($1,211+) Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI Movers
The cost to move from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,402 to $12,045, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,211 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,981 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 Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
Moving options from Long Beach to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,402 - $12,045 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 1,981 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 1,981-mile route from Long Beach to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,402 - $5,773, container $1,610 - $3,118, rental truck $1,151 - $2,360, freight trailer $1,508 - $2,749.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $3,610 - $7,633, container $2,103 - $4,414, rental truck $1,272 - $2,890, freight trailer $1,786 - $3,390.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $6,747 - $12,045, container $3,028 - $5,895, rental truck $1,638 - $3,203, freight trailer $2,469 - $4,572.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
For the 1,981-mile move from Long Beach, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,402 and $12,045. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $415 - $2,768 (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 Long Beach generally start around $162 plus $75 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Long Beach to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,402 - $5,773
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,610 - $7,633
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,747 - $12,045
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 Long Beach to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 87% of Long Beach movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Madison, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $692 - $6,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready87% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $277 - $1,661/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $415 - $3,322 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage40% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,384 - $4,152 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,460 - $13,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,037 - $1,969 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items67% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,384 - $3,460 |
| Piano | Any piano type79% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $1,107 - $4,844 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $415 - $2,076 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sterling Van Lines | $900 - $2,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $415 - $20,760+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $415 - $4,844+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Long Beach to Madison?
All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Long Beach, CA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Long Beach, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,610 and $5,895. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Long Beach costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Long Beach to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,610 - $3,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,103 - $4,414
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,028 - $5,895
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $104 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $208 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $969 in Long Beach, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Madison, WI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
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 $1,610. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,103 - $4,414, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Long Beach 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 Long Beach 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 Long Beach:
- Sterling Van Lines (4.6/5), 35 years in business
- Merit Moving Systems (4.9/5), 39 years in business
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
Plan on $1,151 - $3,203 for a rental moving truck on the 1,981-mile route from Long Beach, California, to Madison, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $872 - $997
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Long Beach daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Long Beach to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,151 - $2,360
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,890
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,638 - $3,203
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,151 - $3,203 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Long Beach to Madison. Fuel ($872 - $997) , lodging at around $208/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 $208 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 Long Beach, California, usually costs about $969 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,981-mile drive falls between $872 and $997, 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 $69 and $415 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Long Beach 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 Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
If you're moving a larger household from Long Beach, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Madison, Wisconsin.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,786 and $3,390.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Long Beach to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,508 - $2,749
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,786 - $3,390
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,469 - $4,572
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?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $104 - $208 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Long Beach, California, typically costs $969.
What are the best freight companies from Long Beach to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Sea-Logix, LLC (4.76/5 stars): Sea-Logix, LLC is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
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: Long Beach, 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 Long Beach on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Long Beach, CA | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 103 |
| Average rent | $2,075/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $762,188 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $83,969/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.2% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 73/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 41.42/100 | 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 Long Beach, 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 374 movers in our California network to compare for this 1,981-mile move.
Our take
A move from Long Beach, CA, to Madison, WI, 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 $1,402 - $12,045 on the 1,981-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,610 - $5,895, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,151 - $3,203. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,610 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Long Beach, CA, to Madison, WI
What do local movers charge in Long Beach?
Local movers based in Long Beach typically start around $162 as a base rate, plus $75/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Madison run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
How much does it cost to move from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $1,402 to $12,045, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,402 and $12,045, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Long Beach, 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 $1,272 - $2,890. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($872 - $997), daily insurance ($42/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $28) on top. Overnight stops can add another $208/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What percentage of Long Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 79% of movers in Long Beach handle piano moves, and 67% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
