($1,228+) San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI Movers
The cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,212 to $10,516, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,228 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 2,085 miles and usually takes 6 to 17 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 San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI
Moving options from San Francisco to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,212 - $10,516 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 38% 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 2,085 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,085-mile route from San Francisco to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,212 - $5,399 | $1,527 - $2,906 | $1,193 - $2,392 | $1,519 - $2,643 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,433 - $7,635 | $2,122 - $4,161 | $1,304 - $2,684 | $1,698 - $3,466 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,309 - $10,516 | $2,853 - $5,562 | $1,661 - $3,188 | $2,237 - $4,404 |
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 San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,085-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, with prices running from $1,212 - $10,516. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $565 - $3,764 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between San Francisco and Madison are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, San Francisco movers tend to run around $284 as a base rate plus $150/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from San Francisco to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,212 - $5,399
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,433 - $7,635
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,309 - $10,516
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 San Francisco to Madison.
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 San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of San Francisco 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 packing76% of local movers | $941 - $9,410 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $376 - $2,258/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $565 - $4,517 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage15% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,882 - $5,646 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $4,705 - $18,820 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,410 - $2,678 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Pure Moving Company | $1,882 - $4,705 |
| Piano | Any piano type38% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Got2Move | $1,506 - $6,587 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $565 - $2,823 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect5% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $1,223 - $3,764 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $565 - $28,230+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $565 - $6,587+ |
What are the best full-service movers from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from San Francisco, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,527 and $5,562. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in San Francisco runs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from San Francisco to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,527 - $2,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,122 - $4,161
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,853 - $5,562
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $141 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $282 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 $1,317 in San Francisco, 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 $1,527. 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 $2,122 - $4,161.
What are the best moving containers San Francisco 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco:
- Got2Move (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Sweet Lemon Moving Services (5.0/5), 9 years in business
- 680 Movers (4.8/5), 9 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI
Renting a moving truck for the 2,085-mile move from San Francisco, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,193 and $3,188, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $1,249 - $1,427
- Daily insurance: $56/day
- Equipment rentals: $13 - $38
- San Francisco daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.59
| 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 San Francisco to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,193 - $2,392
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,304 - $2,684
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,661 - $3,188
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,193 - $3,188 does not include fuel ($1,249 - $1,427), lodging ($282/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from San Francisco 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?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $282 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 San Francisco, California, usually costs about $1,317 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,085-mile drive falls between $1,249 and $1,427, 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 $94 and $565 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from San Francisco 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 San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from San Francisco, California, to Madison, Wisconsin. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,694 and $3,466.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from San Francisco to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,519 - $2,643
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,698 - $3,466
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,237 - $4,404
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a 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 $141 - $282 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 San Francisco, California, typically costs $1,317.
What are the best freight companies from San Francisco 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: San Francisco, 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 San Francisco on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | San Francisco, CA | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 245 | 103 |
| Average rent | $3,250/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $1,374,773 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $141,446/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.4% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 99/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 38.59/100 | 65.43/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 San Francisco, 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 2,085-mile move.
Our take
For a move from San Francisco, CA, to Madison, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,212 for a studio to $10,516 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,085-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,527 - $5,562. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,193 - $3,188, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,433 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from San Francisco, CA, to Madison, WI
How long does a move from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($1,249 - $1,427), daily insurance ($56/day), and equipment rentals ($13 - $38) on top. Overnight stops can add another $282/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from San Francisco, 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 $1,304 - $2,684. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from San Francisco, CA to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $1,228 to $10,516, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,212 and $10,516, 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 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.
What percentage of San Francisco movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 38% of movers in San Francisco handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.