Quick answer: A typical 316-mile move from Madison to Fort Wayne runs $341 – $4,814 and takes about one to four days. Costs vary based on how much you’re moving, when, and if you hire a company or go DIY.
Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our guide to moving from Fort Wayne to Madison.
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Best professional movers from Madison to Fort Wayne
A full-service mover can make your interstate relocation from Madison to Fort Wayne far less complicated. From wrapping and packing your belongings to transporting them safely, these companies cover the entire process so you can spend your time on what matters most.
Madison has 3 interstate moving companies, here are our top picks for the most reliable full-service movers ready to get you moving to Fort Wayne without the headaches.
What moving services are available in Madison?
How we chose the best movers WI→IN movers
The best local movers for Madison to Fort Wayne moves
It’s not always easy to find a reliable local moving company in Madison that also handles long-distance moves to Fort Wayne. Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. We evaluated the top local movers in Madison who offer long-distance services, looking at cost, service quality, and customer reviews.
Below are the top local moving companies for long-distance moves from Madison to Fort Wayne.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.34 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 26753
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2595339
Alternate Names: Above Average Moving LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 1170867
Alternate Names: Armstrong Transfer & Storage Co., Inc. , Armstrong Relocation & Commercial Services , The Armstrong Company
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 31
DOT #: 2527384
Alternate Names: Lightner & Lightner, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 5
DOT #: 3322160
Alternate Names: TopNotchMovers LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
DOT #: 2378173
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Fort Wayne?
The average hourly rate for movers in Wisconsin is . Here are some general cost estimates for a full-service moving company, a moving container, or a rental truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $956 – $3,173 | $611 – $1,566 | $320 – $600 |
2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,726 – $4,814 | $1,096 – $2,239 | $341 – $690 |
4+ bedrooms | $2,609 – $6,666 | $1,464 – $2,811 | $461 – $849 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Fort Wayne
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Madison to Fort Wayne will cost between $956 and $3,173. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Madison to Madison will range from $1,726 to $4,814, and a large move from Madison to Fort Wayne will cost from $2,609 to $6,666.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Fort Wayne
If you’re moving from Madison to Fort Wayne, expect to pay between $611 and $1,566 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,096 up to $2,239. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,464 and $2,811. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to Fort Wayne
Renting a moving truck from Madison to Fort Wayne is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $320 and $600. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $341 and $690. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You’re likely looking at anywhere from $461 up to $849 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that influence moving costs from Madison to Fort Wayne

What to know before moving from Madison to Fort Wayne
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Fort Wayne runs about 13% higher for singles and -42% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,600 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $3,150 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
Madison | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,233 |
Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $2,367 |
Average home value | $367,934 | $227,803 |
Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $53,978 |
Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 5.1% |
Sales tax | 5.5% | 7.0% |
State income tax | 7.65% | 3.15% |
- If you’re heading to Fort Wayne from Madison, you’ll find that rent is roughly 27% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Your budget can breathe easier with home prices being close to 38% less in Fort Wayne than in Madison.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 14% lower in Fort Wayne compared to Madison.
- Be sure to budget for higher bills in Fort Wayne, since the cost of living for a single person in Fort Wayne is 13% higher than in Madison. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
- Choosing to move to Fort Wayne can significantly lower your family’s regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 42% less than in Madison.
- In Fort Wayne, the unemployment rate is approximately 55% higher than in Madison, indicating a larger group of job seekers. This can lead to increased competition for positions.
- Sales taxes rise by 27% in Fort Wayne over Madison, leading to heightened expenses for everyday essentials.
- Income taxes are 59% less in Indiana than in Wisconsin. With these lower tax rates, you can enjoy more take-home pay, simplifying your financial management.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Madison and Fort Wayne:
Living Expense | Madison | Fort Wayne |
---|---|---|
Basic utilities | $215.88 | $245.73 |
Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $56.88 |
Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $3.21 |
Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $2.87 |
Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $17.00 |
Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $60.00 |
Gym membership | $64.29 | $50.00 |
- Basic utilities cost less in Madison than in Fort Wayne, helping trim your monthly bills.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Fort Wayne.
- Eggs cost more in Madison than in Fort Wayne.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Fort Wayne.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Fort Wayne.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Madison than in Fort Wayne.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Fort Wayne.
How life is different in Madison vs. Fort Wayne
Madison | Fort Wayne | |
---|---|---|
Population | 269,840 | 265,974 |
Transportation score | 6 | 3 |
Walkability score | 50 | 32 |
Bike friendliness score | 66 | 41 |
Crime index | 34.57 | 40.9 |
Safety index | 65.43 | 59.1 |
Air quality | Good | Good |
- Fort Wayne’s population is within about 5% of Madison, so they’re very similar in size.
- Fort Wayne’s public transportation score of 3 out of 10 is lower than Madison’s score of 6.
- Fort Wayne is less walkable than Madison with a score of 32 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Fort Wayne has a bike-friendliness score of 41 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Fort Wayne’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 40.9 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Fort Wayne neighborhoods are safer than 40.9% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Fort Wayne is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 59.1 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Fort Wayne is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Fort Wayne move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- State licensing: The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) regulate movers operating within Indiana and issue moving companies Indiana Households Goods Carriers Numbers. Check to make sure prospective movers have one and that it’s up to date. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Indiana moving license and its status through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Indiana doesn’t require moving permits, but it’s still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Fort Wayne. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for Released Value Protection – a budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers, though coverage is limited to 60 cents per pound. For instance, if a 50-inch TV weighing 25 pounds is lost or damaged, reimbursement is just $15. To ensure coverage for your items’ full value, discuss alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider third-party insurance providers.
- Moving checklist: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Fort Wayne
Now that you’ve decided to make the move to City of Churches, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Fort Wayne.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- West Central
- North Anthony
- Downtown
- Northside
- Historic Northeast
Best neighborhoods for families
- Pine Valley
- Aboite Township
- Cherry Hill
- Arlington Park
- Georgetown
Things to do in Fort Wayne
Once you’re settled into your new home in Indiana, it’s time to get out and discover what Fort Wayne has to offer. No matter your interests, there’s something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You’ll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Fort Wayne, such as the Science Central, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Fort Wayne Firefighters Museum, and History Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Lakeside Park & Rose Garden, Kreager Park, Buckner Park, and Promenade Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an Fort Wayne Komets (ECHL)Fort Wayne Ants (NBA G League) game.
FAQ
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