Madison, WI to Austin, TX Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Austin typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,182 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to Austin
Moving from Madison, WI to Austin, TX typically costs $3,100–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,182-mile move from Madison to Austin, 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
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $5,365 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,591 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $4,527 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 03, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 13, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 26, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Austin
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Austin may only cost $2,400, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,300.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Madison.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($800–$2,400), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Austin, TX to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Austin movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to Austin
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Madison to Austin. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 WI→TX movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 39 Wisconsin moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Madison to Austin
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Austin runs about 46% higher for singles and 43% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $3,345 in Austin versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $7,815 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $2,208 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $3,827 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $508,841 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $68,258 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $3,345 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $7,815 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 3.5% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 0.0% |
- Rent is about 10% more expensive in Austin than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 38% steeper in Austin compared to Madison.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Austin than in Madison, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Austin, with the cost of living for a single person being 46% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Austin, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 43% higher than in Madison.
- Austin has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 6%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in Austin surpass those in Madison by 50%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus Austin:
| Living Expense | Madison | Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $181.48 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $61.16 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.35 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.50 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $62.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Austin.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Austin.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Austin.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Austin.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Austin.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Austin.
How life is different in Madison vs. Austin
| Madison | Austin | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 974,447 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 42 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 54 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 42.91 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 59.87 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Austin's population is about 261% greater than Madison.
- Austin's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Madison's score of 6.
- Austin is less walkable than Madison with a score of 42 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- Austin has a bike-friendliness score of 54 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Austin's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 42.91 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Austin neighborhoods are safer than 42.91% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Austin is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 59.87 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Austin is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Austin move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Texas, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Texas, 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 Austin. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It's crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Austin
With your sights set on ATX, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Austin.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Cherrywood
- North University
- Old West Austin
- South Lamar
- Zilker
Best neighborhoods for families
- Rollingwood
- West Lake
- Brushy Creek
- Cedar Park
- Shady Hollow
Things to do in Austin
With your move to Texas complete, you can dive right into experiencing Austin. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Austin is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Texas Memorial Museum, George Washington Carver Museum and Cultural Center, Thinkery, and Blanton Museum of Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Pease Park, Butler Metro Park, Zilker Park, and Sculpture Falls — 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 Round Rock ExpressAustin SpursTexas StarsAustin OutlawsAustin HunsAustin GilgronisAustin Bold FCAustin FC game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Austin?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Austin. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to Austin?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Austin? 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 Madison to Austin take?
The 1,182-mile move from Madison, WI, to Austin, TX, takes two to eight days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Austin.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Madison?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Madison provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
