Top-rated movers to make your Minneapolis to Madison move easy
Finding a trusted local moving company in Minneapolis that offers long-distance services to Madison can be a challenge. Good news — we’ve done the homework for you. Our team reviewed 34 top local movers in Minneapolis who handle long-distance moves, evaluating them based on pricing, service offerings, and customer satisfaction.
These are the best local movers for your long-distance move from Minneapolis to Madison.
- Matt’s Moving Company : 4.7 out of 5 stars
- Piepho Moving & Storage, Inc.: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- AAA Movers: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- The Move Crew: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Ace Moving & Warehousing: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 374236
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1704106
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 286311
Years in Business: 73
DOT #: 286311
Alternate Names: Rochester Transfer & Storage Company
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
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 36
DOT #: 1140502
Alternate Names: AAA Movers Inc of Minnesota
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 380620
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2552505
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 125550
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis to Madison?
In Minnesota, moving services typically cost around $209 per hour. Below are standard prices for hiring a full-service moving company, renting a moving container, or a truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $937 – $3,010 | $555 – $1,324 | $290 – $533 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,585 – $4,638 | $1,082 – $2,027 | $308 – $644 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,097 – $5,689 | $1,399 – $2,536 | $385 – $700 |
Cost to hire movers from Minneapolis to Madison
If you’re packing up a studio or one-bedroom to move to Madison from Minneapolis, you can expect prices to land between $937 and $3,010. For a two- or three-bedroom space, your costs will usually range from $1,585 to $4,638 for the trip from Minneapolis to Madison. If you’re moving a large four- or five-bedroom home, you’re likely looking at a price tag between $2,097 and $5,689.
Cost of moving containers from Minneapolis to Madison
Moving containers from Minneapolis to Madison will cost you $555 to $1,324 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,082 to $2,027. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,399 to $2,536. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Minnesota.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Madison
Renting a moving truck from Minneapolis to Madison typically costs the least, but you’ll be responsible for both the heavy lifting and all the driving.
Expect to pay between $290 and $533 to move a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck. For a two- or three-bedroom move, prices usually range from $308 to $644. If you’re relocating a four-bedroom (or larger) home, you’ll likely spend anywhere from $385 to $700.
These estimates factor in the average cost of fuel.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Minneapolis to Madison move
The cost of Minneapolis movers will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,245 for a one-bedroom, or up to $5,164 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you’re moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Minneapolis.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $290 to $701, but require more effort than hiring movers.
What to know before moving from Minneapolis to Madison
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Madison runs about -41% higher for singles and 16% higher for families than Minneapolis.
Singles spend around $2,292 in Minneapolis versus $3,900 in Minneapolis; families pay $5,457 compared with $4,710.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Minneapolis | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,688 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,707 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $312,602 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,099 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,900 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,710 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.03% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 9.85% | 7.65% |
- Planning a move to Madison? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 8% higher than in Minneapolis, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Madison are about 18% higher than those in Minneapolis.
- Reviewing your financial plan is wise before moving. The average income is nearly 10% lower in Madison compared to Minneapolis.
- You’ll save on routine expenses like food, gas, and utilities in Madison, as the cost of living for a single person is 41% lower compared to Minneapolis.
- If you’re moving your family to Madison, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 16% higher than in Minneapolis.
- The unemployment rate in Madison is about 27% lower than in Minneapolis. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes are 39% less in Madison relative to Minneapolis. This will help shrink your living expenses, especially if you tend to buy more taxable goods.
- Income taxes in Wisconsin are 22% below those in Minnesota. This decrease in income tax can leave more funds at your disposal, allowing you additional financial breathing room.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Minneapolis and Madison:
| Living Expense | Minneapolis | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $164.65 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.68 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.15 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $75.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Minneapolis than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Minneapolis than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Minneapolis than in Madison.
- Bread costs are about the same in both places.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Minneapolis than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Minneapolis than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Minneapolis than in Madison.
How life is different in Minneapolis vs. Madison
| Minneapolis | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 425,115 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 71 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 83 | 66 |
| Crime index | 56.06 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 43.94 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison’s population is about 37% less than Minneapolis.
- Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is lower than Minneapolis’s score of 8.
- Madison is less walkable than Minneapolis with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Minneapolis’s 71 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 Minneapolis, which has a score of 83.
- Madison’s crime rate is lower than Minneapolis with a score of 34.57 compared to Minneapolis’s 56.06. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Minneapolis with a safety index of 65.43 vs Minneapolis’s 43.94.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Minneapolis it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Madison?
Planning your move from Minneapolis to Madison? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Minneapolis.
When is the cheapest time to move from Minneapolis to Madison?
Because most people are moving from Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis to Madison take?
The 268-mile journey from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, , typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Minneapolis 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 Minneapolis?
Several movers here offer discounted rates that can help lower your total moving costs. 3 provide savings for AAA members. 1 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 Minneapolis?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Minneapolis, 28 movers can manage piano relocations. 13 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Minnesota has 42 piano movers and 17 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.
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