Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Ann Arbor to Madison typically costs $2,200–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 395 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Ann Arbor to Madison
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI typically costs $2,200–$5,400 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 395-mile move from Ann Arbor 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
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,206 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $1,764 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $3,345 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 14, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 10, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 09, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 04, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 27, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 21, 2025
Studio apartment
Nov 25, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Ann Arbor to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,300, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $7,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Ann Arbor, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($400–$1,100) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI guide.
Best Ann Arbor to Madison movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Ann Arbor to Madison
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Ann Arbor to Madison, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
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 MI→WI movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 84 Michigan moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Ann Arbor to Madison
Overall, Ann Arbor and Madison land in a similar cost of living range, so your monthly outlay shouldn’t swing dramatically.
Singles average $2,292 in Madison and $2,176 in Ann Arbor, while families in Madison see $5,457 versus $5,344 in Ann Arbor.
Here’s how the everyday expenses compare across both cities:
| Ann Arbor | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,831 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,763 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $474,909 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,964 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,176 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,344 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.5% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.65% |
- If you're heading to Madison from Ann Arbor, you'll find that rent is roughly 29% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 23% less in Madison than in Ann Arbor.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 6% lower in Madison compared to Ann Arbor.
- The cost of living for a single person is within about 5% of the same in Madison and Ann Arbor, so you likely won’t notice a major difference.
- The cost of living for a family remains quite similar between Madison and Ann Arbor, with only a marginal difference of 5% or less, so your expenses should remain steady.
- Madison enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 6% lower compared to Ann Arbor, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 8% in Madison compared to Ann Arbor, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 80% higher in Wisconsin than in Michigan, meaning that a larger fraction of your income will be spent on state taxes, potentially reducing your savings.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Ann Arbor and Madison:
| Living Expense | Ann Arbor | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $158.05 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $48.64 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $2.70 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.60 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $44.00 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Ann Arbor than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Ann Arbor than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Ann Arbor than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Ann Arbor than in Madison.
- The cost of a quick meal is about the same in both cities.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Ann Arbor than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Ann Arbor than in Madison.
How life is different in Ann Arbor vs. Madison
| Ann Arbor | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 123,851 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 52 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 66 |
| Crime index | 31.0 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 79.18 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Madison's population is about 118% greater than Ann Arbor.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Ann Arbor's score of 7.
- Madison and Ann Arbor are similarly walkable.
- Madison has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Ann Arbor, which has a score of 71.
- Madison's crime rate is higher than Ann Arbor with a score of 34.57 compared to Ann Arbor's 31.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Ann Arbor neighborhoods are safer than 31.0%.
- Madison is considered to be less safe than Ann Arbor with a score of 65.43 vs Ann Arbor's 79.18.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Ann Arbor it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your Ann Arbor to Madison move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Wisconsin doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Madison. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
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
Things to do in Madison
Once you're settled into your new home in Wisconsin, it's time to get out and discover what Madison has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Madison, such as 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 — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites 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 Ann Arbor to Madison?
The best time to move from Ann Arbor to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Ann Arbor.
When is the cheapest time to move from Ann Arbor to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Ann Arbor to Madison, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Ann Arbor to Madison take?
Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI covers 395 miles and usually takes one to four days. Need to move faster? Some Ann Arbor movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Madison.
Which movers in Ann Arbor give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 1 movers give special rates to military members. 1 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Ann Arbor?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 20 movers in Ann Arbor advertise piano moving expertise. 7 movers in Ann Arbor provide antique moving services. State totals show 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,296 and 1,463.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
