Washington DC, MD to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Washington DC to Madison typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 853 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Washington DC to Madison
Moving from Washington DC, MD to Madison, WI typically costs $2,700–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 853-mile move from Washington DC 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,573 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,591 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,160 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 07, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 29, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 19, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 07, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 02, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 30, 2025
Key factors that impact the cost of your Washington DC to Madison move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $2,000 for a one-bedroom, or up to $8,600 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Washington DC.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $700 to $1,800, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Washington DC, MD guide.
Best Washington DC to Madison movers by type
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Best professional movers from Washington DC to Madison
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Washington DC to Madison much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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 MD→WI movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 51 Maryland movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Washington DC to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Washington DC - roughly 42% less for singles and 51% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $3,963 in Washington DC. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $11,093.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Washington DC | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,568 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $5,417 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $594,337 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $101,722 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,963 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $11,093 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 5.75% | 7.65% |
- When relocating from Washington DC to Madison, expect to find rent about 33% cheaper, letting you enjoy more financial freedom monthly.
- You can relax about your monthly mortgage expenses, thanks to home prices being nearly 38% more affordable in Madison compared to Washington DC.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 38% lower in Madison compared to Washington DC.
- You'll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Madison, as the cost of living for a single person is 42% lower compared to Washington DC.
- A move to Madison can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 51% less than what it costs in Washington DC.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is about 53% lower than in Washington DC. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 8% less in Madison relative to Washington DC. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Wisconsin are 33% above those in Maryland. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Washington DC and Madison:
| Living Expense | Washington DC | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.62 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $65.80 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.67 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.43 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $120.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $103.76 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Washington DC than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Washington DC than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Washington DC than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Washington DC than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Washington DC than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Washington DC than in Madison.
- Gym memberships cost more in Washington DC than in Madison.
How life is different in Washington DC vs. Madison
| Washington DC | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 672,079 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 70 | 66 |
| Crime index | 60.37 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 39.63 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 60% less than Washington DC.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Washington DC's score of 9.
- Madison is less walkable than Washington DC with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Washington DC'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 Washington DC, which has a score of 70.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 34.57 compared to Washington DC's 60.37. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 60.37%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 65.43 vs Washington DC's 39.63.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Washington DC it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Washington DC to Madison move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Wisconsin’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Madison. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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 gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Madison
Planning your move to Mad City? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home 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
After settling into your new Wisconsin home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Madison has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Madison features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering 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 Washington DC to Madison?
Planning your move from Washington DC to Madison? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Washington DC.
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington DC to Madison?
Because most people are moving from Washington DC to Madison in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Washington DC to Madison take?
The 853-mile journey from Washington DC, MD to Madison, WI, typically takes two to seven days. Some movers in Washington DC offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Madison.
Are there special savings available from movers in Washington DC?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 7 have discounts for military personnel. 14 extend reduced rates to seniors.
These offers can vary widely, so it’s best to verify details with the mover before booking.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Washington DC?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Washington DC, 59 movers can manage piano relocations. 44 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Maryland has 37 piano movers and 30 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
