($299+) Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Minneapolis, MN, runs anywhere from $299 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,110 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 269 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,011, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $6,110 or more.
- Moving containers run $830 - $2,536, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $299 - $759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Minneapolis, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,586 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 Minneapolis, MN
There are 3 main ways to move from Madison to Minneapolis: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,586 - $4,550. Containers cost roughly 36% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 81% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 269 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 269-mile route from Madison to Minneapolis, 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 $1,011 - $3,495 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($830 - $1,447), rental truck ($299 - $518), or freight trailer ($710 - $1,288). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $1,586 - $4,550 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $6,110.
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 Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN
For the 269-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, full-service movers cost between $1,011 and $6,110. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $314 - $2,092 (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 Madison generally start around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,011 - $3,495
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,586 - $4,550
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,995 - $6,110
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 Minneapolis.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Minnesota. 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 Minneapolis, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Minneapolis, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $523 - $5,230 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $209 - $1,255/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $314 - $2,510 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,046 - $3,138 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,615 - $10,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $783 - $1,488 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,046 - $2,615 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $837 - $3,661 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $314 - $1,569 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $680 - $2,092 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $314 - $15,690+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $314 - $3,661+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Minneapolis?
Look for Minnesota Transport Services Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Minnesota beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Madison, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Madison to Minneapolis with a local mover averages $1,539 - $4,414. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Madison, WI can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Above Average Moving LLC (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Madison, ranked #1 in Wisconsin, based on our analysis of feedback from 344 customers, 94.2% of which is positive.
Address: 1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI, 53704 | Founded: 2016
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, cost between $830 and $2,536. 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 Madison costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $830 - $1,447
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,018 - $2,027
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,427 - $2,536
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 $732 in Madison, WI. 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $157 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 Minneapolis, MN, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Minnesota 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 $830. 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 $1,018 - $2,027.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Minneapolis?
- 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:
- Above Average Moving LLC (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Top Notch Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN
Truck rentals from Madison, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, range from $299 - $759 for the 269-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $90 - $102
- 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 Minneapolis based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $299 - $518
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $302 - $595
- 4+ bedrooms: $381 - $759
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Minneapolis looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $299 - $759. But once you factor in fuel ($90 - $102), overnight lodging ($157/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to 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 $157 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 $340 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $90 - $102 in fuel for the 269-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $732 in Madison, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Minneapolis?
- 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 Minneapolis, MN
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 Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $875 and $1,621.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Minneapolis:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $710 - $1,288
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $875 - $1,621
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,141 - $1,968
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 $78 - $157 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 $732.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Minneapolis?
- 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis, MN
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Madison and Minneapolis to plan around. Cost of living index: 103 vs. 107. Average rent: $1,600/mo vs. $1,484/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 50 vs. 71. Safety index: 65.43 vs. 43.94.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Minnesota in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 145 movers based in Wisconsin, handy for sizing up options on this 269-mile route.
Our take
A move from Madison, WI, to Minneapolis, MN, 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 $1,011 - $6,110 on the 269-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $830 - $2,536, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $299 - $759. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,586 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 Aeon and Target.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Minneapolis, MN
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT.
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 Minneapolis 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 Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN?
Costs on this route range from around $299 to $6,110, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,011 and $6,110, 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 Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN?
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 $302 - $595. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.