($700+) New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from New Orleans, LA, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $700 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,760 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,034 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,007, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,760 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,184 - $3,880, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $700 - $1,794.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from New Orleans, LA, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,514 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
There are 3 main ways to move from New Orleans to Madison: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,514 - $5,777. Containers cost roughly 43% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 70% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,034 miles, expect 2 to 8 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,034-mile route from New Orleans to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,007 - $4,607 | $1,184 - $2,033 | $700 - $1,290 | $1,024 - $1,849 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,514 - $5,777 | $1,434 - $2,887 | $749 - $1,535 | $1,219 - $2,357 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,349 - $7,760 | $1,996 - $3,880 | $904 - $1,794 | $1,645 - $3,041 |
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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
For the 1,034-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $2,007 and $7,760. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $307 - $2,048 (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 New Orleans generally start around $220 plus $100 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from New Orleans to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,007 - $4,607
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,514 - $5,777
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,349 - $7,760
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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 56% of New Orleans 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 packing79% of local movers | $512 - $5,120 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready56% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $205 - $1,229/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $307 - $2,458 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,024 - $3,072 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,560 - $10,240 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $767 - $1,457 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Atmosphere Movers | $1,024 - $2,560 |
| Piano | Any piano type41% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $819 - $3,584 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling3% of local movers | $307 - $1,536 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: AD Movers | $666 - $2,048 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $307 - $15,360+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $307 - $3,584+ |
What are the best full-service movers from New Orleans to Madison?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in New Orleans, LA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Moving containers from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,184 and $3,880. 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 New Orleans typically costs about $80/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from New Orleans to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,184 - $2,033
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,434 - $2,887
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,996 - $3,880
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both New Orleans, LA and Madison, WI. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $717 in New Orleans, LA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $77 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $154 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Louisiana 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 $1,184. 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 $1,434 - $2,887.
What are the best moving containers New Orleans 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 New Orleans 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 New Orleans:
- AD Movers (4.7/5), 12 years in business
- Moving Nola (5.0/5)
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 38 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Renting a moving truck for the 1,034-mile move from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $700 and $1,794, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $337 - $385
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- New Orleans daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.89
| 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 New Orleans to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $700 - $1,290
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $749 - $1,535
- 4+ bedrooms: $904 - $1,794
Pro tip: The base rate of $700 - $1,794 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from New Orleans to Madison. Fuel ($337 - $385), lodging at around $154/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in roughly $600 - $1,200 more for meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $77 and $358.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $154.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $337 and $385 for the 1,034-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $717 for 2 movers in New Orleans, Louisiana, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from New Orleans 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 New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from New Orleans, Louisiana, to Madison, Wisconsin. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $922 and $2,357.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from New Orleans to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,024 - $1,849
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,357
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,645 - $3,041
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In New Orleans, Louisiana, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $717.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $77 - $154 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from New Orleans to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
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: New Orleans, LA vs Madison, WI
New Orleans and Madison land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 102 in New Orleans and 103 in Madison, and average rent is $1,755/mo vs. $1,600/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 58 vs 50 and safety scores are 32.69 vs 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to New Orleans, LA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Louisiana to Wisconsin, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 73 movers licensed in Louisiana, useful context for sizing up this 1,034-mile move.
Our take
A move from New Orleans, LA, 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 $2,007 - $7,760 on the 1,034-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,184 - $3,880, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $700 - $1,794. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,514 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 New Orleans, LA, to Madison, WI
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.
What is the cheapest way to move from New Orleans, LA 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 $749 - $1,535. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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 32.69 and 67.31 in New Orleans. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What is the best time of year to move from New Orleans, LA to Madison, WI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of New Orleans movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 41% of movers in New Orleans handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.