($1,188+) Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI Movers
The cost to move from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,272 to $10,279, with an average cost of $3,950. Moves can be as low as $1,188 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.
Fact Checked by:
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 $1,272 - $10,279 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,950, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 35% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 61% 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:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,272 - $5,497 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,612 - $2,822), rental truck ($1,120 - $2,138), or freight trailer ($1,451 - $2,566). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $3,271 - $7,345 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $10,279.
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 Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
For the 1,981-mile move from Long Beach, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,272 and $10,279. 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: $1,272 - $5,497
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,271 - $7,345
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,051 - $10,279
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.
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.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 55% of Long Beach 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 packing78% of local movers | $692 - $6,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready55% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $277 - $1,661/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $415 - $3,322 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs54% 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 items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,384 - $3,460 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,107 - $4,844 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $415 - $2,076 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $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?
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 Long Beach, CA. 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 Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Long Beach, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,612 and $5,391. 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 Long Beach typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Long Beach to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,612 - $2,822
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,126 - $4,247
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,745 - $5,391
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 $969 in Long Beach, CA. 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 $104 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $208 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 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 $1,612. 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 $2,126 - $4,247.
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:
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Meathead Movers (4.7/5), 24 years in business
- Best Fit Movers (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI
A rental truck for this 1,981-mile move from Long Beach, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,120 and $3,307. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- 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: $1,120 - $2,138
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,273 - $2,466
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,560 - $3,307
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,120 - $3,307 does not include fuel ($872 - $997), lodging ($208/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Long Beach to Madison typically runs more than the base rate alone, with meals, equipment, and other extras adding roughly $600 - $1,200 on top of fuel and lodging.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $208 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 $90 and $450 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $872 - $997 in fuel for the 1,981-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $969 in Long Beach, California, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
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
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Long Beach, 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 $1,685 and $3,431.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Long Beach to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,451 - $2,566
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,685 - $3,431
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,196 - $4,447
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Long Beach, California, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $969.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $104 - $208 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Long Beach 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: If speed matters on your move from Long Beach to Madison, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
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 you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from California to Wisconsin, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 1,154 movers licensed in California, useful context for sizing up 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 $1,272 - $10,279 on the 1,981-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,612 - $5,391, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,120 - $3,307. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,271 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 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.
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 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 4 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 $1,188 to $10,279, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,272 and $10,279, 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 Long Beach movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in Long Beach handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.