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($1,093) Cost to Move From Raleigh, NC to Madison, WI

Easily compare and book your next move with moveBuddha
Estimated cost & time: If you’re moving 956 miles from Raleigh to Madison, expect to pay between $660 and $5,616. The journey should take about two–seven days. Costs can vary due to distance, the date of the move, home size, and your choice between DIY and professional assistance.
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Best movers from Raleigh to Madison

Best overall value
Safeway Moving Logo Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
4.9
  • checkmarkBest overall value
  • checkmarkVeteran owned
  • checkmarkPortion to charity
American Van Lines Logo American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
4.5
  • checkmarkCertified crews
  • checkmarkFlat-rate pricing
  • checkmarkFamily-owned
North American Van Lines Logo North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans
4.5
  • checkmark1,800 trucks
  • checkmarkStorage available
  • checkmarkCustomized moving plans
Allied Van Lines Logo Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
4.8
  • checkmarkSpecialty packing services
  • checkmarkWhite-glove reputation
  • checkmark80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation Logo Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
4.9
  • checkmarkFamily owned
  • checkmarkEast coast focus
  • checkmarkAffordable pricing

Best movers by type

Professional Icon
Professional
Container Icon
Container
Rental Truck Icon
Rental Truck
Freight Icon
Labor Only

Best professional movers from Raleigh to Madison

For a stress-free interstate move from Raleigh to Madison, selecting a full-service mover is a wise choice. These professionals cover all aspects of the move, freeing you to focus on the excitement of your new adventure.

With 27 interstate moving companies in Raleigh, we’re here to highlight the best options for a seamless transition to Madison.

Safeway Moving
checkmark Best overall value
checkmark Veteran owned
checkmark Portion to charity
American Van Lines
checkmark Certified crews
checkmark Flat-rate pricing
checkmark Family-owned
Allied Van Lines
checkmark Specialty packing services
checkmark White-glove reputation
checkmark 80+ years’ experience
Mayzlin Relocation
checkmark Family owned
checkmark East coast focus
checkmark Affordable pricing
North American Van Lines
checkmark 1,800 trucks
checkmark Storage available
checkmark Customized moving plans

Estimated cost to move from Raleigh to Madison

These cost ranges are approximate estimates based on a 956-mile move from Raleigh to Madison using pricing data compiled by moveBuddha as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha compiles thousands of validated rates from movers across the U.S., with monthly updates to reflect seasonality and market conditions. Your end price may shift due to load size, service add-ons, access or parking limitations, fuel costs, and your move date. We recommend obtaining several quotes to get a reliable estimate.
Studio Icon

Studio / 1 bedroom

  • Moving Company $1,860 – $4,409
  • Moving Container $1,118 – $2,116
  • Rental Truck $649 – $1,181
Two Three Bed Icon

2-3 bedrooms

  • Moving Company $2,187 – $5,616
  • Moving Container $1,452 – $2,796
  • Rental Truck $660 – $1,361
Four Bed Icon

4+ bedrooms

  • Moving Company $3,769 – $7,597
  • Moving Container $2,015 – $3,672
  • Rental Truck $853 – $1,638
Recent Moving Price Estimates
The following are real, anonymized quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 48 hours. Prices change with dates and availability; use these as a ballpark, not a guarantee.
American Van Lines
Linden, NC Fort Atkinson, WI
4 Bedrooms
Oct 06, 2025
BLVD Moving
Wake Forest, NC Columbus, WI
2 Bedrooms
Oct 02, 2025
Safeway Moving
Franklinton, NC Verona, WI
2 Bedrooms
Aug 29, 2025
North American Van Lines
Durham, NC Doylestown, WI
2 Bedrooms
Aug 24, 2025
PODS
Broadway, NC Belleville, WI
3 Bedrooms
Aug 22, 2025
Mayflower Transit
Archer Lodge, NC Baraboo, WI
5+ Bedrooms
Aug 21, 2025
Allied Van Lines
Smithfield, NC West Baraboo, WI
4 Bedrooms
Aug 20, 2025
United Van Lines
Four Oaks, NC Clyman, WI
Studio apartment
Aug 16, 2025
1-800-Pack-Rat
Micro, NC Rio, WI
1 Bedroom (large)
Aug 08, 2025
Roadway Moving
Princeton, NC Rock Springs, WI
1 Bedroom (small)
Aug 03, 2025

Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Raleigh, NC guide.

Top-rated local movers that handle Raleigh to Madison moves

When planning a move from Raleigh to Madison, finding a local mover that also handles long-distance relocations can be tricky. We’ve taken care of the research for you — reviewing 28 local movers in Raleigh who provide long-distance services, and scoring them on price, customer reviews, and reliability.

Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Raleigh to Madison.

  1. Bellhop Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  2. Little Guys Movers : 4.56 out of 5 stars
  3. Athens Moving Experts: 4.58 out of 5 stars
  4. Excel Moving & Storage: 4.52 out of 5 stars
  5. Next Stop Movers: 4.48 out of 5 stars
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
62.0% of all reviews were positive
34.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Bellhop Moving earns high marks for efficiency and professionalism, with 62% of input reflecting strong satisfaction out of the 92 reviews analyzed. Customers highlight prompt, careful service from polite movers, quick moving processes, and competitive pricing. Many praise the care taken with belongings, friendly attitudes, and seamless booking. On the downside, over one-third of customer feedback cites frustration with damages to furniture or property, poor communication, and instances where movers lacked experience or preparation. A few reviewers also faced unresolved claims, delays, or insufficient compensation for damaged items. While Bellhop offers more budget-friendly rates and efficient service compared to many moving companies, the risk of damages and inconsistent quality underscores the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. Most who use Bellhop for standard, smaller moves appreciate the value, but concerns remain for complex or larger moves requiring extra care or experience.
Get a Quote (866) 774-5063

Company Info

State license #: 2934

Years in Business: 14

DOT #: 2878240

Alternate Names: Bellhops, Inc.

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
  • Deposit Required
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.7% of all reviews were positive
5.4% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Rave input says Little Guys Movers stands out for reliable, professional teams who handle belongings with care and keep things moving efficiently. Out of 315 reviews, an overwhelming 93.7% rate the company highly, often calling out polite staff, excellent communication, careful handling, and fast, organized service as reasons to recommend them. Quotes usually match the final cost, and customers note that movers arrive on time, stay upbeat, and make stressful moves feel easy. On the other hand, negative feedback—about 5.4%—focuses on damaged items, with a few cases of slow or careless service, and occasional complaints about unexpectedly high or confusing charges and poor communication during claims or repairs. With positive ratings far above industry averages, Little Guys Movers garners trust through skilled teams and transparent pricing practices, though a handful of customers encounter problems with damage resolution or billing discrepancies.
Get a Quote (919) 439-2454

Company Info

State license #: 2548

Years in Business: 31

DOT #: 1931566

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
93.7% of all reviews were positive
4.8% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Athens Moving Experts gets top marks from customers who appreciate reliable, courteous, and hardworking crews. Nearly 94% of feedback is positive across 334 reviews. People routinely mention how efficiently the teams work, how carefully they handle belongings, and how friendly and communicative they are throughout the process. Fair pricing stands out as another frequent highlight compared to competitors. A few clients, however, report issues such as damaged or poorly packed items, especially during busy or larger moves. Some negative input also cites crews lacking experience or rushing, which led to mistakes. In the rare neutral reviews, most concerns relate to minor service lapses or pandemic-related policy misunderstandings rather than major moving problems. Athens’s consistent reputation for speed, respectful service, and professionalism places them ahead of most local movers, but a small number of clients wish for even greater attention to packing quality and oversight during complex jobs.
Get a Quote (919) 760-7774

Company Info

State license #: 2657

Years in Business: 8

DOT #: 3205320

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Antiques
  • Crating
  • Shipment tracking
  • Storage
  • Safes
  • Pay by money order
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
78.4% of all reviews were positive
18.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Excel Moving & Storage stands out with a stellar reputation for professionalism, efficient moves, and careful handling of belongings. Of 283 customer experiences reviewed, 78% highlight attentive staff, timely communication, and a smooth moving process. Customers value the team’s politeness, quick work, and the sense that their possessions are respected. When compared to typical industry input, Excel’s high marks for effective communication and detail-oriented care put them ahead of many competitors. Despite the strong positive feedback, 18% report concerns, mainly regarding damaged or missing items and communication lapses after incidents. While most feedback applauds reliability, negative reviews reveal challenges with problem resolution, lost goods, and slow or absent responses when something goes wrong. Neutral feedback, just over 3%, notes good customer service but occasional delivery delays or minor damages. Excel earns frequent recommendations for large or complex moves, but customers should confirm policies on claims and coverage for valuable items. The company reliably delivers efficient, careful moves, though improvements in post-move communication could further strengthen their standing.
Get a Quote (919) 213-6694

Company Info

State license #: 2311

Years in Business: 26

DOT #: 076235

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • International moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Pool Tables
  • Art
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Pay by credit card
https://www.facebook.com/BellhopMoving/, https://twitter.com/BellhopMoving
100.0% of all reviews were positive
0.0% of reviews were negative
Read Reviews
Review Analysis
Moving made easy—customers praise Next Stop Movers for quick and careful service, friendly and professional staff, and a consistently hassle-free experience. Seven customer feedback entries analyzed, with 100% rated positively. Movers handle furniture attentively, offer efficient solutions, and communicate clearly. People appreciate affordable rates and flexibility, standing out compared to less responsive companies. No negative feedback was reported, and no recurring issues surfaced among the reviews.
Get a Quote (919) 249-8351

Company Info

State license #: 1267633

Years in Business: 4

DOT #: 3619230

Services Offered

  • Local moves
  • Interstate moves
  • Packing
  • Unpacking
  • Offices
  • Pianos
  • Hot Tubs
  • Pool Tables
  • Crating
  • Storage
  • Fragile-only packing
  • Safes
  • Pay by cash
  • Pay by credit card

How much does it cost to move from Raleigh to Madison?

Movers in North Carolina charge $145 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 $1,093 – $4,436 $793 – $1,950 $655 – $1,205
2 – 3 bedrooms $2,187 – $5,616 $1,452 – $2,796 $660 – $1,361
4+ bedrooms $3,769 – $7,597 $2,015 – $3,672 $853 – $1,638
*The figures shown represent approximate costs for a 956-mile relocation from Raleigh to Madison, derived from moveBuddha pricing data current as of Nov 07, 2025. moveBuddha aggregates thousands of verified prices from moving companies across the country and updates the data each month to capture seasonal fluctuations and market dynamics. Final pricing may vary based on shipment size, optional services, parking or access challenges, fuel costs, and schedule. For accuracy, collect quotes from several movers.

Cost to hire movers from Raleigh to Madison

If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Raleigh to Madison, you can expect to spend between $1,093 and $4,436. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually range from $2,187 to $5,616 on the same route. Got a larger household? Moving a four- or five-bedroom home from Raleigh to Madison typically runs between $3,769 and $7,597.

Cost of moving containers from Raleigh to Madison

When moving from Raleigh to Madison, for a small load, you’ll likely pay between $793 and $1,950. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, costs usually range from $1,452 to $2,796. Got a big family or a four-plus bedroom house? Expect prices ranging anywhere from $2,015 up to $3,672. For detailed pricing info, take a look at our complete PODS cost guide.

Check out the most affordable moving container companies to help with your move from North Carolina.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Raleigh to Madison

Renting a moving truck in Raleigh is usually your cheapest option to get to Madison. Just keep in mind that you’ll handle all the lifting, packing, and driving yourself.

If you’re moving out of a studio or one-bedroom and renting a truck, plan to spend between $655 and $1,205. For two- or three-bedroom moves, prices typically land between $660 and $1,361. Dealing with a four-bedroom-plus home? Expect rental truck costs to be somewhere between $853 and $1,638.

These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.

Factors that impact moving costs from Raleigh to Madison

The cost of Raleigh movers will depend on:

  • The size of your move: Costs rise with more belongings. A small one-bedroom move can start at $2,195, but larger homes can run up to $6,472.
  • Seasonal timing: Demand peaks in summer — expect premium rates during moving season in Raleigh.
  • Whether you hire pros or do it yourself: Choosing DIY with a truck ($655–$1,532) is cheaper, though tougher, than using movers.

What to know before moving from Raleigh to Madison

Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Raleigh – roughly 62% less for singles and 10% less for families.

Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $6,077 in Raleigh. For a family of four, it’s $5,457 compared with $6,077.

See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:

Raleigh Madison
Average 1 BR rent $1,820 $1,693
Average 3 BR rent $3,000 $3,100
Average home value $431,795 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $2,572 $62,919
Cost of living (single) $6,077 $2,292
Cost of living (family of four) $6,077 $5,457
Unemployment rate 4.3% 3.3%
Sales tax 7.25% 5.5%
State income tax 4.5% 7.65%
  • Your monthly budgeting won’t require significant modification when moving from Raleigh to Madison, as rent prices are comparably stable.
  • Your monthly mortgage budget shouldn’t take a hit, with home prices being about 15% lower in Madison than in Raleigh.
  • Great news! You’ll find the average income is about 2346% higher in Madison compared to Raleigh, giving you some extra room for savings or investments.
  • Anticipate lower daily expenses, including food, gas, and utilities in Madison, where the cost of living for a single person is 62% less than in Raleigh.
  • Moving to Madison could be an economically beneficial choice, reducing your family’s regular costs such as groceries, transport, and utilities. The cost of living for a family is 10% less than in Raleigh.
  • Madison experiences an unemployment rate that is about 23% lower than that of Raleigh. This is generally a positive sign for those considering a move here, as it reflects a healthy economy.
  • Sales taxes are 24% lower in Madison than in Raleigh. If you have a larger family or higher consumption habits, the lower sales tax in Madison can reduce your overall living expenses.
  • Income taxes are 70% higher in Wisconsin compared to North Carolina. As a result, you might notice a larger bite taken out of your salary by the state’s tax system, which could affect your net income.

The breakdown below shows how typical living costs and monthly expenses line up when comparing Raleigh with Madison:

Living Expense Raleigh Madison
Basic utilities $190.88 $215.88
Cell phone plan $64.40 $50.44
Dozen eggs $4.71 $4.04
Loaf of bread $4.12 $3.75
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) $19.50 $15.00
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) $75.00 $77.50
Gym membership $40.18 $64.29
  • Basic utilities cost less in Raleigh than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
  • Cell phone plans typically cost more in Raleigh than in Madison.
  • Eggs cost more in Raleigh than in Madison.
  • Bread is more expensive in Raleigh than in Madison.
  • A quick meal tends to cost more in Raleigh than in Madison.
  • A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Raleigh than in Madison.
  • Gym memberships are more affordable in Raleigh than in Madison.

How life is different in Raleigh vs. Madison

Raleigh Madison
Population 467,665 269,840
Transportation score 4 6
Walkability score 31 50
Bike friendliness score 39 66
Crime index 38.87 34.57
Safety index 60.13 65.43
Air quality Moderate Good
  • Madison’s population is about 42% less than Raleigh.
  • Madison’s public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Raleigh’s score of 4.
  • Madison is more walkable than Raleigh with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Raleigh’s 31 out of 100.
  • With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Raleigh, which has a score of 39 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 Raleigh with a score of 34.57 compared to Raleigh’s 38.87. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Raleigh neighborhoods are safer than 38.87%.
  • Madison is considered to be safer than Raleigh with a safety index of 65.43 vs Raleigh’s 60.13.
  • Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Raleigh it’s Moderate.

Other things to consider for your Raleigh to Madison move

  • HOA rules: It’s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: Reserve elevator access early if your building requires it, to avoid delays on moving 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. Double-check that the moving company is properly licensed before you hire them.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company’s license by visiting the state’s public utilities commission.
  • Moving Permits: While Wisconsin doesn’t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: File your USPS change of address about a week before moving so mail reaches Madison smoothly. Start the process 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: Use our moving checklist to stay on top of every detail and reduce last-minute stress.

Where to live in Madison

Now that you’ve chosen Mad City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Madison to check out.

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 getting comfortable in your new Wisconsin home, it’s time to see what Madison is all about. Whether you’re into food, art, nature, or nightlife — there’s plenty to check out:

  • Arts and culture: From historic museums to vibrant art centers, Madison offers cultural landmarks 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 sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Raleigh to Madison?

The most budget-friendly and comfortable times to move from Raleigh to Madison are in the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and moving rates in Raleigh are lower.

When is the cheapest time to move from Raleigh to Madison?

Because spring and fall moves from Raleigh to Madison are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you’re looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.

How long does a move from Raleigh to Madison take?

A move of 956 miles from Raleigh, NC to Madison, generally takes two to seven days. Movers in Raleigh sometimes provide expedited service, while storage in Madison is a good fallback if you need extra time.

Which discounts can you find from movers in Raleigh?

Plenty of moving companies offer ways to help you save, from seasonal promotions to ongoing deals. 1 companies offer special pricing for members of the military. 1 extend savings to senior citizens.

Discount types, amounts, and availability can differ, so it’s worth confirming the details with each mover before you book.

Which movers in Raleigh offer piano or antique moving?

Some moving jobs call for extra care and expertise. 20 movers in Raleigh have the skills and equipment for piano transport. 8 specialize in safely moving antiques. Across NC, there are 78 piano movers and 38 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers reach 2,303 and 1,466.

Because not every mover offers these services, ask about specialty experience and insurance coverage when you request quotes.

Helpful moving resources

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