($714+) New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $707 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,395 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,034 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,238, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,395 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,279 - $4,322, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $707 - $1,843.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,773 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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Madison: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,773 - $6,253. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 8 days for this 1,034-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,034-mile route from New Orleans to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,238 - $5,241 | $1,279 - $2,382 | $707 - $1,314 | $1,108 - $2,082 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,773 - $6,253 | $1,663 - $3,156 | $733 - $1,595 | $1,305 - $2,650 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,567 - $8,395 | $2,073 - $4,322 | $910 - $1,843 | $1,710 - $3,291 |
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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Full-service movers for the 1,034-mile relocation from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $2,238 and $8,395. 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 $307 - $2,048, 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 New Orleans typically charge a base rate around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,238 - $5,241
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,773 - $6,253
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,567 - $8,395
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 New Orleans to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Louisiana 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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 75% of New Orleans 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 | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready75% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs50% of local movers | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items38% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type88% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling13% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect13% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in New Orleans, LA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,279 and $4,322. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in New Orleans typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,279 - $2,382
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,663 - $3,156
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,073 - $4,322
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In New Orleans, LA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $717, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $154 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both New Orleans, LA, and Madison, WI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana 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 $1,279. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,663 - $3,156, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:
- Lee Moving & Storage, Inc. (4.8/5), 72 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,034 miles from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin, running $707 - $1,843. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $337 - $385
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- New Orleans 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 New Orleans to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $707 - $1,314
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $733 - $1,595
- 4+ bedrooms: $910 - $1,843
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from New Orleans to Madison starts at $707 - $1,843, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($337 - $385) , overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $337 - $385 for the 1,034-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about 5 hours typically costs around $717.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 1,034-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $154 per night, adding $307 - $461 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $51 and $307.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
For larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Madison, Wisconsin.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,305 and $2,650.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,108 - $2,082
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,305 - $2,650
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,710 - $3,291
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $154 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about five hours typically runs $717.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
- T C I Trucking (4.66/5 stars): T C I Trucking is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from New Orleans to Madison. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: New Orleans, LA vs Madison, WI
Good news for your budget: Madison isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than New Orleans. Cost of living index runs 103 there against 102 here, and rent, income, and tax rates all fall in a comparable band. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores land in a similar range too - 58/100 and 32.69/100 here versus 50/100 and 65.43/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Louisiana 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 29 movers in Louisiana, so you have real options to compare for this 1,034-mile move.
Our take
A move from New Orleans, LA, 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 $2,238 - $8,395 on the 1,034-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,279 - $4,322, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $707 - $1,843. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,773 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 New Orleans, LA, to Madison, WI
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Madison a safe place to live?
Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, compared to 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA 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 $733 - $1,595. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Madison?
For families, Dudgeon-Monroe, Hill Farms-University, and Maple-Prairie are worth a look in Madison. If you're moving solo or without kids, Madison, Shorewood Hills, and Middleton tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 88% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 38% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
