($293+) Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $293 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,689 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 268 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,030, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,689 or more.
- Moving containers run $830 - $2,561, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $293 - $759.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Minneapolis, MN, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,648 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
There are 3 main ways to move from Minneapolis to Madison: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $1,648 - $4,683. Containers cost roughly 32% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 82% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 268 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 268-mile route from Minneapolis to Madison, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $1,030 for a studio up to $5,689 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $830 - $2,561 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $293 - $759, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $763 - $2,029, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
For the 268-mile move from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Madison, Wisconsin, full-service movers cost between $1,030 and $5,689. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $316 - $2,108 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Minneapolis generally start around $240 plus $109 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Minneapolis to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,030 - $3,673
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,648 - $4,683
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,203 - $5,689
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Minneapolis to Madison.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 69% of Minneapolis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing82% of local movers | $527 - $5,270 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready69% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $211 - $1,265/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $316 - $2,530 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs60% of local movers | $1,054 - $3,162 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,635 - $10,540 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $789 - $1,500 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: College Muscle Movers, LLC | $1,054 - $2,635 |
| Piano | Any piano type49% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Matt's Moving Company | $843 - $3,689 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling4% of local movers | $316 - $1,581 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect10% of local movers9% nationally | $685 - $2,108 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $316 - $15,810+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $316 - $3,689+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Minneapolis to Madison?
All three below meet the standards set by the Wisconsin Movers Association, the group most Wisconsin movers are affiliated with.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.
How much do local movers cost in Minneapolis, MN?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Minneapolis to Madison with a local mover averages $1,730 - $4,917. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Minneapolis, MN can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
Premium Moving Services (4.52/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Minneapolis, based on our analysis of feedback from 280 customers, 85.7% of which is positive.
Address: 949 Schaller Dr, S Maplewood, MN, 55119 | Founded: 2017
Moving container costs from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $830 and $2,561. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Minneapolis typically runs around $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Minneapolis to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $830 - $1,403
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,114 - $2,107
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,413 - $2,561
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Minneapolis, MN and Madison, WI. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $738 in Minneapolis, MN, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $79 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $158 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Minnesota to Wisconsin move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $830. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,114 - $2,107.
What are the best moving containers Minneapolis to Madison?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Minneapolis to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Minneapolis:
- College Muscle Movers, LLC (4.5/5), 19 years in business
- Premium Moving Services (4.5/5), 9 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 27 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
Truck rentals from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Madison, Wisconsin, range from $293 - $759 for the 268-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $90 - $103
- Daily insurance: $32/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- Minneapolis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.79
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Minneapolis to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $293 - $518
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $293 - $644
- 4+ bedrooms: $385 - $759
Pro tip: The base rate of $293 - $759 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Minneapolis to Madison. Fuel ($90 - $103), lodging at around $158/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $79 and $369.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $158.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $90 and $103 for the 268-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $738 for 2 movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Minneapolis to Madison?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Madison, Wisconsin. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $949 and $1,669.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Minneapolis to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $763 - $1,302
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $832 - $1,669
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,096 - $2,029
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $79 - $158 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Minneapolis, Minnesota, for about five hours typically runs $738.
What are the best freight companies from Minneapolis to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the pick for best for large moves. The company is well-regarded as a top moving container option for its load-it-yourself, we-drive-it model, and that same model makes it a strong freight option for larger homes that benefit from the company's 53-foot trucks and footage-based pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Alongside their flagship container service, U-Pack provides a top-notch freight trailer option that follows the same model: no deposits, no upfront fees, and pricing based on the linear footage you actually use.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Minneapolis to Madison. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Minneapolis, MN vs Madison, WI
Minneapolis and Madison land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 107 in Minneapolis and 103 in Madison, and average rent is $1,484/mo vs. $1,600/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 71 vs 50 and safety scores are 43.94 vs 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Minneapolis, MN guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Minnesota to Wisconsin, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 151 movers licensed in Minnesota, useful context for sizing up this 268-mile move.
Our take
A move from Minneapolis, MN, to Madison, WI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,030 - $5,689 on the 268-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $830 - $2,561, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $293 - $759. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,648 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Minneapolis, MN, to Madison, WI
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($90 - $103), daily insurance ($32/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $21) on top. Overnight stops can add another $158/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $293 - $644. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Minneapolis, MN to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $293 to $5,689, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,030 and $5,689, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What do local movers charge in Minneapolis?
Local movers based in Minneapolis typically start around $240 as a base rate, plus $109/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Madison run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Minneapolis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 49% of movers in Minneapolis handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.