($163+) Madison, WI to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $156 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,622 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 146 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $722, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,622 or more.
- Moving containers run $795 - $2,147, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $156 - $371.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,224 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Madison to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,224 - $3,673 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 146 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 146-mile route from Madison to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $722 - $3,266 | $795 - $1,294 | $156 - $278 | $667 - $1,141 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,224 - $3,673 | $943 - $1,693 | $178 - $328 | $747 - $1,481 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,683 - $4,622 | $1,188 - $2,147 | $211 - $371 | $1,011 - $1,734 |
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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 146-mile relocation from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $722 and $4,622. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $313 - $2,084, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Madison typically charge a base rate around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $722 - $3,266
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,224 - $3,673
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,683 - $4,622
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 Madison to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Madison, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Madison to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,200 - $3,600. Working with a local mover based in Madison, WI often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Above Average Moving LLC (4.48/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Madison, ranked #3 in Wisconsin, based on our analysis of feedback from 226 customers, 92.0% of which is positive.
Address: 1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI, 53704 | Founded: 2016
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $795 and $2,147. 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 Madison runs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $795 - $1,294
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $943 - $1,693
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,188 - $2,147
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Madison, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $729, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $78 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $156 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Madison, WI, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Illinois 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 $795. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $943 - $1,693, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Chicago?
- 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 Madison 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 Madison:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
- Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $156 - $371 for the 146-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $48 - $55
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| 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 Madison to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $156 - $278
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $178 - $328
- 4+ bedrooms: $211 - $371
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $156 - $371. But once you factor in fuel ($48 - $55) , overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $156 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 $68 and $339 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $48 - $55 in fuel for the 146-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $729 in Madison, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Chicago?
- 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 Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Madison, Wisconsin, 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 Chicago, Illinois.
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 $747 and $1,481.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $667 - $1,141
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $747 - $1,481
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,011 - $1,734
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?
- 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 $78 - $156 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 Madison, Wisconsin, typically costs $729.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Chicago?
- 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.
- Larson Transportation, LLC (4.3/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Chicago, IL
Day-to-day costs in Chicago are close to what you're used to in Madison: cost of living index of 106 versus 103, with average rent of $2,045/mo compared to $1,600/mo. Housing, income, and taxes are all in a similar range, so budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. Walkability and safety scores are close too, at 50/100 and 65.43/100 in Madison versus 77/100 and 33.87/100 in Chicago.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Wisconsin alone has 40 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 146-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $722 - $4,622 on the 146-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $795 - $2,147 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $156 - $371 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,224 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 do local movers charge in Madison?
Local movers based in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate, plus $85/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 Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $722 to $4,622, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $722 and $4,622, 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 Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
