$1,326 Movers From Washington DC to Madison

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Madison, WI averages from $685 to $6,580 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Washington DC moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Madison, WI.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Madison to Washington DC guide.

Moving from Washington DC to Madison resources

Moving 841 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Washington DC to Madison?

Washington DC movers charge $85 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,326 - $4,693 $893 - $2,235 $648 - $1,284
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,680 - $6,580 $1,688 - $3,169 $685 - $1,465
4+ bedrooms $4,765 - $8,733 $2,158 - $4,182 $875 - $1,815
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 841 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Washington DC to Madison will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Washington DC, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Washington DC to Madison?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Washington DC to Madison will cost between $1,326 to $4,693. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $2,680 to $6,580, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Washington DC to Madison will cost from $4,765 to $8,733.

How much are moving container companies from Washington DC to Madison?

Moving containers from Washington DC to Madison will cost you $893 to $2,235 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,688 to $3,169. A larger home will cost $2,158 to $4,182.

How much is a moving truck from Washington DC to Madison?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $648 to $1,284. A larger move will cost $685 to $1,465, and a four-bedroom move from Washington DC to Madison costs from $875 to $1,815. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Washington DC to Madison moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Washington DC to Madison is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Washington DC to Madison.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Washington DC to Madison

Cost of living: Washington DC vs Madison

Washington DC Madison
Average rent cost $2,450 $1,600
Average home value $609,175 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $635,900 $62,919
Cost of Living (single person) $1,211 $2,292
Cost of Living (family of 4) $4,423 $5,457
Unemployment rate 7.0% 3.3%
Sales Tax 6.0% 5.5%
State Income Tax 5.75% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Madison are 35% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Home prices in Madison are 39.6% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Income in Madison is 90.1% lower than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Madison is 89.3% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The cost of living for a family in Madison is 23.4% higher than in Washington DC.
  • The unemployment rate in Madison is 52.86% lower than in Washington DC.
  • Sales taxes in Madison are 8.33% lower than in Washington DC.
  • State income taxes in Madison are 33.04% higher than in Washington DC.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $5,677.95 in Madison to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Washington DC.

How is life different in Washington DC compared to Madison?

Madison Washington DC
Population 269,840 689,545
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 50 77
Bike friendliness score 66 70
Crime Index 34.57 46.45
Safety Index 65.43 41.16
Air Quality Good Moderate
  • Madison's population is about 61% less than Washington DC.
  • Madison's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Washington DC's lower 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 is less bike-friendly than Washington DC with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Washington DC's 70.
  • Madison's crime rate is lower than Washington DC with a score of 34.57 compared to Washington DC's 46.45. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Washington DC neighborhoods are safer than 46.45%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Washington DC with a safety index of 65.43 vs Washington DC's 41.16.
  • Air quality in Madison is good, and in Washington DC it's moderate.

Considerations for moving to Madison

  • Weather: August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities..
  • 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Madison. Get started 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Washington DC movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Olympia Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
4814 Frolich Ln, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
(703) 566-4391
Bookstore Movers, LLC Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.66 overall rating
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
(202) 570-4697

Visit our best long distance movers in Washington DC page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Madison

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Mad City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Madison

These are some of the best things to do in your new Wisconsin home.

  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Taliesin Estate
  • Wisconsin State Capitol
  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • Frank Lloyd Wright's Monona Terrace
  • University of Wisconsin's Memorial Union Terrace
  • Chazen Museum of Art
  • The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art (MMoCA)
  • Henry Vilas Zoo
  • University of Wisconsin: Arboretum and Geology Museum
  • Wisconsin Veterans Museum

Get your sports on!

Madison is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
  • Madison Mallards (Baseball)
  • Madison Radicals (AUDL)
  • Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
  • Forward Madison (USL League One)

FAQs about moving from Washington DC to Madison

When is the best time to move from Washington DC to Madison?

The best time to move from Washington DC to Madison is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 10ºF in Madison.

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 summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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