($591+) Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

Moving from Birmingham, AL, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $552 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,225 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 813 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,729, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,225 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,078 - $3,596, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $552 - $1,483.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Birmingham, AL, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,521 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

There are 3 main ways to move from Birmingham to Madison: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,521 - $5,912. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 2 to 7 days for this 813-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 813-mile route from Birmingham to Madison, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,729 - $4,418 $1,078 - $1,946 $552 - $1,061 $989 - $1,681
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,521 - $5,912 $1,427 - $2,809 $577 - $1,198 $1,163 - $2,138
4+ bedrooms $4,085 - $8,225 $1,915 - $3,596 $746 - $1,483 $1,517 - $2,734

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

Full-service movers for the 813-mile relocation from Birmingham, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,729 and $8,225. 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 $280 - $1,868, 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 Birmingham typically charge a base rate around $310 plus $175 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Birmingham to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,729 - $4,418
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,521 - $5,912
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,085 - $8,225

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 Birmingham to Madison.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Alabama 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 Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

Specialty needs vary by market — 91% of Birmingham 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$467 - $4,670
Storage in transitNew place not ready91% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Changing Spaces Moving Inc$187 - $1,121/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$280 - $2,242
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage9% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers$934 - $2,802
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,335 - $9,340
Car shippingSecond vehicle$700 - $1,329
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items27% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage$934 - $2,335
PianoAny piano type82% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Changing Spaces Moving Inc$747 - $3,269
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers$280 - $1,401
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect36% of local movers21% nationallyTop pick: MoveDaddy$607 - $1,868
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$280 - $14,010+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$280 - $3,269+

What are the best full-service movers from Birmingham to Madison?

All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Birmingham, AL, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

Moving containers from Birmingham, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,078 and $3,596. 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 Birmingham costs roughly $70/month if you need it.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Birmingham to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,078 - $1,946
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,427 - $2,809
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,915 - $3,596

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $70 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $140 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Madison, WI, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $654 in Birmingham, AL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Alabama 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 $1,078. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,427 - $2,809, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Birmingham to Madison?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Birmingham 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 Birmingham:

  • Motivated Movers, Inc. (4.8/5), 19 years in business
  • Secure Moving, Inc (4.8/5), 29 years in business
  • Bellhop Moving (4.5/5), 15 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

Truck rentals from Birmingham, Alabama, to Madison, Wisconsin, range from $552 - $1,483 for the 813-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $242 - $276
  • Daily insurance: $28/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
  • Birmingham daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Birmingham to Madison based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $552 - $1,061
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $577 - $1,198
  • 4+ bedrooms: $746 - $1,483

Pro tip: The base rate of $552 - $1,483 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Birmingham to Madison. Fuel ($242 - $276) , lodging at around $140/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $70 and $327.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $140.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $242 and $276 for the 813-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $654 for 2 movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Birmingham to Madison?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI

For larger DIY moves from Birmingham, Alabama, 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 $1,163 and $2,138.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Birmingham to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $989 - $1,681
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,163 - $2,138
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,517 - $2,734

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Birmingham, Alabama, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $654.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $70 and $140 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Birmingham to Madison?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Kykenkee, Inc. (4.62/5 stars): Kykenkee, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Birmingham 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: Birmingham, AL 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 Birmingham on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Birmingham, AL Madison, WI
Cost of living index87103
Average rent$1,250/mo$1,600/mo
Median home value$141,615$346,854
Average income$44,376/yr$76,983/yr
Unemployment rate5.6%3.3%
State income taxUp to 5.0%Up to 7.65%
Walkability score33/10050/100
Safety index38.36/10065.43/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Birmingham, AL guide.

Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:

In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Alabama to Wisconsin, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 46 movers licensed in Alabama, useful context for sizing up this 813-mile move.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Birmingham, AL, 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 $1,729 - $8,225 on the 813-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,078 - $3,596 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $552 - $1,483 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,521 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 Birmingham, AL, to Madison, WI

What is the best time of year to move from Birmingham, AL 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.

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.

Is Madison a safe place to live?

Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, compared to 38.36 and 61.64 in Birmingham. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

What is the cheapest way to move from Birmingham, AL to Madison, WI?

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 $577 - $1,198. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What are the best neighborhoods in Madison?

For families, Dudgeon-Monroe, Hill Farms-University, and Maple-Prairie are worth a look in Madison. If you're moving solo or without kids, Madison, Shorewood Hills, and Middleton tend to be popular picks instead.

What percentage of Birmingham movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 82% of movers in Birmingham handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.