Highly rated local moving companies for Detroit to Madison moves
Organizing a move from Detroit to Madison can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 36 local movers in Detroit known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Detroit to Madison.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Madison?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,067 – $3,214 | $673 – $1,507 | $358 – $721 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,000 – $5,109 | $1,217 – $2,248 | $406 – $774 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,345 – $7,612 | $1,538 – $2,819 | $475 – $959 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Madison
When planning a move to Madison from Detroit, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,067 and $3,214. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,000 and $5,109 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,345 to $7,612.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Madison
When you’re heading from Detroit to Madison, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $673 and $1,507. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,217 and $2,248. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,538 to $2,819. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Madison
A moving rental truck from Detroit to Madison is generally 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 $358 to $721. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $406 to $774, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Detroit to Madison costs around $475 to $959.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Detroit to Madison
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Madison may only cost $1,465, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,009.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Detroit.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($358–$891), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 8% less for singles and 18% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 28% more expensive in Madison than in Detroit. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 403% steeper in Madison compared to Detroit.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 67% greater in Madison than in Detroit, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person there is 8% below that of Detroit.
- A move to Madison can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 18% lower compared to Detroit.
- Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Detroit by about 64%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 8% cheaper in Madison compared to Detroit. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 80% more in Wisconsin than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Detroit versus Madison:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Madison.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Detroit than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Madison.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Madison
| Detroit | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 66 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 58% less than Detroit.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Madison and Detroit are similarly walkable.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 34.57 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 65.43 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Madison move
- HOA rules: Costs across Detroit and Madison are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: 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: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Madison
With your sights set on Mad City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Madison. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Madison is home to museums and cultural arts centers 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 spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back 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 Detroit to Madison?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Madison. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Madison?
Want to save on your move from Detroit to Madison? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Detroit to Madison take?
The 436-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Madison, , takes one to four days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Madison.
What kinds of discounts do Detroit movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Detroit?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Detroit provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
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