($1,154+) Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

The cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI ranges from $1,222 to $10,928, with an average cost of $4,000. Moves can be as low as $1,154 if you're wanting to DIY it.

This move covers about 1,997 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.

Compare moving options from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

Moving options from Sacramento to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service costs run $1,222 - $10,928 on this route depending on how much you're moving, with an average cost of $4,000, and movers handle all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This particular route covers 1,997 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 1,997-mile route from Sacramento to Madison, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,222 - $5,131 $1,487 - $3,119 $1,154 - $2,269 $1,451 - $2,566
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,238 - $7,200 $2,126 - $3,955 $1,163 - $2,570 $1,636 - $3,497
4+ bedrooms $6,426 - $10,928 $2,773 - $5,391 $1,498 - $3,148 $2,107 - $4,267

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 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 Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

Hiring full-service movers from Sacramento, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,222 and $10,928. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,997-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $352 - $2,348, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Sacramento and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Sacramento tend to start around $287 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,222 - $5,131
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,238 - $7,200
  • 4+ bedrooms: $6,426 - $10,928

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 Sacramento to Madison.

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.

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Specialty moving services from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

Specialty needs vary by market: 63% of Sacramento 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 packingFull crew packing78% of local movers$587 - $5,870
Storage in transitNew place not ready63% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving$235 - $1,409/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$352 - $2,818
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage18% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs52% of local movers$1,174 - $3,522
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,935 - $11,740
Car shippingSecond vehicle$879 - $1,671
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items24% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Fuller Moving Services$1,174 - $2,935
PianoAny piano type39% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Two Men and a Truck Moving$939 - $4,109
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers$352 - $1,761
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: A Better Moving$763 - $2,348
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$352 - $17,610+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$352 - $4,109+

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

If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Wisconsin Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 movers are consistently lower-priced than local companies in Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

Moving containers from Sacramento, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,487 and $5,391. 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 Sacramento typically costs about $120/month.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,487 - $3,119
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,126 - $3,955
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,773 - $5,391

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 Sacramento, CA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $822, 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 $88 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $176 per month.
  • Access: Most major container companies serve both Sacramento, 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 $1,487. 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 $2,126 - $3,955.

What are the best moving containers Sacramento 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 Sacramento 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 Sacramento:

  • Two Men and a Truck Moving (4.6/5), 21 years in business
  • Premium Movers Inc. (4.6/5), 19 years in business
  • House to Home Moving (4.8/5), 16 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

A rental truck for this 1,997-mile move from Sacramento, California, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,154 and $3,148. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:

  • Fuel for the drive: $746 - $853
  • Daily insurance: $35/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Sacramento daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $0.89
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 Sacramento to Madison based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,154 - $2,269
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,163 - $2,570
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,498 - $3,148

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,154 - $3,148 when pricing out a rental truck from Sacramento to Madison. Fuel alone runs $746 - $853, and overnight lodging ($176/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $746 - $853 for the 1,997-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Sacramento, California, for about 5 hours typically costs around $822.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,997-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $176 per night, adding $352 - $528 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $59 and $352.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Sacramento 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 Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI

Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Sacramento, California, to Madison, Wisconsin. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.

Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,636 and $3,497.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,451 - $2,566
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,636 - $3,497
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,107 - $4,267

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

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 $88 - $176 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 Sacramento, California, typically costs $822.

What are the best freight companies from Sacramento to Madison?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.

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: Sacramento, 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 Sacramento on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Sacramento, CA Madison, WI
Cost of living index127103
Average rent$1,899/mo$1,600/mo
Median home value$483,739$346,854
Average income$83,753/yr$76,983/yr
Unemployment rate7.7%3.3%
State income taxUp to 13.3%Up to 7.65%
Walkability score49/10050/100
Safety index50.79/10065.43/100
Air qualityModerateGood

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 Sacramento, 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 1,997-mile move.

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Our take

For a move from Sacramento, CA, to Madison, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,222 for a studio to $10,928 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,997-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,487 - $5,391. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,154 - $3,148, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,238 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.

FAQs: Moving from Sacramento, CA, to Madison, WI

How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?

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.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($746 - $853), daily insurance ($35/day), and equipment rentals ($8 - $23) on top. Overnight stops can add another $176/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

How walkable is Madison?

Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 49 and 67 in Sacramento. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

How much does it cost to move from Sacramento, CA to Madison, WI?

Costs on this route range from around $1,154 to $10,928, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,222 and $10,928, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Sacramento, CA 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.

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

About 39% of movers in Sacramento handle piano moves, and 24% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.