Nashville, TN to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Nashville to Madison typically costs $2,400–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 623 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Nashville to Madison
Moving from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI typically costs $2,400–$6,500 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 623-mile move from Nashville to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 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
- Safeway Moving recently quoted $2,968 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $5,512 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $4,766 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Mar 02, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 26, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 12, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 11, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 28, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 15, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 13, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 06, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 28, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 26, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Nashville to Madison
Your total cost will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Nashville to Madison might be as low as $1,700, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,100.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Nashville.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $500 to $1,400 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Nashville, TN guide.
Best Nashville to Madison movers by type
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Best professional movers from Nashville to Madison
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Nashville to Madison, entrusting professionals with the details is often the best decision. Full-service movers are equipped to manage everything, allowing you to concentrate on settling into your new place.
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 TN→WI movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 71 Tennessee movers and listed the top movers based on customer satisfaction, reviews, and cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The organization reliably provides services punctually, maintains clear communication, and stays within the anticipated budget.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Since mistakes are inevitable in moving, we value movers that accept responsibility and work hard to correct issues when they occur.
- Industry reputation (15%): The organization is recognized in the industry and takes part in professional gatherings and associations.
- Online reputation (15%): The company’s reputation online is supported by a well-maintained website and prompt, professional engagement with customer questions.
- Service options (10%): We look for companies with a deep breadth of services including full packing, storage, specialty item handling, and expedited delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Nashville to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Nashville - roughly 26% less for singles and 35% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $3,108 in Nashville. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $8,447.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Nashville | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,887 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,044 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $428,678 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $79,020 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,108 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $8,447 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.5% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 9.75% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.65% |
- Good news! When moving to Madison from Nashville, you'll benefit from rent being an estimated 19% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 14% cheaper in Madison, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 20% lower in Madison than in Nashville.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person is 26% less compared to Nashville.
- Relocating to Madison could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 35% lower than in Nashville.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 27% lower than Nashville, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 44% lower in Madison than Nashville, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Wisconsin has a state income tax, while Tennessee does not. That means you’ll owe more in taxes after your move, reducing your take-home pay compared to what you’re used to.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Nashville and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Nashville | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $202.09 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $70.35 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.92 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.08 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $17.50 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $40.82 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Nashville than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Nashville than in Madison.
- Eggs are less expensive in Nashville than in Madison.
- Bread is more expensive in Nashville than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Nashville than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Nashville than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Nashville than in Madison.
How life is different in Nashville vs. Madison
| Nashville | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 689,447 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 4 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 96 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 66 |
| Crime index | 49.1 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 50.9 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 61% less than Nashville.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Nashville's score of 4.
- Madison is less walkable than Nashville with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Nashville's 96 out of 100.
- Madison has a bike-friendliness score of 66 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Nashville, which has a score of 72.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than Nashville with a score of 34.57 compared to Nashville's 49.1. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Nashville neighborhoods are safer than 49.1%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Nashville with a safety index of 65.43 vs Nashville's 50.9.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Nashville it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Nashville to Madison move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it's a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Wisconsin moving license through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Madison without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Where to live in Madison
Ready to relocate to Mad City? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider 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
Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin, it's the perfect time to explore Madison. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Madison include museums and art centers like the Chazen Museum of Art, Madison Children's Museum, Wisconsin Veterans Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Olbrich Botanical Gardens, University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum, Lake Mendota, and Allen Centennial Gardens, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team 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 Nashville to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Nashville to Madison. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Nashville.
When is the cheapest time to move from Nashville to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from Nashville to Madison in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Nashville to Madison take?
Covering 623 miles, the move from Nashville, TN to Madison, WI typically takes one to six days. Some Nashville movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Nashville offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 3 movers provide military discounts. 3 movers extend senior citizen discounts.
Because offers change, confirm details with your mover to make sure you’re getting the most out of available deals.
How many movers in Nashville can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Nashville, 23 movers can handle pianos. 12 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TN, there are 46 piano movers and 21 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,294 and 1,462 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
