($1,154+) Madison, WI to Long Beach, CA Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Long Beach, CA, runs anywhere from $1,154 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $10,590 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,979 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 $2,495, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $10,590 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,565 - $5,503, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,154 - $3,180.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Long Beach, CA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,506 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 Long Beach, CA
Moving options from Madison to Long Beach fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,506 - $7,267 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 65% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 1,979-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 1,979-mile route from Madison to Long Beach, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,495 - $5,285 | $1,565 - $3,119 | $1,154 - $2,073 | $1,352 - $2,620 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,506 - $7,267 | $2,024 - $4,371 | $1,236 - $2,726 | $1,604 - $3,231 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,552 - $10,590 | $2,801 - $5,503 | $1,576 - $3,180 | $2,129 - $4,537 |
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 Madison, WI to Long Beach, CA
Full-service movers for the 1,979-mile relocation from Madison, Wisconsin, to Long Beach, California, cost between $2,495 and $10,590. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $380 - $2,532, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Madison typically charge a base rate around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,495 - $5,285
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,506 - $7,267
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,552 - $10,590
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 Long Beach.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Long Beach, CA
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Long Beach, 55% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $633 - $6,330 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $253 - $1,519/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $380 - $3,038 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers | $1,266 - $3,798 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,165 - $12,660 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $948 - $1,802 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,266 - $3,165 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,013 - $4,431 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $380 - $1,899 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $823 - $2,532 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $380 - $18,990+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $380 - $4,431+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Long Beach?
California Moving & Storage Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in California, 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 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 Long Beach, CA
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Long Beach, California, cost between $1,565 and $5,503. 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 Madison costs roughly $90/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,565 - $3,119
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,024 - $4,371
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,801 - $5,503
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 $886 in Madison, WI. 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 $95 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $190 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 Long Beach, CA, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to California 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 $1,565. 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 $2,024 - $4,371.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Long Beach?
- 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:
- Above Average Moving LLC (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Top Notch Moving and Storage (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5)
Moving truck rental costs from Madison, WI to Long Beach, CA
Renting a moving truck for the 1,979-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Long Beach, California, costs between $1,154 and $3,180, before these typical add-ons:
- Fuel for the drive: $797 - $911
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Long Beach based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,154 - $2,073
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,236 - $2,726
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,576 - $3,180
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,154 - $3,180 when pricing out a rental truck from Madison to Long Beach. Fuel alone runs $797 - $911, and overnight lodging ($190/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $190 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Madison, Wisconsin, usually costs about $886 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 1,979-mile drive falls between $797 and $911, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $63 and $380 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Long Beach?
- 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 Long Beach, CA
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Long Beach, California. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,139 and $3,231.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Long Beach:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,352 - $2,620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,604 - $3,231
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,129 - $4,537
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final 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 $95 - $190 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 $886.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Long Beach?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Madison to Long Beach, 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: Madison, WI vs Long Beach, CA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Long Beach, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Madison, WI | Long Beach, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 103 | 162 |
| Average rent | $1,600/mo | $2,075/mo |
| Median home value | $346,854 | $762,188 |
| Average income | $76,983/yr | $83,969/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.2% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 13.3% |
| Walkability score | 50/100 | 73/100 |
| Safety index | 65.43/100 | 41.42/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Long Beach, CA to Madison, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to California in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 145 movers based in Wisconsin, handy for sizing up options on this 1,979-mile route.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 1,979-mile route from Madison, WI, to Long Beach, CA, run $2,495 - $10,590 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,565 - $5,503, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $1,154 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,506, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include UTi Worldwide and Molina Healthcare.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Long Beach, CA
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Long Beach, CA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 to 16 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 Long Beach?
For families, Bixby Village, Los Altos, and Wrigley Heights are worth a look in Long Beach. If you're moving solo or without kids, Belmont Shore, Recreation Park, and Carroll Park tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Long Beach, CA?
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 $1,236 - $2,726. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Long Beach a safe place to live?
Long Beach has a safety index of 41.42 out of 100 and a crime index of 58.58, compared to 65.43 and 34.57 in Madison. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.