Houston, TX to Madison, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Houston to Madison typically costs $2,900–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 1,138 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Houston to Madison
Moving from Houston, TX to Madison, WI typically costs $2,900–$7,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 1,138-mile move from Houston to Madison, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 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
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,691 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- AB Moving recently quoted $5,262 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $3,764 for a studio apartment using professional movers.
4 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Feb 06, 2026
Studio apartment
Feb 06, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 30, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 18, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 12, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 11, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Dec 25, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Nov 27, 2025
Major factors affecting moving costs from Houston 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 Houston to Madison might be as low as $2,300, while a four-bedroom could reach $9,700.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Houston.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $800 to $2,300 — 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 Houston, TX guide.
Best Houston to Madison movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Houston to Madison
When it comes to handling your interstate move from Houston 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 TX→WI movers
moveBuddha's expert team analyzed moving rates from 291 Texas 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 Houston to Madison
Many movers find Madison easier on the wallet than Houston - roughly 17% less for singles and 24% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,292 for one person in Madison versus $2,770 in Houston. For a family of four, it's $5,457 compared with $7,157.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Houston | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,658 | $1,693 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,195 | $3,100 |
| Average home value | $263,945 | $367,934 |
| Average income (per capita) | $69,833 | $62,919 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,770 | $2,292 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $7,157 | $5,457 |
| Unemployment rate | 4.1% | 3.3% |
| Sales tax | 8.25% | 5.5% |
| State income tax | 0.0% | 7.65% |
- Switching from Houston to Madison won't strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 39% higher in Madison than in Houston.
- Be sure to look over your budget before making the move. The average income is about 10% lower in Madison than in Houston.
- Prepare to enjoy reduced routine costs such as groceries, fuel, and utilities in Madison. The cost of living for a single person is 17% less compared to Houston.
- 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 24% lower than in Houston.
- With an unemployment rate approximately 20% lower than Houston, Madison boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
- Sales taxes are 33% lower in Madison than Houston, a factor that could decrease expenditure on taxable items if your consumption is higher.
- Wisconsin has a state income tax, while Texas 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 Houston and Madison, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Houston | Madison |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $200.52 | $215.88 |
| Cell phone plan | $60.77 | $50.44 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.11 | $4.04 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.05 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $15.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $80.00 | $77.50 |
| Gym membership | $38.29 | $64.29 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Houston than in Madison, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Houston than in Madison.
- Eggs cost more in Houston than in Madison.
- Bread costs less in Houston than in Madison.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Houston than in Madison.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Houston than in Madison.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Houston than in Madison.
How life is different in Houston vs. Madison
| Houston | Madison | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,301,572 | 269,840 |
| Transportation score | 5 | 6 |
| Walkability score | 47 | 50 |
| Bike friendliness score | 49 | 66 |
| Crime index | 63.5 | 34.57 |
| Safety index | 36.5 | 65.43 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Madison's population is about 88% less than Houston.
- Madison's public transportation score of 6 out of 10 is higher than Houston's score of 5.
- Madison is more walkable than Houston with a score of 50 out of 100 vs Houston's 47 out of 100.
- With a score of 66 out of 100, Madison is more bike-friendly than Houston, which has a score of 49 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Madison's crime rate is lower than Houston with a score of 34.57 compared to Houston's 63.5. This means that Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5%.
- Madison is considered to be safer than Houston with a safety index of 65.43 vs Houston's 36.5.
- Air quality in Madison is Good, and in Houston it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Houston 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 Houston to Madison?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Houston to Madison. You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Houston.
When is the cheapest time to move from Houston to Madison?
With many people choosing to move from Houston 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 Houston to Madison take?
Covering 1,138 miles, the move from Houston, TX to Madison, WI typically takes two to eight days. Some Houston movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Madison can help bridge the gap.
Do movers in Houston offer any discounts?
Many do — and the types of discounts available can help you cut costs. 2 movers provide military discounts. 2 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 Houston can handle specialty items for my move to Madison?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Houston, 27 movers can handle pianos. 15 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of TX, there are 176 piano movers and 120 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
