($1,097+) Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $1,065 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,710 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,686 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,324, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,710 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,601 - $5,170, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,065 - $3,036.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Phoenix, AZ, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,329 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 Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI
Moving options from Phoenix to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,329 - $7,655 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 1,686-mile route typically takes 4 to 15 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,686-mile route from Phoenix to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,324 for a studio up to $10,710 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,601 - $5,170 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,065 - $3,036, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,399 - $4,481, billed by the space you actually use.
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 Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,686-mile move from Phoenix, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, with prices running from $2,324 - $10,710. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $327 - $2,180 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Phoenix and Madison are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Phoenix movers tend to run around $140 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Phoenix to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,324 - $5,513
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,329 - $7,655
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,090 - $10,710
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 Phoenix to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Arizona 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 Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Phoenix 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 packing98% of local movers | $545 - $5,450 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Camelback Moving | $218 - $1,308/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $327 - $2,616 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage38% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs59% of local movers | $1,090 - $3,270 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,725 - $10,900 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $816 - $1,551 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $1,090 - $2,725 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: NorthStar Moving Company | $872 - $3,815 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling30% of local movers | $327 - $1,635 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect30% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mentors Moving & Storage | $709 - $2,180 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $327 - $16,350+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $327 - $3,815+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Phoenix to Madison?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Phoenix, AZ. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Phoenix, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,601 and $5,170. 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 Phoenix costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Phoenix to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $2,929
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,989 - $4,178
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,579 - $5,170
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 $763 in Phoenix, AZ. 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 $82 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $164 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 Arizona 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 $1,601. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,989 - $4,178, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Phoenix 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 Phoenix 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 Phoenix:
- Camelback Moving (4.8/5), 21 years in business
- Mentors Moving & Storage (4.7/5), 9 years in business
- Budget Movers (4.6/5), 32 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI
Plan on $1,065 - $3,036 for a rental moving truck on the 1,686-mile route from Phoenix, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $585 - $668
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- Phoenix daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 Phoenix to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,065 - $1,906
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,073 - $2,482
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,367 - $3,036
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,065 - $3,036 does not include fuel ($585 - $668) , lodging ($164/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Phoenix to Madison typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Phoenix, Arizona, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $763.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $585 - $668 for the 1,686-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $65 and $354, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $164 per night for hotel stops on the 1,686-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $327 - $491.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Phoenix 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 Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Phoenix, Arizona, to Madison, Wisconsin, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,559 and $3,149.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Phoenix to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,399 - $2,507
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,559 - $3,149
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,213 - $4,481
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Phoenix, Arizona, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $763.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $82 - $164 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Phoenix to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Empire Transport (4.84/5 stars): Empire Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Phoenix 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: Phoenix, AZ vs Madison, WI
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Phoenix and Madison to plan around. Cost of living index: 113 vs. 103. Average rent: $1,695/mo vs. $1,600/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 41 vs. 50. Safety index: 46.94 vs. 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Phoenix, AZ guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Arizona to Wisconsin, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 97 movers in Arizona, so you have real options to compare for this 1,686-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,686-mile route from Phoenix, AZ, to Madison, WI, run $2,324 - $10,710 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,601 - $5,170, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,065 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,329, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Madison, WI
How long does a move from Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Phoenix, AZ 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Phoenix, AZ to Madison, WI?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
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 46.94 and 53.06 in Phoenix. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Madison?
Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 41 and 56 in Phoenix. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What percentage of Phoenix movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Phoenix handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
