($578+) Rochester, NY to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Rochester, NY, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $562 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,673 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 747 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 $1,480, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,673 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,095 - $3,623, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $562 - $1,444.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Rochester, NY, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,048 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Rochester, NY to Madison, WI
Moving options from Rochester to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,048 - $5,257 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 30% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 60% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 747 miles, this route usually takes 1 to 6 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 747-mile route from Rochester to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,480 - $3,910 | $1,095 - $2,029 | $562 - $1,076 | $995 - $1,827 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,048 - $5,257 | $1,392 - $2,620 | $565 - $1,216 | $1,136 - $2,250 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,721 - $7,673 | $1,922 - $3,623 | $751 - $1,444 | $1,462 - $2,812 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Rochester, NY to Madison, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Rochester, New York, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,480 and $7,673. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 747-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $284 - $1,892, 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 Rochester and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Rochester tend to start around $294 plus $216/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 Rochester to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,480 - $3,910
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,048 - $5,257
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,721 - $7,673
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 Rochester to Madison.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from New York to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Rochester, NY to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Rochester movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Madison, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $473 - $4,730 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $189 - $1,135/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $284 - $2,270 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs44% of local movers | $946 - $2,838 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,365 - $9,460 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $709 - $1,346 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items44% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $946 - $2,365 |
| Piano | Any piano type78% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $757 - $3,311 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling44% of local movers | $284 - $1,419 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect44% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Sheridan Brothers Moving | $615 - $1,892 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $284 - $14,190+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $284 - $3,311+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Rochester 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.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Rochester, NY. 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 Rochester, NY to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Rochester, New York, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,095 and $3,623. 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 Rochester typically runs around $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Rochester to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,095 - $2,029
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,392 - $2,620
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,922 - $3,623
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Rochester, NY 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 $662 in Rochester, NY, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $142 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 New York 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 $1,095. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,392 - $2,620, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Rochester 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 Rochester 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 Rochester:
- Sheridan Brothers Moving (4.0/5), 23 years in business
- Interior Moving Services Inc (4.8/5), 33 years in business
- Tony Caccamise Moving Co., Inc. (4.8/5), 50 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Rochester, NY to Madison, WI
Plan on $562 - $1,444 for a rental moving truck on the 747-mile route from Rochester, New York, to Madison, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $225 - $257
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Rochester daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 Rochester to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $562 - $1,076
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $565 - $1,216
- 4+ bedrooms: $751 - $1,444
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $562 - $1,444 when pricing out a rental truck from Rochester to Madison. Fuel alone runs ($225 - $257) , and overnight lodging ($142/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend an additional $600 - $1,200 beyond the base rate by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Gas: Fuel adds $225 - $257 for the 747-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Rochester, New York, for about 5 hours typically costs around $662.
- Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
- Lodging: The 747-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $142 per night, adding $284 - $426 in hotel costs total.
- Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $47 and $284.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Rochester 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 Rochester, NY to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Rochester, New York, 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. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,136 and $2,250.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Rochester to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $995 - $1,827
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,136 - $2,250
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,462 - $2,812
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $71 and $142.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Rochester, New York, for roughly five hours typically average $662.
What are the best freight companies from Rochester to Madison?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
- Stingray Transport, LLC (4.42/5 stars): Stingray Transport, LLC is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Rochester, NY vs Madison, WI
Rochester and Madison land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 89 in Rochester and 103 in Madison, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $1,600/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (61 vs 50) and safety scores (36.66 vs 65.43) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Rochester, NY guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from New York 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 147 movers licensed in New York, useful context for sizing up this 747-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 747-mile route from Rochester, NY, to Madison, WI, run $1,480 - $7,673 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,095 - $3,623, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $562 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,048, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Rochester, NY, to Madison, WI
What is the cheapest way to move from Rochester, NY 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 $565 - $1,216. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Rochester, NY to Madison, WI?
Costs on this route range from around $1,480 to $7,673, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,480 and $7,673, 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 3 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 Rochester?
Local movers based in Rochester typically start around $294 as a base rate, plus $216/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.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
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.
What percentage of Rochester movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 78% of movers in Rochester handle piano moves, and 44% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.