Highly rated local moving companies for Austin to Madison moves
Organizing a move from Austin to Madison can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 33 local movers in Austin known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Austin to Madison.
- NorthStar Moving Company : 4.62 out of 5 stars
- 3 Men Movers: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Black Tie Moving: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 009181943C
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1836576
Alternate Names: NorthStar Moving Corporation
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 000534796B
Years in Business: 40
DOT #: 1914113
Alternate Names: 3 Men Movers LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 007743472C
Years in Business: 6
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: College Hunks Moving Central Austin
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 006733496C
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2407712
Alternate Names: Black Tie Moving Services, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 009668291C
Years in Business: 13
DOT #: 2878240
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
How much does it cost to move from Austin to Madison?
On average, moving companies in Texas charge about $131 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,215 – $4,559 | $864 – $2,047 | $762 – $1,395 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,565 – $6,527 | $1,546 – $3,005 | $831 – $1,760 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,562 – $8,544 | $2,093 – $4,020 | $985 – $1,962 |
Cost to hire movers from Austin to Madison
When planning a move to Madison from Austin, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,215 and $4,559. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,565 and $6,527 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,562 to $8,544.
Cost of moving containers from Austin to Madison
When you’re heading from Austin to Madison, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $864 and $2,047. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,546 and $3,005. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,093 to $4,020. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Texas easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Austin to Madison
A moving rental truck from Austin to Madison is generally the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $762 to $1,395. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $831 to $1,760, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Austin to Madison costs around $985 to $1,962.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Austin to Madison
The cost of Austin movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Austin to Madison may only cost $2,285, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,955.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Austin.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($762–$1,888), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Austin to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Austin – roughly 31% less for singles and 30% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $3,345 in Austin. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $7,815.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Austin | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,208 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,827 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $508,841 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $68,258 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,345 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,815 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 9% less expensive in Madison than in Austin, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 28% cheaper in Madison than in Austin.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 8% less in Madison than in Austin.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person there is 31% below that of Austin.
- A move to Madison can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 30% lower compared to Austin.
- Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Austin by about 6%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 33% cheaper in Madison compared to Austin. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- 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.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Austin versus Madison:
| Living Expense | Austin | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $181.48 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.16 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.35 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.50 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $62.38 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Austin than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Austin than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Austin than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Austin than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Austin than in Madison.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Austin than in Madison.
How life is different in Austin vs. Madison
| Austin | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 974,447 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 42 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 54 | 66 |
| Crime index | 42.91 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 59.87 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 72% less than Austin.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Austin’s score of 5.
- Madison is more walkable than Austin with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Austin’s 42 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Austin, which has a score of 54 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 Austin with a score of 34.57 compared to Austin’s 42.91. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Austin with a safety index of 65.43 vs Austin’s 59.87.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Austin it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Austin to Madison move
- HOA rules: Costs across Austin and Madison are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you’ll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Madison. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Madison
With your sights set on Mad City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Madison. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children’s Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Austin to Madison?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Austin to Madison. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Austin.
When is the cheapest time to move from Austin to Madison?
Want to save on your move from Austin to Madison? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Austin to Madison take?
The 1,183-mile move from Austin, TX, to Madison, , takes two to eight days. Some Austin movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Madison.
What kinds of discounts do Austin movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Austin?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 19 movers in Austin provide piano moving services. 14 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 180 piano movers and 125 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Austin moving services
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