($963+) Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Tempe, AZ, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $963 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,826 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,674 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,205, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,826 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,455 - $4,984, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $963 - $2,690.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tempe, AZ, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,965 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI
Moving options from Tempe to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,965 - $6,569 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 63% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,674-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,674-mile route from Tempe to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,205 - $5,239 | $1,455 - $2,606 | $963 - $1,961 | $1,310 - $2,297 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,965 - $6,569 | $1,751 - $3,945 | $1,105 - $2,244 | $1,548 - $2,916 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,522 - $9,826 | $2,489 - $4,984 | $1,259 - $2,690 | $1,931 - $4,229 |
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 Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI
For the 1,674-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $2,205 and $9,826. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $327 - $2,180 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Tempe generally start around $200 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tempe to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,205 - $5,239
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,965 - $6,569
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,522 - $9,826
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 Tempe to Madison.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 66% of Tempe 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 packing79% of local movers | $545 - $5,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready66% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $218 - $1,308/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $327 - $2,616 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,090 - $3,270 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,725 - $10,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $816 - $1,551 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Moving Team Six LLC | $1,090 - $2,725 |
| Piano | Any piano type35% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Get Your Move On | $872 - $3,815 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $327 - $1,635 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Nicolosi Moving & Storage Inc. (AZ) | $709 - $2,180 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $327 - $16,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $327 - $3,815+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tempe to Madison?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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, with 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Tempe, AZ. 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 Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Tempe, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,455 and $4,984. 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 Tempe adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tempe to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,455 - $2,606
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,751 - $3,945
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,489 - $4,984
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $763 in Tempe, AZ. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Madison, WI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Arizona 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 $1,455. 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 $1,751 - $3,945.
What are the best moving containers Tempe 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 Tempe 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 Tempe:
- B Line Movers (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.2/5), 15 years in business
- Aardvark Movers Inc (4.5/5), 23 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI
Renting a moving truck for the 1,674-mile move from Tempe, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $963 and $2,690, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $581 - $664
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Tempe 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 Tempe to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $963 - $1,961
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,105 - $2,244
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,259 - $2,690
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tempe to Madison starts at $963 - $2,690, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($581 - $664), overnight lodging ($164/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $164 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 Tempe, Arizona, usually costs about $763 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,674-mile drive falls between $581 and $664, 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 $55 and $327 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tempe 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 Tempe, AZ to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Tempe, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,548 and $2,916.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tempe to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,310 - $2,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,548 - $2,916
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,931 - $4,229
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $82 - $164 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Tempe, Arizona, for about five hours typically runs $763.
What are the best freight companies from Tempe to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Tempe, AZ vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Tempe and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 113 vs. 103. Average rent: $1,834/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 54 vs. 50. Safety index: 57.64 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Tempe, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona 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 242 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 1,674-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,674-mile route from Tempe, AZ, to Madison, WI, run $2,205 - $9,826 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,455 - $4,984, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $963 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,965, 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 Tempe, AZ, to Madison, WI
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($581 - $664), daily insurance ($33/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $22) on top. Overnight stops can add another $164/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
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.
What is the best time of year to move from Tempe, AZ 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 57.64 and 42.36 in Tempe. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Tempe movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 35% of movers in Tempe handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.