St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from St. Paul to Madison typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 258 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from St. Paul to Madison
Moving from St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI typically costs $1,900–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 258-mile move from St. Paul to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- American Van Lines recently quoted $1,713 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $4,396 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $1,684 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 26, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 25, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 20, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 08, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 06, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from St. Paul to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from St. Paul to Madison might be as low as $1,200, while a four-bedroom could reach $6,900.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in St. Paul.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $300 to $800 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to St. Paul, MN guide.
Best St. Paul to Madison movers by type
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Best professional movers from St. Paul to Madison
When it comes to handling your interstate move from St. Paul to Madison, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MN→WI movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 50 Minnesota movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from St. Paul to Madison
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Madison runs about -37% higher for singles and 27% higher for families than St. Paul.
Singles spend around $2,292 in Madison versus $3,633 in St. Paul; families pay $5,457 compared with $4,290.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| St. Paul | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | |
| Average home value | $278,221 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $63,483 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,633 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,290 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.9% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.88% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 7.65% |
- Consider this before moving: Rent can be about 19% higher in Madison than in St. Paul, which may impact your monthly finances.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 32% higher in Madison than in St. Paul.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Madison and St. Paul, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person is 37% less compared to St. Paul.
- As you plan your move to Madison, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 27% more than it is in St. Paul.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 33% lower than St. Paul, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 44% lower in Madison than St. Paul, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 22% lower in Wisconsin than in Minnesota. Lower income tax rates mean less money is withheld from your paycheck, giving you more flexibility to save, invest, or cover everyday expenses.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between St. Paul and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | St. Paul | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | |
| Gym membership | $64.29 |
How life is different in St. Paul vs. Madison
| St. Paul | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 303,176 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 60 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 64 | 66 |
| Crime index | 50.86 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 49.14 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 11% less than St. Paul.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than St. Paul's score of 8.
- Madison is less walkable than St. Paul with a score of 50 out of 100 vs St. Paul's 60 out of 100.
- Both Madison and St. Paul have similar bike-friendliness scores (64 vs 66), meaning Madison is about as safe for cyclists as St. Paul. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than St. Paul with a score of 34.57 compared to St. Paul's 50.86. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than St. Paul with a safety index of 65.43 vs St. Paul's 49.14.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in St. Paul it's Good.
Other things to consider for your St. Paul to Madison move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Madison.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Madison
- Shorewood Hills
- Middleton
- Fitchburg
- Maple Bluff
- Monona
- Columbus
- Sun Prairie
- Lake Mills
- Verona
Best neighborhoods for families
- Dudgeon-Monroe
- Hill Farms-University
- Maple-Prairie
- Westmorland
- Wexford
Things to do in Madison
Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin, it's the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)Madison Mallards (Baseball)Madison Radicals (AUDL)Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)Forward Madison (USL League One) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Paul to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from St. Paul to Madison. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in St. Paul.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Paul to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from St. Paul to Madison in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from St. Paul to Madison take?
Covering 258 miles, the move from St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI typically takes one to four days. Some St. Paul movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in St. Paul offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 3 movers in St. Paul offer AAA member savings. 1 movers provide military discounts. 2 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in St. Paul can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In St. Paul, 28 movers can handle pianos. 13 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of MN, there are 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
