Fontana, CA to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Fontana to Madison typically costs $3,800–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,921 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Fontana to Madison
Moving from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI typically costs $3,800–$8,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,921-mile move from Fontana 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
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $8,642 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $3,572 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $1,940 for a 3 bedroom using a rental truck.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 12, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 16, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Dec 04, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 30, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Nov 25, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Fontana to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,600.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Fontana, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,200–$3,400) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Fontana, CA guide.
Best Fontana to Madison movers by type
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Best professional movers from Fontana to Madison
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Fontana to Madison, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 CA→WI movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 372 California moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Fontana to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Fontana - roughly 23% less for singles and 21% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,972 in Fontana. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $6,875.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Fontana | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,000 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,200 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $631,669 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $72,918 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,972 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,875 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.75% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 13.3% | 7.65% |
- If you're heading to Madison from Fontana, you'll find that rent is roughly 47% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 42% less in Madison than in Fontana.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 14% lower in Madison compared to Fontana.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Madison. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 23% lower than in Fontana.
- Choosing to move to Madison can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 21% less than in Fontana.
- Madison enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 57% lower compared to Fontana, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 29% in Madison compared to Fontana, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 42% less in Wisconsin than in California. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Fontana and Madison:
| Living Expense | Fontana | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $226.85 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.89 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.99 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.09 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $10.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $55.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Fontana than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fontana than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Fontana than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Fontana than in Madison.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Fontana than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fontana than in Madison.
How life is different in Fontana vs. Madison
| Fontana | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 212,704 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 41 | 66 |
| Crime index | 31.65 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 68.35 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 27% greater than Fontana.
- Madison's public transportation score is within about 5% of Fontana, making them very similar.
- Madison is more walkable than Fontana with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Fontana's 37 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Fontana, which has a score of 41 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 Fontana with a score of 34.57 compared to Fontana's 31.65. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fontana neighborhoods are safer than 31.65%.
- Madison and Fontana have a similar safety level, with scores of 65.43 and 68.35.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Fontana it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Fontana to Madison move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Wisconsin doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Madison. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Madison
Now that you've decided to make the move to Mad City, these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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
Once you're settled into your new home in Wisconsin, it's time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Madison, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Fontana to Madison?
The best time to move from Fontana to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fontana.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fontana to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Fontana to Madison, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Fontana to Madison take?
Moving from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI covers 1,921 miles and usually takes five to 16 days. Need to move faster? Some Fontana movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Madison.
Which movers in Fontana give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers here honor AAA discounts. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Fontana?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 41 movers in Fontana advertise piano moving expertise. 32 movers in Fontana provide antique moving services. State totals show 298 piano movers and 229 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
