Fargo, ND to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Fargo to Madison typically costs $2,900–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 503 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Fargo to Madison
Moving from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI typically costs $2,900–$7,200 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 503-mile move from Fargo 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
- Allied Van Lines recently quoted $6,713 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,251 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $2,617 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 31, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 08, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 19, 2025
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 14, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
4 Bedrooms
Dec 10, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Fargo to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $1,600, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $10,200.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Fargo, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($500–$1,300) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Fargo, ND guide.
Best Fargo to Madison movers by type
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Local
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Fargo to Madison
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Fargo 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 ND→WI movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 11 North Dakota 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 Fargo to Madison
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Madison runs about 46% higher for singles and 65% higher for families than Fargo.
Singles spend around $2,292 in Madison versus $1,566 in Fargo; families pay $5,457 compared with $3,299.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Fargo | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $963 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,563 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $287,548 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $59,493 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $1,566 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $3,299 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.6% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 7.5% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 2.9% | 7.65% |
- Rent is estimated to be 52% higher in Madison compared to Fargo; it's essential to account for this in your budget planning.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 28% greater in Madison than in Fargo.
- Here's some promising news: the average income is around 6% higher in Madison than in Fargo, which could mean added opportunities to save or invest each month.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Madison, since the cost of living for a single person in Madison is 46% higher than in Fargo. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- When relocating to Madison, it's important to be aware that living expenses may rise. The cost of living for a family in Madison is 65% greater than in Fargo.
- Madison enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 8% lower compared to Fargo, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 27% in Madison compared to Fargo, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Income taxes are 164% higher in Wisconsin than in North Dakota, 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 Fargo and Madison:
| Living Expense | Fargo | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $159.44 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $54.00 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.00 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.25 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $50.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $55.00 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Fargo than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Fargo than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Fargo than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Fargo 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 Fargo than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Fargo than in Madison.
How life is different in Fargo vs. Madison
| Fargo | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 125,990 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 45 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 66 |
| Crime index | 8.0 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 56.17 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 114% greater than Fargo.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Fargo's score of 4.
- Madison is more walkable than Fargo with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Fargo's 45 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Fargo, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison's crime rate is higher than Fargo with a score of 34.57 compared to Fargo's 8.0. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Fargo neighborhoods are safer than 8.0%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Fargo with a safety index of 65.43 vs Fargo's 56.17.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Fargo it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Fargo 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 Fargo to Madison?
The best time to move from Fargo to Madison is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Fargo.
When is the cheapest time to move from Fargo to Madison?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Fargo 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 Fargo to Madison take?
Moving from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI covers 503 miles and usually takes one to six days. Need to move faster? Some Fargo movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Madison.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Fargo?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 5 movers in Fargo advertise piano moving expertise. 2 movers in Fargo provide antique moving services. State totals show 9 piano movers and 4 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.
