($158+) Madison, WI to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $158 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,549 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 146 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $689, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $4,549 or more.
- Moving containers run $737 - $2,111, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $158 - $350.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,229 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 Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Madison to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,229 - $3,542. Moving containers run about 28% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 87% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 2 days for this 146-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 146-mile route from Madison to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $689 - $3,088 | $737 - $1,297 | $158 - $266 | $662 - $1,056 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,229 - $3,542 | $891 - $1,667 | $163 - $307 | $728 - $1,279 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,757 - $4,549 | $1,158 - $2,111 | $191 - $350 | $965 - $1,655 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers for the 146-mile relocation from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $689 and $4,549. 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 $313 - $2,084, 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 Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $689 - $3,088
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,229 - $3,542
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,757 - $4,549
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 Chicago.
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 Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $208 - $1,250/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $313 - $2,501 |
| 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 | $1,042 - $3,126 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,605 - $10,420 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $780 - $1,483 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc. | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type43% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $677 - $2,084 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $313 - $15,630+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $313 - $3,647+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Chicago?
Movers licensed to operate in Illinois are typically members of the Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, 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, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Madison, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Madison to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,278 - $3,683. A local mover in Madison, WI is worth considering for moves under 500 miles. Short-distance moves don't always need the scale of a national carrier, and local companies can offer streamlined service, more flexible pickup windows, and a more personal approach to coordination.
Be sure to confirm interstate licensing, insurance coverage, and delivery expectations before booking.
Above Average Moving LLC (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Madison, ranked #2 in Wisconsin, based on our analysis of feedback from 344 customers, 94.2% of which is positive.
Address: 1416 Parkside Drive, Madison, WI, 53704 | Founded: 2016
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $737 and $2,111. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Madison typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $737 - $1,297
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $891 - $1,667
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,158 - $2,111
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $78 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $156 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Chicago, IL, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $729 in Madison, WI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Illinois 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 $737. 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 $891 - $1,667.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Chicago?
- 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 Chicago, IL
Plan on $158 - $350 for a rental moving truck on the 146-mile route from Madison, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $48 - $55
- Daily insurance: $31/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $21
- 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 Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $158 - $266
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $163 - $307
- 4+ bedrooms: $191 - $350
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Madison to Chicago starts at $158 - $350, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($48 - $55), overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $78 and $365.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $156.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $48 and $55 for the 146-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $729 for 2 movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Chicago?
- 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 Chicago, IL
For larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chicago, Illinois.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $728 and $1,279.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $662 - $1,056
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $728 - $1,279
- 4+ bedrooms: $965 - $1,655
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 pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $78 and $156.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $729.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Madison to Chicago. 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 Chicago, IL
Madison and Chicago land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 103 in Madison and 106 in Chicago, and average rent is $1,600/mo vs. $2,045/mo. With an index gap that small, you likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. For reference, walkability is 50 vs 77 and safety scores are 65.43 vs 33.87.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Wisconsin alone has 107 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 146-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL, 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 $689 - $4,549 on the 146-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $737 - $2,111, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $158 - $350. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,229 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 Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Chicago, IL
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, 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 is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL?
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 $163 - $307. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 2 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 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 Chicago run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
What percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 43% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.