Chicago, IL to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Madison typically costs $1,300–$3,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 146 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Chicago to Madison
Moving from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI typically costs $1,300–$3,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 146-mile move from Chicago 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 $1,527 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- Budget Truck Rental recently quoted $160 for a 1 bedroom (small) using a rental truck.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $2,288 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 08, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 27, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 13, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 30, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 28, 2025
Factors that impact moving costs from Chicago to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $700, but larger homes can run up to $4,600.
- Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Chicago.
- Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($200–$400) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Madison movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Chicago to Madison
For a stress-free interstate move from Chicago to Madison, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.
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 IL→WI movers
Our team at moveBuddha evaluated moving rates from 100 Illinois moving companies, highlighting the top options based on client feedback, reviews, and pricing.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): Services are delivered promptly, with excellent communication, and at the cost initially quoted.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Problems sometimes come up during moves. We favor companies that admit faults and focus on making things right for the customer.
- Industry reputation (15%): Known for its positive standing, the company is respected in the moving industry and contributes through conferences and memberships.
- Online reputation (15%): The company maintains a professional website with accurate information and responds to online customer inquiries promptly and courteously.
- Service options (10%): Movers that offer a wide range of services — from packing and storage to specialty handling and fast delivery — rank higher in our evaluations.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 37% less for singles and 41% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 7.65% |
- Experience a potentially easier financial adjustment with rent being about 22% lower in Madison than in Chicago, giving you more disposable income monthly.
- Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 24% higher in Madison than in Chicago.
- It's important to evaluate your finances first. The average income is around 12% less in Madison than in Chicago.
- Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Madison, where the cost of living for a single person is 37% less than in Chicago.
- Moving to Madison could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family's regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 41% less than in Chicago.
- Madison experiences an unemployment rate that is about 63% lower than that of Chicago. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
- Sales taxes are 46% lower in Madison than in Chicago. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Madison can reduce your overall living expenses.
- Income taxes are 55% higher in Wisconsin compared to Illinois. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state's tax system, which could affect your net income.
The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Chicago with Madison:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Chicago than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Madison.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Madison.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Madison
| Chicago | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 66 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 90% less than Chicago.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Madison is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 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 Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Madison and Chicago have a similar crime rate with scores of 34.57 and 35.19, respectively.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 65.43 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Madison move
- HOA rules: It's a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: While Wisconsin doesn't mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
- Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Madison smoothly. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.
Where to live in Madison
Now that you've chosen Mad City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Madison to check out.
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
After getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, it's time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you're into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there's plenty to check out:
- Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Madison offers cultural landmarks like 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 — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Chicago to Madison?
The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Chicago to Madison are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Chicago are lower.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Madison?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Madison are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Madison take?
A move of 146 miles from Chicago, IL to Madison, WI generally takes one to two days. Movers in Chicago sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Madison is a good fallback if you need extra time.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Chicago?
Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 2 extend savings to senior citizens.
Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.
Which movers in Chicago offer piano or antique moving?
Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 54 movers in Chicago have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 40 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across IL, there are 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,296 and 1,463.
Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.
