($418+) Fargo, ND to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Fargo, ND, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $418 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $9,273 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 503 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,414, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $9,273 or more.
- Moving containers run $929 - $2,867, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $418 - $1,131.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Fargo, ND, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,288 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 Fargo, ND to Madison, WI
Moving options from Fargo to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,288 - $6,401 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 45% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 80% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 503 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 503-mile route from Fargo to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,414 - $4,297 | $929 - $1,768 | $418 - $761 | $853 - $1,453 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,288 - $6,401 | $1,264 - $2,348 | $451 - $957 | $982 - $1,916 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,162 - $9,273 | $1,552 - $2,867 | $573 - $1,131 | $1,307 - $2,438 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,414 and $9,273. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 503-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $287 - $1,916, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Fargo and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Fargo tend to start around $264 plus $99/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Fargo to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,414 - $4,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,288 - $6,401
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,162 - $9,273
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 Fargo to Madison.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 33% of Fargo movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing67% of local movers | $479 - $4,790 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready33% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $192 - $1,150/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $287 - $2,299 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage7% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs47% of local movers | $958 - $2,874 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,395 - $9,580 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $718 - $1,363 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% nationallyTop pick: Wrap & Pack Moving Company (ND) | $958 - $2,395 |
| Piano | Any piano type27% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $766 - $3,353 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $287 - $1,437 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect7% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Jobbers Moving & Storage | $623 - $1,916 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $287 - $14,370+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $287 - $3,353+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Fargo to Madison?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Wisconsin Movers Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Fargo, ND. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Fargo, North Dakota, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $929 and $2,867. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Fargo costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Fargo to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $929 - $1,768
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,264 - $2,348
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,552 - $2,867
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Fargo, ND 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 $671 in Fargo, ND, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $72 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $144 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 North Dakota 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 $929. 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 $1,264 - $2,348.
What are the best moving containers Fargo 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 Fargo 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 Fargo:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 24 years in business
- 5 Star Moving (4.3/5), 23 years in business
- His Workmanship - Fargo
Moving truck rental costs from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI
A rental truck for this 503-mile move from Fargo, North Dakota, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $418 and $1,131. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $153 - $175
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Fargo 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 Fargo to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $418 - $761
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $451 - $957
- 4+ bedrooms: $573 - $1,131
Pro tip: A rental truck from Fargo to Madison looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $418 - $1,131. But once you factor in fuel ($153 - $175), overnight lodging ($144/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $144 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Fargo, North Dakota, usually costs about $671 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 503-mile drive falls between $153 and $175, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $48 and $287 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Fargo 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 Fargo, ND to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Fargo, North Dakota, to Madison, Wisconsin, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $982 and $1,916.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Fargo to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $853 - $1,453
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $982 - $1,916
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,307 - $2,438
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $72 - $144 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Fargo, North Dakota, typically costs $671.
What are the best freight companies from Fargo to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Madison fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Fargo, ND vs Madison, WI
Fargo and Madison land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 91 in Fargo and 103 in Madison, and average rent is $1,055/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 45 vs 50 and safety scores are 56.17 vs 65.43.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Fargo, ND guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from North Dakota to Wisconsin in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 21 movers based in North Dakota, handy for sizing up options on this 503-mile route.
Our take
The 503-mile move from Fargo, ND, to Madison, WI, costs between $1,414 and $9,273 with full-service movers, $929 - $2,867 with a moving container, and $418 - $1,131 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $2,288 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Fargo, ND, to Madison, WI
How walkable is Madison?
Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 45 and 49 in Fargo. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Madison a safe place to live?
Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, compared to 56.17 and 8.0 in Fargo. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Fargo, ND to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What percentage of Fargo movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 27% of movers in Fargo handle piano moves, compared to 40% nationally.