($730+) Houston, TX to Madison, WI Movers
Moving from Houston, TX, to Madison, WI, runs anywhere from $730 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,142 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,138 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,154, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,142 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,252 - $3,975, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $730 - $1,972.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Houston, TX, to Madison, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,497 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Houston, TX to Madison, WI
Moving options from Houston to Madison fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,497 - $6,150 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 37% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 68% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,138-mile route typically takes 2 to 8 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,138-mile route from Houston to Madison, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,154 - $4,651 | $1,252 - $2,249 | $730 - $1,308 | $1,094 - $1,944 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,497 - $6,150 | $1,565 - $3,132 | $811 - $1,619 | $1,228 - $2,506 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,450 - $8,142 | $1,991 - $3,975 | $942 - $1,972 | $1,727 - $3,147 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Houston, TX to Madison, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Houston, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin, costs between $2,154 and $8,142. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 1,138-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $298 - $1,988, 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 Houston and Madison. For a rough baseline, movers based in Houston tend to start around $175 plus $75/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 Houston to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,154 - $4,651
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,497 - $6,150
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,450 - $8,142
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 Houston to Madison.
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 Houston, TX to Madison, WI
Specialty needs vary by market: 54% of Houston movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Madison, 52% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing81% of local movers | $497 - $4,970 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready54% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $199 - $1,193/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $298 - $2,386 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage12% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs61% of local movers | $994 - $2,982 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,485 - $9,940 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $745 - $1,414 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items28% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: A Better Tripp Moving & Storage | $994 - $2,485 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: 3 Men Movers | $795 - $3,479 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling17% of local movers | $298 - $1,491 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: InNout Movers (TX) | $646 - $1,988 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $298 - $14,910+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $298 - $3,479+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Houston to Madison?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Houston, TX. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Houston, TX to Madison, WI
Moving containers from Houston, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin, cost between $1,252 and $3,975. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Houston runs about $70/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Houston to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,252 - $2,249
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,565 - $3,132
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,991 - $3,975
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $696 in Houston, TX. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $75 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $149 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Madison, WI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Texas 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 $1,252. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,565 - $3,132.
What are the best moving containers Houston 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 Houston 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 Houston:
- 3 Men Movers (4.8/5), 41 years in business
- Bellhop Moving (4.6/5), 15 years in business
- Square Cow (4.9/5), 18 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Houston, TX to Madison, WI
Plan on $730 - $1,972 for a rental moving truck on the 1,138-mile route from Houston, Texas, to Madison, Wisconsin. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $360 - $411
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Houston 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 Houston to Madison based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $730 - $1,308
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $811 - $1,619
- 4+ bedrooms: $942 - $1,972
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Houston to Madison starts at $730 - $1,972, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($360 - $411), overnight lodging ($149/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Houston, Texas, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $696.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $360 - $411 for the 1,138-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $60 and $323, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $149 per night for hotel stops on the 1,138-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $298 - $447.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Houston 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 Houston, TX to Madison, WI
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Houston, Texas, 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. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $1,228 and $2,506.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Houston to Madison:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,094 - $1,944
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,228 - $2,506
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,727 - $3,147
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 trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $75 - $149 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Houston, Texas, typically costs $696.
What are the best freight companies from Houston 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.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Houston to Madison. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Houston, TX vs Madison, WI
Day-to-day costs in Madison are close to what you're used to in Houston: cost of living index of 103 versus 97, with average rent of $1,600/mo compared to $1,549/mo. With an index gap that small, budgeting for this move mostly comes down to the moving costs above rather than a shift in your monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 47/100 and 36.5/100 in Houston versus 50/100 and 65.43/100 in Madison.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Madison, WI to Houston, TX guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Texas to Wisconsin, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 843 movers in Texas, so you have real options to compare for this 1,138-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Houston, TX, to Madison, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,154 for a studio to $8,142 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 1,138-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,252 - $3,975. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $730 - $1,972, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,497 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Datex Ohmeda and American Family Insurance.
FAQs: Moving from Houston, TX, to Madison, WI
What do local movers charge in Houston?
Local movers based in Houston typically start around $175 as a base rate, plus $75/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 long does a move from Houston, TX to Madison, WI take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 8 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Madison?
For families, Dudgeon-Monroe, Hill Farms-University, and Maple-Prairie are worth a look in Madison. If you're moving solo or without kids, Madison, Shorewood Hills, and Middleton tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Houston, TX 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 $811 - $1,619. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Madison a safe place to live?
Madison has a safety index of 65.43 out of 100 and a crime index of 34.57, compared to 36.5 and 63.5 in Houston. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What percentage of Houston movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Houston handle piano moves, and 28% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.