($653+) Madison, WI to Dallas, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

Moving from Madison, WI, to Dallas, TX, runs anywhere from $660 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,475 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 988 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 $2,117, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,475 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,208 - $3,980, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $660 - $1,772.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Dallas, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,536 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

Moving options from Madison to Dallas fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,536 - $6,621 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 988-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 988-mile route from Madison to Dallas, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $2,117 - $4,967, container $1,208 - $2,289, rental truck $660 - $1,303, freight trailer $1,130 - $2,040.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,536 - $6,621, container $1,477 - $3,212, rental truck $758 - $1,549, freight trailer $1,256 - $2,545.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $4,395 - $8,475, container $2,158 - $3,980, rental truck $950 - $1,772, freight trailer $1,727 - $3,118.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

Hiring full-service movers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dallas, Texas, costs between $2,117 and $8,475. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 988-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $305 - $2,036, 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 Madison and Dallas. For a rough baseline, movers based in Madison tend to start around $371 plus $85/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 Madison to Dallas:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,117 - $4,967
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,536 - $6,621
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,395 - $8,475

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 Madison to Dallas.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Texas. 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.

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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Dallas, 94% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$509 - $5,090
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$204 - $1,222/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$305 - $2,443
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers$1,018 - $3,054
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,545 - $10,180
Car shippingSecond vehicle$762 - $1,449
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company$1,018 - $2,545
PianoAny piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$814 - $3,563
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling$305 - $1,527
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$662 - $2,036
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$305 - $15,270+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$305 - $3,563+

What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Dallas?

All three below meet the standards set by the Southwest Movers Association, the group most Texas movers are affiliated with.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Madison, WI. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dallas, Texas, cost between $1,208 and $3,980. 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 Madison typically costs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Dallas:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,208 - $2,289
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,477 - $3,212
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,158 - $3,980

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $76 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $153 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Dallas, TX, 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 $713 in Madison, WI. 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 Wisconsin to Texas 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 $1,208. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,477 - $3,212, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Madison to Dallas?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Madison 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 Madison:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
  • Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

Renting a moving truck for the 988-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dallas, Texas, costs between $660 and $1,772, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $320 - $366
  • Daily insurance: $31/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to Dallas based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $660 - $1,303
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $758 - $1,549
  • 4+ bedrooms: $950 - $1,772

Pro tip: The base rate of $660 - $1,772 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Madison to Dallas. Fuel ($320 - $366) , lodging at around $153/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $153 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
  • Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Madison, Wisconsin, usually costs about $713 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 988-mile drive falls between $320 and $366, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $51 and $305 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Dallas?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Madison, WI to Dallas, TX

For larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, 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 Dallas, Texas.

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 $1,256 and $2,545.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Dallas:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,130 - $2,040
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,256 - $2,545
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,118

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?

  • More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $76 and $153.
  • Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
  • Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $713.

What are the best freight companies from Madison to Dallas?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC 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 Dallas 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: Madison, WI vs Dallas, TX

Good news for your budget: Dallas isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Madison. Cost of living index runs 100 there against 103 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 - 50/100 and 65.43/100 here versus 46/100 and 48.6/100 there.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dallas, TX to Madison, WI guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Texas over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 40 movers in our Wisconsin network to compare for this 988-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Madison, WI, to Dallas, TX, 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 $2,117 - $8,475 on the 988-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,208 - $3,980, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $660 - $1,772. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,536 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Dallas tend to point to ample economic opportunity and fabulous weather, though high housing costs and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and American Airlines Group, Inc..

FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Dallas, TX

What is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX?

Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. Texas also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?

In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($320 - $366), daily insurance ($31/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $20) on top. Overnight stops can add another $153/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Dallas?

Dallas has a walkability score of 46 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 49, compared to 50 and 66 in Madison. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Dallas, TX?

Costs on this route range from around $2,117 to $8,475, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,117 and $8,475, 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 percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.