Fort Collins, CO to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Fort Collins to Madison typically costs $2,900–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 935 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Fort Collins to Madison
Moving from Fort Collins, CO to Madison, WI typically costs $2,900–$6,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 935-mile move from Fort Collins to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $7,705 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $6,039 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $4,540 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 16, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 15, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 07, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 09, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 20, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 12, 2025
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 11, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Fort Collins to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Fort Collins to Madison might be as low as $2,200, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,100.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Fort Collins.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $700 to $1,900 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Fort Collins, CO guide.
Best Fort Collins to Madison movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Fort Collins to Madison
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Fort Collins to Madison, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 CO→WI movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 78 Colorado movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Fort Collins to Madison
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Madison runs about 7% higher for singles and 14% higher for families than Fort Collins.
Singles spend around $2,292 in Madison versus $2,140 in Fort Collins; families pay $5,457 compared with $4,795.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fort Collins | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,783 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,830 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $543,093 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $64,728 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,140 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,795 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.6% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.55% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 5.49% | 7.65% |
- Good news! When moving to Madison from Fort Collins, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 9% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 32% cheaper in Madison, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in Madison and Fort Collins, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Madison, as the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 7% greater than in Fort Collins. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Madison, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 14% more than it is in Fort Collins.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 41% lower than Fort Collins, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 27% lower in Madison than Fort Collins, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Income taxes are 39% higher in Wisconsin than in Colorado. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Fort Collins and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Fort Collins | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.02 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.00 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.12 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.09 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $72.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $60.00 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fort Collins than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Fort Collins than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Fort Collins than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Fort Collins than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Fort Collins than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Fort Collins than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Fort Collins than in Madison.
How life is different in Fort Collins vs. Madison
| Fort Collins | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 169,810 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 37 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 78 | 66 |
| Crime index | 17.0 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 72.86 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 59% greater than Fort Collins.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Fort Collins's score of 4.
- Madison is more walkable than Fort Collins with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Fort Collins's 37 out of 100.
- Madison has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Fort Collins, which has a score of 78.
- Madison's crime rate is higher than Fort Collins with a score of 34.57 compared to Fort Collins's 17.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fort Collins neighborhoods are safer than 17.0%.
- Madison is considered to be less safe than Fort Collins with a score of 65.43 vs Fort Collins's 72.86.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Fort Collins it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Fort Collins to Madison move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin, it's the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team 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 Fort Collins to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Fort Collins to Madison. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Fort Collins.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fort Collins to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from Fort Collins to Madison in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Fort Collins to Madison take?
Covering 935 miles, the move from Fort Collins, CO to Madison, WI typically takes two to seven days. Some Fort Collins movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Fort Collins can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Fort Collins, 15 movers can handle pianos. 5 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of CO, there are 56 piano movers and 33 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
