($1,017+) Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Tucson, AZ, runs anywhere from $957 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,322 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,679 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 4 to 15 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 $2,262, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $10,322 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,441 - $5,295, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $957 - $2,758.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Tucson, AZ. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,145 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 Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ
There are 3 main ways to move from Madison to Tucson: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $3,145 - $6,812. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 1,679 miles, expect 4 to 15 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,679-mile route from Madison to Tucson, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,262 for a studio up to $10,322 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,441 - $5,295 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $957 - $2,758, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,349 - $4,030, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 6, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ
For the 1,679-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Tucson, Arizona, full-service movers cost between $2,262 and $10,322. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $302 - $2,012 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Madison generally start around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,262 - $5,261
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,145 - $6,812
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,869 - $10,322
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 Madison to Tucson.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Arizona. 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 Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Tucson, 92% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $503 - $5,030 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $201 - $1,207/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $302 - $2,414 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs20% of local movers | $1,006 - $3,018 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,515 - $10,060 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $753 - $1,432 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items20% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: The Armstrong Company | $1,006 - $2,515 |
| Piano | Any piano type60% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $805 - $3,521 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling | $302 - $1,509 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect21% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $654 - $2,012 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $302 - $15,090+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $302 - $3,521+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Tucson?
Look for Arizona Moving Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Arizona beyond this list.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 almost always better priced than local movers in Madison, WI. 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 Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Tucson, Arizona, cost between $1,441 and $5,295. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Madison typically costs about $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,441 - $2,878
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,918 - $3,988
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,590 - $5,295
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $75 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $151 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 $704 in Madison, WI, 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 Tucson, AZ, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Arizona 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 $1,441. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,918 - $3,988, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Tucson?
- 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 Madison 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 Madison:
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.6/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
- Du Frane Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 95 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ
Truck rentals from Madison, Wisconsin, to Tucson, Arizona, range from $957 - $2,758 for the 1,679-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $537 - $614
- Daily insurance: $30/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $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 Madison to Tucson based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $957 - $1,819
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,121 - $2,301
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,332 - $2,758
Pro tip: The base rate of $957 - $2,758 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Madison to Tucson. Fuel ($537 - $614) , lodging at around $151/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that. Factor in an extra $600 - $1,200 to get a realistic picture of what the move will actually cost.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $151 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 $65 and $327 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $537 - $614 in fuel for the 1,679-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $704 in Madison, Wisconsin, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Tucson?
- 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 Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Tucson, Arizona, 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 $1,428 and $3,068.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Tucson:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,349 - $2,393
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,428 - $3,068
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,969 - $4,030
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
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 - $151 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 Madison, Wisconsin, typically costs $704.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Tucson?
- 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.
- 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.
- Larson Transportation, LLC (4.34/5 stars): Larson Transportation, LLC 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 move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Madison to Tucson. 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: Madison, WI vs Tucson, AZ
Madison and Tucson land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 103 in Madison and 97 in Tucson, and rent tracks closely too ($1,600/mo vs. $1,295/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (50 vs 43) and safety scores (65.43 vs 45.57) come out about the same too.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Tucson, AZ to Madison, WI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Arizona, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 40 movers licensed in Wisconsin, useful context for sizing up this 1,679-mile move.
Our take
A move from Madison, WI, to Tucson, AZ, 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 $2,262 - $10,322 on the 1,679-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,441 - $5,295, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $957 - $2,758. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $3,145 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Tucson tend to point to beautiful nature and renowned cuisine, though high crime rate and low economic opportunity come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include University of Arizona and Raytheon Technologies.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Tucson, AZ
How walkable is Tucson?
Tucson has a walkability score of 43 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 66, compared to 50 and 66 in Madison. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ?
Costs on this route range from around $2,262 to $10,322, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,262 and $10,322, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ?
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.
What do local movers charge in Madison?
Local movers based in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate, plus $85/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 Tucson run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Tucson, AZ take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 60% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 20% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.