Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Des Moines to Madison typically costs $1,900–$5,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 286 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Des Moines to Madison
Moving from Des Moines, IA to Madison, WI typically costs $1,900–$5,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 286-mile move from Des Moines 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 $1,736 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,972 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,334 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 13, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 20, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 05, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 03, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Des Moines to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Des Moines to Madison may only cost $1,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,200.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Des Moines.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Des Moines, IA guide.
Best Des Moines to Madison movers by type
Professional
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Des Moines to Madison
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Des Moines to Madison. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
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 IA→WI movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 37 Iowa moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Des Moines to Madison
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Madison runs about 21% higher for singles and 25% higher for families than Des Moines.
Singles spend around $2,292 in Madison versus $1,891 in Des Moines; families pay $5,457 compared with $4,380.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Des Moines | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,229 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $1,763 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $192,347 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $58,492 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,891 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,380 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.9% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.4% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 39% more expensive in Madison than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 91% steeper in Madison compared to Des Moines.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 8% greater in Madison than in Des Moines, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Madison, with the cost of living for a single person being 21% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Madison, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 25% higher than in Des Moines.
- Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 44%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 21% cheaper in Madison compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 74% more in Wisconsin than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Des Moines versus Madison:
| Living Expense | Des Moines | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $144.82 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $51.25 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.61 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.50 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $66.67 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Des Moines than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Des Moines than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Des Moines than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Des Moines than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Des Moines than in Madison.
- The cost of a mid-range dinner for two is about the same in both cities.
- Gym memberships cost more in Des Moines than in Madison.
How life is different in Des Moines vs. Madison
| Des Moines | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 699,292 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 39 | 66 |
| Crime index | 5.0 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 57.8 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 61% less than Des Moines.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines's score of 5.
- Madison is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Des Moines's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison's crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 34.57 compared to Des Moines's 5.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Des Moines with a safety index of 65.43 vs Des Moines's 57.8.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Des Moines it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Des Moines to Madison move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Wisconsin, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Madison. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Madison
With your sights set on Mad City, these are some of the most popular 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
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Madison. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Des Moines to Madison?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Des Moines to Madison. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Des Moines.
When is the cheapest time to move from Des Moines to Madison?
Want to save on your move from Des Moines to Madison? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Des Moines to Madison take?
The 286-mile move from Des Moines, IA, to Madison, WI, takes one to four days. Some Des Moines movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Madison.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Des Moines?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 10 movers in Des Moines provide piano moving services. 6 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 24 piano movers and 15 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
