($1,084+) Fontana, CA to Madison, WI Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,229 to $10,484, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,084 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,921 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
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Compare moving options from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Moving options from Fontana to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,229 - $10,484 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,921 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,921-mile route from Fontana to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,229 for a studio up to $10,484 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,457 - $5,372 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,139 - $3,042, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,324 - $4,517, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,921-mile move from Fontana, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, with costs ranging from $1,229 - $10,484. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $338 - $2,252. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Fontana and Madison. Local movers in Fontana typically start around $259 as a base rate plus $110/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,229 - $5,097
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,109 - $7,173
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,891 - $10,484
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 Fontana to Madison.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Fontana movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing72% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $225 - $1,351/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $338 - $2,702 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs48% of local movers | $1,126 - $3,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,815 - $11,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $843 - $1,602 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Trek Movers | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect6% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $732 - $2,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $338 - $16,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $338 - $3,941+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fontana 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 full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Fontana, CA, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,457 and $5,372. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Madison. If you go over that window, storage in Fontana adds around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,457 - $3,050
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,062 - $3,989
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,768 - $5,372
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $84 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $169 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 $788 in Fontana, CA. 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 California 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 $1,457. 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 $2,062 - $3,989.
What are the best moving containers Fontana 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 Fontana 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 Fontana:
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 11 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Flex Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,921 miles from Fontana, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, running $1,139 - $3,042. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $688 - $787
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Fontana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Fontana to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,139 - $2,151
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,173 - $2,559
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,450 - $3,042
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,139 - $3,042 when pricing out a rental truck from Fontana to Madison. Fuel alone runs $688 - $787, and overnight lodging ($169/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $169 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $73 and $366 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $688 - $787 in fuel for the 1,921-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $788 in Fontana, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana 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 Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Fontana, California, 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 $1,618 and $3,289.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,324 - $2,641
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,618 - $3,289
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,279 - $4,517
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Fontana, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $788.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $84 and $169 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana 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.
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 Madison 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: Fontana, CA vs Madison, WI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Madison, side by side with Fontana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fontana, CA | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 103 |
| Average rent | $3,000/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $554,802 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $98,187/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 68.35/100 | 65.43/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Fontana, CA guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from California to Wisconsin 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 1,154 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,921-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,921-mile route from Fontana, CA, to Madison, WI, run $1,229 - $10,484 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,457 - $5,372, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,139 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,109, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Madison, WI
What is the best time of year to move from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI?
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. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.
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 68.35 and 31.65 in Fontana. 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 Fontana, CA 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 $1,173 - $2,559. 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.
What percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.