($1,207+) Fontana, CA to Madison, WI Movers
The cost to move from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,329 to $11,565, with an average cost of $4,100. Moves can be as low as $1,207 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,921 miles and usually takes 5 to 16 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Moving options from Fontana to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,329 - $11,565 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,100, and movers handle 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 particular route covers 1,921 miles and typically takes 5 to 16 days depending on the service you pick.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,921-mile route from Fontana to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,329 for a studio up to $11,565 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,594 - $5,637 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,103 - $3,160, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,536 - $4,882, 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 Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
For the 1,921-mile move from Fontana, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,329 and $11,565. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $338 - $2,252 (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 Fontana generally start around $259 plus $110 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fontana to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,329 - $5,459
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,366 - $7,681
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,375 - $11,565
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 Fontana to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from California to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 85% of Fontana 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 packing100% of local movers | $563 - $5,630 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready85% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $225 - $1,351/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $338 - $2,702 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage44% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs37% of local movers | $1,126 - $3,378 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,815 - $11,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $843 - $1,602 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items62% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $1,126 - $2,815 |
| Piano | Any piano type77% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $901 - $3,941 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $338 - $1,689 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Big Deahl's Movers | $732 - $2,252 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $338 - $16,890+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $338 - $3,941+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fontana to Madison?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Wisconsin Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Fontana, CA. 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 Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Fontana, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,594 and $5,637. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Fontana typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fontana to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,594 - $3,172
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,186 - $4,445
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,905 - $5,637
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $84 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $169 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $788 in Fontana, CA, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Madison, WI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a California 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 $1,594. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,186 - $4,445, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Fontana 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 Fontana 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 Fontana:
- Big Deahl's Movers (4.8/5), 12 years in business
- Trek Movers (5.0/5), 10 years in business
- Alex Moving and Storage (3.6/5), 24 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
A rental truck for this 1,921-mile move from Fontana, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,103 and $3,160. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $688 - $787
- Daily insurance: $34/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Fontana daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.39
| 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 Fontana to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,103 - $2,281
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,319 - $2,527
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,617 - $3,160
Pro tip: The base rate of $1,103 - $3,160 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Fontana to Madison. Fuel ($688 - $787) , lodging at around $169/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?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Fontana, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $788.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $688 - $787 for the 1,921-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 $68 and $366, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $169 per night for hotel stops on the 1,921-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $338 - $507.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fontana 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 Fontana, CA to Madison, WI
If you're moving a larger household from Fontana, California, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Madison, Wisconsin.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $1,732 and $3,487.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fontana to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,536 - $2,883
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,732 - $3,487
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,370 - $4,882
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?
- 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 $84 - $169 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 Fontana, California, typically costs $788.
What are the best freight companies from Fontana to Madison?
- 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.
- 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.
- ALL Service Handling (4.76/5 stars): ALL Service Handling 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Fontana, CA 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 Fontana on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Fontana, CA | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 119 | 103 |
| Average rent | $3,000/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $554,802 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $98,187/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.6% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 37/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 68.35/100 | 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 Fontana, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from California to Wisconsin, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. California alone has 374 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 1,921-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Fontana, CA, to Madison, WI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,329 - $11,565 on the 1,921-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,594 - $5,637, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,103 - $3,160. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,366 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Fontana, CA, to Madison, WI
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 68.35 and 31.65 in Fontana. 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 Fontana, CA 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 $1,319 - $2,527. 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.
How long does a move from Fontana, CA 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 do local movers charge in Fontana?
Local movers based in Fontana typically start around $259 as a base rate, plus $110/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Madison run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Fontana movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 77% of movers in Fontana handle piano moves, and 62% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
