,085 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- United Van Lines recently quoted $5,817 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 07, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 23, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 07, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 02, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 27, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from San Antonio to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from San Antonio to Madison might be as low as $2,400, while a four-bedroom could reach $10,000.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in San Antonio.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $900 to $2,300 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to San Antonio, TX guide.
Best San Antonio to Madison movers by type
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Best professional movers from San Antonio to Madison
When it comes to handling your interstate move from San Antonio to Madison, 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 TX→WI movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 291 Texas 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 San Antonio to Madison
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Madison runs about 4% higher for singles and 11% higher for families than San Antonio.
Singles spend around $2,292 in Madison versus $2,194 in San Antonio; families pay $5,457 compared with $4,931.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| San Antonio | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,471 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,533 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $249,398 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,451 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,194 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,931 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.8% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.65% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 7% higher in Madison than in San Antonio, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 48% higher in Madison than in San Antonio.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Madison and San Antonio, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Madison and San Antonio, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
- As you plan your move to Madison, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 11% more than it is in San Antonio.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 13% lower than San Antonio, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 33% lower in Madison than San Antonio, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Wisconsin has a state income tax, while Texas does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between San Antonio and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | San Antonio | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $208.99 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $58.64 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.65 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.01 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $19.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $42.93 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in San Antonio than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in San Antonio than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in San Antonio than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in San Antonio than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in San Antonio than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in San Antonio than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in San Antonio than in Madison.
How life is different in San Antonio vs. Madison
| San Antonio | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,434,625 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 45 | 66 |
| Crime index | 48.06 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 51.94 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison's population is about 81% less than San Antonio.
- Madison's public transportation score is within about 5% of San Antonio, making them very similar.
- Madison is more walkable than San Antonio with a score of 50 out of 100 vs San Antonio's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than San Antonio, which has a score of 45 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than San Antonio with a score of 34.57 compared to San Antonio's 48.06. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Antonio neighborhoods are safer than 48.06%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than San Antonio with a safety index of 65.43 vs San Antonio's 51.94.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in San Antonio it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your San Antonio to Madison 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Wisconsin, 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 Madison 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. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Madison.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin, it's the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, 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 Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from San Antonio to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from San Antonio to Madison. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in San Antonio.
When is the cheapest time to move from San Antonio to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from San Antonio to Madison 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 San Antonio to Madison take?
Covering 1,262 miles, the move from San Antonio, TX to Madison, WI typically takes three to eight days. Some San Antonio movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in San Antonio offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 4 movers provide military discounts. 4 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in San Antonio can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In San Antonio, 20 movers can handle pianos. 13 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 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.
