($334+) Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $305 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $6,066 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 286 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 $1,091, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $6,066 or more.
- Moving containers run $910 - $2,790, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $305 - $836.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Des Moines, IA, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,639 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 Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI
Moving options from Des Moines to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,639 - $4,869 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 286-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 286-mile route from Des Moines to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,091 - $3,727, container $910 - $1,573, rental truck $305 - $603, freight trailer $844 - $1,387.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $1,639 - $4,869, container $1,140 - $2,205, rental truck $331 - $673, freight trailer $948 - $1,798.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $2,476 - $6,066, container $1,549 - $2,790, rental truck $439 - $836, freight trailer $1,179 - $2,189.
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 Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI
For the 286-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,091 and $6,066. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $280 - $1,868 (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 Des Moines generally start around $737 plus $142 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Des Moines to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,091 - $3,727
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,639 - $4,869
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,476 - $6,066
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 Des Moines to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Iowa to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 58% of Des Moines movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Madison, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $467 - $4,670 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready58% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $187 - $1,121/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $280 - $2,242 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage42% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $934 - $2,802 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,335 - $9,340 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $700 - $1,329 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Adamantine Spine Moving | $934 - $2,335 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $747 - $3,269 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $280 - $1,401 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect17% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Mighty Movers LLC | $607 - $1,868 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $280 - $14,010+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $280 - $3,269+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Des Moines to Madison?
All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Des Moines, IA?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Des Moines to Madison with a local mover averages $1,720 - $5,112. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Des Moines, IA often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.58/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Des Moines, ranked #1 in Iowa, based on our analysis of feedback from 251 customers, 91.6% of which is positive.
Address: 2601 104th St #400, Urbandale, IA, 50322 | Founded: 1997
Moving container costs from Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Des Moines, Iowa, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $910 and $2,790. 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 Des Moines runs about $60/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Des Moines to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $910 - $1,573
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,140 - $2,205
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,549 - $2,790
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 $654 in Des Moines, IA. 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 $70 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $140 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 Iowa 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 $910. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,140 - $2,205, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Des Moines 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 Des Moines 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 Des Moines:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.7/5), 29 years in business
- All Mighty Movers LLC (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI
Renting a moving truck for the 286-mile move from Des Moines, Iowa, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $305 and $836, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $85 - $97
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Des Moines daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $1.19
| 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 Des Moines to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $305 - $603
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $331 - $673
- 4+ bedrooms: $439 - $836
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $305 - $836 when pricing out a rental truck from Des Moines to Madison. Fuel alone runs ($85 - $97) , and overnight lodging ($140/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $140 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 Des Moines, Iowa, usually costs about $654 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 286-mile drive falls between $85 and $97, 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 $47 and $280 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Des Moines 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 Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI
For larger DIY moves from Des Moines, Iowa, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Madison, Wisconsin.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $948 and $1,798.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Des Moines to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $844 - $1,387
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $948 - $1,798
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,179 - $2,189
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
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 $70 - $140 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 Des Moines, Iowa, typically costs $654.
What are the best freight companies from Des Moines 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.
- Ruan Transportation Management Systems (4.5/5 stars): Ruan Transportation Management Systems 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Des Moines to Madison. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Des Moines, IA 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 Des Moines on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Des Moines, IA | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 87 | 103 |
| Average rent | $1,150/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $183,553 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $63,966/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.4% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 45/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 57.8/100 | 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 Des Moines, IA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Iowa to Wisconsin 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 36 movers based in Iowa, handy for sizing up options on this 286-mile route.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Des Moines, IA, to Madison, WI, 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 $1,091 - $6,066 on the 286-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $910 - $2,790 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $305 - $836 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,639 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Madison, WI
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 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($85 - $97), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $140/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How walkable is Madison?
Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 45 and 39 in Des Moines. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Des Moines movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Des Moines handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
