($1,151+) Portland, OR to Madison, WI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Portland, OR to Madison, WI

Moving from Portland, OR, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $1,211 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,321 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,975 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 5 to 16 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 $2,868, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,321 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,676 - $5,775, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,211 - $3,371.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Portland, OR, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,950 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Portland, OR to Madison, WI

Moving options from Portland to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,950 - $8,954 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,975-mile route typically takes 5 to 16 days door to door.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,975-mile route from Portland to Madison, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,868 - $6,196 $1,676 - $3,181 $1,211 - $2,314 $1,568 - $2,891
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,950 - $8,954 $2,039 - $4,282 $1,363 - $2,863 $1,632 - $3,531
4+ bedrooms $7,830 - $13,321 $3,058 - $5,775 $1,605 - $3,371 $2,328 - $4,524

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 Portland, OR to Madison, WI

A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 1,975-mile move from Portland, Oregon, to Madison, Wisconsin, with prices running from $2,868 - $13,321. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $354 - $2,360 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Portland and Madison are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Portland movers tend to run around $278 as a base rate plus $130/hour per mover, for comparison.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,868 - $6,196
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,950 - $8,954
  • 4+ bedrooms: $7,830 - $13,321

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 Portland to Madison.

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

Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.

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Specialty moving services from Portland, OR to Madison, WI

Specialty needs vary by market — 83% of Portland 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$590 - $5,900
Storage in transitNew place not ready83% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving$236 - $1,416/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$354 - $2,832
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage33% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers$1,180 - $3,540
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,950 - $11,800
Car shippingSecond vehicle$884 - $1,679
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items42% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving$1,180 - $2,950
PianoAny piano type71% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving$944 - $4,130
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling21% of local movers$354 - $1,770
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect21% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: All Service Moving$767 - $2,360
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$354 - $17,700+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$354 - $4,130+

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

Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Portland, OR. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.

Moving container costs from Portland, OR to Madison, WI

Moving containers from Portland, Oregon, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,676 and $5,775. 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 Portland costs roughly $100/month if you need it.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,676 - $3,181
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,039 - $4,282
  • 4+ bedrooms: $3,058 - $5,775

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $89 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $177 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $826 in Portland, OR, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Madison, WI, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Oregon 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 $1,676. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,039 - $4,282, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Portland 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 Portland 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 Portland:

  • All Service Moving (4.8/5), 22 years in business
  • 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery (4.9/5), 18 years in business
  • You Move Me (4.9/5), 13 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Portland, OR to Madison, WI

Renting a moving truck for the 1,975-mile move from Portland, Oregon, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $1,211 and $3,371, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $742 - $847
  • Daily insurance: $35/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $24
  • Portland daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $1.19
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 Portland to Madison based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,211 - $2,314
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,363 - $2,863
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,605 - $3,371

Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $1,211 - $3,371 does not include fuel ($742 - $847) , lodging ($177/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Portland to Madison typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $177 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
  • Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $77 and $384 to your total.
  • Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
  • Gas: Plan on spending $742 - $847 in fuel for the 1,975-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
  • Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $826 in Portland, Oregon, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Portland 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 Portland, OR to Madison, WI

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Portland, Oregon, 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 $1,632 and $3,531.

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

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,568 - $2,891
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,632 - $3,531
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,328 - $4,524

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 $89 and $177.
  • 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 Portland, Oregon, for roughly five hours typically average $826.

What are the best freight companies from Portland to Madison?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
  3. Inland Company (4.76/5 stars): Inland Company is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.

Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Portland to Madison, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.

Cost of living: Portland, OR 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 Portland on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Portland, OR Madison, WI
Cost of living index128103
Average rent$1,530/mo$1,600/mo
Median home value$556,420$346,854
Average income$88,792/yr$76,983/yr
Unemployment rate6.9%3.3%
State income taxUp to 9.9%Up to 7.65%
Walkability score81/10050/100
Safety index42.63/10065.43/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Portland, OR guide.

Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:

We've processed 10 real quotes from Oregon to Wisconsin over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 37 movers in our Oregon network to compare for this 1,975-mile move.

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Our take

A move from Portland, OR, to Madison, WI, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $2,868 - $13,321 on the 1,975-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,676 - $5,775, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $1,211 - $3,371. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,950 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.

FAQs: Moving from Portland, OR, to Madison, WI

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 do local movers charge in Portland?

Local movers based in Portland typically start around $278 as a base rate, plus $130/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.

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.

How much does it cost to move from Portland, OR to Madison, WI?

Costs on this route range from around $2,868 to $13,321, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,868 and $13,321, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Portland, OR 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 $1,363 - $2,863. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

What percentage of Portland movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 71% of movers in Portland handle piano moves, and 42% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.