($977+) Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Tucson, AZ, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $977 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,324 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,682 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,401, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,324 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,529 - $4,987, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $977 - $2,814.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tucson, AZ, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,022 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 Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI
There are 3 main ways to move from Tucson to Madison: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,022 - $7,307. Containers cost roughly 41% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 65% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,682 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,682-mile route from Tucson to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,401 - $5,211 | $1,529 - $2,741 | $977 - $1,934 | $1,336 - $2,492 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,022 - $7,307 | $1,786 - $3,720 | $1,045 - $2,278 | $1,549 - $3,190 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,418 - $10,324 | $2,667 - $4,987 | $1,305 - $2,814 | $2,113 - $3,948 |
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 Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI
Full-service movers for the 1,682-mile relocation from Tucson, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $2,401 and $10,324. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $298 - $1,988, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Tucson typically charge a base rate around $160 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tucson to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,401 - $5,211
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,022 - $7,307
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,418 - $10,324
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 Tucson to Madison.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 53% of Tucson 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 packing88% of local movers | $497 - $4,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready53% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. | $199 - $1,193/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,386 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $994 - $2,982 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,485 - $9,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $745 - $1,414 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items22% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: E-Z Move | $994 - $2,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. | $795 - $3,479 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $298 - $1,491 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. | $646 - $1,988 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,479+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tucson to Madison?
Movers licensed to operate in Wisconsin are typically members of the Wisconsin Movers Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Tucson, AZ. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Tucson, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,529 and $4,987. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tucson costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tucson to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,529 - $2,741
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,720
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,667 - $4,987
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $75 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $149 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 $696 in Tucson, AZ. 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 Arizona 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 $1,529. 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 $1,786 - $3,720.
What are the best moving containers Tucson 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 Tucson 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 Tucson:
- E-Z Move (4.4/5), 26 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 20 years in business
- All My Sons Moving & Storage (4.5/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI
Truck rentals from Tucson, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, range from $977 - $2,814 for the 1,682-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $532 - $608
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Tucson daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Tucson to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $977 - $1,934
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,045 - $2,278
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,814
Pro tip: The base rate of $977 - $2,814 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Tucson to Madison. Fuel ($532 - $608), lodging at around $149/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $75 and $348.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $149.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $532 and $608 for the 1,682-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $696 for 2 movers in Tucson, Arizona, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tucson 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 Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tucson, Arizona, 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 $1,549 and $3,190.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tucson to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,336 - $2,492
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,549 - $3,190
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,113 - $3,948
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tucson, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $696.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $75 - $149 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 Tucson to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Tucson to Madison, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Tucson, AZ vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Tucson and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 97 vs. 103. Average rent: $1,295/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 43 vs. 50. Safety index: 45.57 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona 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 228 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 1,682-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Tucson, AZ, to Madison, WI, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,401 - $10,324 on the 1,682-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,529 - $4,987 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $977 - $2,814 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,022 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Tucson, AZ, to Madison, WI
What is the cheapest way to move from Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $1,045 - $2,278. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $977 to $10,324, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,401 and $10,324, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Tucson?
Local movers based in Tucson typically start around $160 as a base rate, plus $85/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 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 percentage of Tucson movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Tucson handle piano moves, and 22% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.