($425+) Akron, OH to Madison, WI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Akron, OH to Madison, WI

Moving from Akron, OH, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $447 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,925 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 521 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 $1,244, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,925 or more.
  • Moving containers run $984 - $3,004, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $447 - $1,208.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Akron, OH, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,230 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Akron, OH to Madison, WI

Moving options from Akron 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 $2,230 - $5,639 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 521 miles and typically takes 1 to 6 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 521-mile route from Akron to Madison, broken down by home size:

  • Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,244 - $4,268, container $984 - $1,817, rental truck $447 - $821, freight trailer $849 - $1,619.
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,230 - $5,639, container $1,312 - $2,509, rental truck $467 - $945, freight trailer $967 - $1,928.
  • 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,815 - $8,925, container $1,609 - $3,004, rental truck $577 - $1,208, freight trailer $1,370 - $2,504.

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Akron, OH to Madison, WI

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 521-mile move from Akron, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, with costs ranging from $1,244 - $8,925. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $269 - $1,796. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Akron and Madison. Local movers in Akron typically start around $199 as a base rate plus $80/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Akron to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,244 - $4,268
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,230 - $5,639
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,815 - $8,925

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 Akron to Madison.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Ohio to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.

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Specialty moving services from Akron, OH to Madison, WI

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Akron 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 packingFull crew packing100% of local movers$449 - $4,490
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage$180 - $1,078/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$269 - $2,155
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs33% of local movers$898 - $2,694
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,245 - $8,980
Car shippingSecond vehicle$673 - $1,278
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items45% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage$898 - $2,245
PianoAny piano type67% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Summit Moving & Storage$718 - $3,143
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling27% of local movers$269 - $1,347
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect12% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Berger Allied Moving & Storage$584 - $1,796
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$269 - $13,470+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$269 - $3,143+

What are the best full-service movers from Akron to Madison?

Look for Wisconsin Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Wisconsin beyond this list.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Akron, OH, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.

Moving container costs from Akron, OH to Madison, WI

Moving containers from Akron, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $984 and $3,004. 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 Akron typically runs around $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Akron to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $984 - $1,817
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,312 - $2,509
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,609 - $3,004

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $67 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $135 per month.
  • Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Madison, WI, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
  • Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $629 in Akron, OH. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Ohio 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 $984. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,312 - $2,509, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Akron to Madison?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Akron 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 Akron:

  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 29 years in business
  • Move It Now (4.8/5), 16 years in business
  • Move For Less, LLC (4.4/5), 16 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Akron, OH to Madison, WI

A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 521 miles from Akron, Ohio, to Madison, Wisconsin, running $447 - $1,208. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:

  • Fuel for the drive: $149 - $170
  • Daily insurance: $27/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
  • Akron daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Akron to Madison based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $447 - $821
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $467 - $945
  • 4+ bedrooms: $577 - $1,208

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $447 - $1,208 when pricing out a rental truck from Akron to Madison. Fuel alone runs ($149 - $170) , and overnight lodging ($135/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?

  • Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
  • Lodging: Budget around $135 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 Akron, Ohio, usually costs about $629 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
  • Gas: Fuel for the 521-mile drive falls between $149 and $170, 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 $45 and $269 to your total.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Akron to Madison?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Akron, OH to Madison, WI

If you're moving a larger household from Akron, Ohio, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Madison, Wisconsin.

Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $967 and $1,928.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Akron to Madison:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $849 - $1,619
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $967 - $1,928
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,370 - $2,504

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 $67 and $135.
  • 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 Akron, Ohio, for roughly five hours typically average $629.

What are the best freight companies from Akron to Madison?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Miller Transfer (4.84/5 stars): Miller Transfer is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and based facilities mean accessible support staff and area-specific scheduling flexibility that national-only freight carriers typically don't match.

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: Akron, OH vs Madison, WI

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Madison, side by side with Akron on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Akron, OH Madison, WI
Cost of living index81103
Average rent$950/mo$1,600/mo
Median home value$111,626$346,854
Average income$48,544/yr$76,983/yr
Unemployment rate6.9%3.3%
State income taxUp to 3.5%Up to 7.65%
Walkability score48/10050/100
Safety index50.39/10065.43/100
Air qualityModerateGood

Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Akron, OH guide.

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Our take

The 521-mile move from Akron, OH, to Madison, WI, costs between $1,244 and $8,925 with full-service movers, $984 - $3,004 with a moving container, and $447 - $1,208 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 $2,230 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 Akron, OH, to Madison, WI

What are some tips for saving money on a move from Akron, OH 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.

How much does it cost to move from Akron, OH to Madison, WI?

Costs on this route range from around $1,244 to $8,925, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,244 and $8,925, 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.

How walkable is Madison?

Madison has a walkability score of 50 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 48 and 43 in Akron. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.

What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?

The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($149 - $170), daily insurance ($27/day), and equipment rentals ($6 - $18) on top. Overnight stops can add another $135/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.

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 Akron movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 67% of movers in Akron handle piano moves, and 45% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.