($1,164+) Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI Movers
The cost to move from Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,195 to $10,206, with an average cost of $3,850. Moves can be as low as $1,164 if you're wanting to DIY it.
This move covers about 1,967 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 Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI
Moving options from Los Angeles to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,195 - $10,206 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $3,850, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 41% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 62% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,967 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 1,967-mile route from Los Angeles to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,195 - $5,277 | $1,601 - $2,802 | $1,152 - $2,049 | $1,413 - $2,681 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,317 - $7,601 | $1,971 - $4,050 | $1,272 - $2,542 | $1,576 - $3,372 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,874 - $10,206 | $2,671 - $5,850 | $1,559 - $3,018 | $2,203 - $4,456 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,967-mile move from Los Angeles, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, with prices running from $1,195 - $10,206. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $415 - $2,768 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Los Angeles and Madison are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Los Angeles movers tend to run around $200 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Los Angeles to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,195 - $5,277
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,317 - $7,601
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,874 - $10,206
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 Los Angeles 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: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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 Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of Los Angeles movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing78% of local movers | $692 - $6,920 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $277 - $1,661/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $415 - $3,322 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage14% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs53% of local movers | $1,384 - $4,152 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,460 - $13,840 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,037 - $1,969 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items29% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,384 - $3,460 |
| Piano | Any piano type40% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: SOS Moving, LLC | $1,107 - $4,844 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling10% of local movers | $415 - $2,076 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect4% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Silicon Valley Moving and Storage (CA) | $900 - $2,768 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $415 - $20,760+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $415 - $4,844+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Los Angeles to Madison?
Look for Wisconsin Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Wisconsin beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Los Angeles, CA. Van lines spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments, while local movers tend to charge 30% - 40% more for the same distance. A direct route with a local mover averages 2-day delivery, but that added speed typically carries a higher price tag.
Moving container costs from Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Los Angeles, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,601 and $5,850. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Los Angeles typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Los Angeles to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,601 - $2,802
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,971 - $4,050
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,671 - $5,850
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Los Angeles, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $969, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $104 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $208 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Los Angeles, CA, and Madison, WI, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
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 $1,601. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,971 - $4,050.
What are the best moving containers Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles:
- Box-N-Go, LLC (4.8/5), 19 years in business
- Rigo's Moving Company Inc (4.3/5), 12 years in business
- Best California Movers (5.0/5), 8 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 1,967 miles from Los Angeles, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, running $1,152 - $3,018. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $866 - $990
- Daily insurance: $42/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $28
- Los Angeles daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.79 - $1.09
| 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 Los Angeles to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,152 - $2,049
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,272 - $2,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,559 - $3,018
Pro tip: A rental truck from Los Angeles to Madison looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $1,152 - $3,018. But once you factor in fuel ($866 - $990), overnight lodging ($208/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $969.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $866 - $990 for the 1,967-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 $83 and $450, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $208 per night for hotel stops on the 1,967-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $415 - $623.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Los Angeles, California, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,576 and $3,372.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Los Angeles to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,413 - $2,681
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,576 - $3,372
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,203 - $4,456
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 Los Angeles, California, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $969.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $104 and $208 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Los Angeles to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Madison quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Los Angeles, CA | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 162 | 103 |
| Average rent | $2,960/mo | $1,600/mo |
| Median home value | $878,142 | $346,854 |
| Average income | $80,366/yr | $76,983/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 3.3% |
| State income tax | Up to 13.3% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 69/100 | 50/100 |
| Safety index | 46.19/100 | 65.43/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | 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 Los Angeles, CA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from California 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 1,154 movers in California, so you have real options to compare for this 1,967-mile move.
Our take
A move from Los Angeles, 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 $1,195 - $10,206 on the 1,967-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,601 - $5,850, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,152 - $3,018. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,317 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 Los Angeles, 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 46.19 and 53.81 in Los Angeles. 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 Los Angeles, 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 $1,272 - $2,542. 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 Los Angeles, CA to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 Los Angeles?
Local movers based in Los Angeles typically start around $200 as a base rate, plus $100/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 Los Angeles movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 40% of movers in Los Angeles handle piano moves, and 29% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.