Moving from Madison to Milwaukee, WI
Fact Checked by:
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Milwaukee costs between $97 to $4,463 depending on your home's size and if you hire a moving company or move yourself, based on data from our moving cost calculator.
Most moves on this 80-mile route within Wisconsin take 1 to 2 days from packing to delivery.
Compare moving options from Madison to Milwaukee
The 4 most common types of movers when moving from Madison to Milwaukee are full-service movers, labor-only movers, moving containers, and rental trucks.
- Full-service movers handle everything from packing in Madison to driving and unloading in Milwaukee, but cost the most
- Labor-only services work well if you only want a crew for the heavy lifting
- Moving containers balance price and effort, but you handle loading or hire labor separately
- Rental trucks are the cheapest if you're comfortable driving 80 miles and require your full effort or hiring labor
| Move type | Top pick | Average cost | Best for | Main downside |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Full-service mover | Safeway Moving | $1,177 - $3,650 | Movers handle loading, driving, and unloading | Highest price of all options |
| Moving container | PODS | $870 - $1,649 | Pack and load on your own schedule | You handle all loading and unloading |
| Rental truck | Budget Truck Rental | $108 - $176 | Lowest upfront cost | You drive, load, and unload everything yourself |
| Labor-only | TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $85/hr | Need a loading crew and already have a truck | You arrange your own transport between cities |
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Milwaukee?
It costs between $97 to $4,463 to move from Madison to Milwaukee. The prices below break down your 80-mile move costs by type of moving service and home size.
- Full service movers: $681 - $4,463
- Moving containers: $689 - $2,134
- Rental trucks: $97 - $188
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $681 - $3,133 | $689 - $1,158 | $97 - $148 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,177 - $3,650 | $870 - $1,649 | $108 - $176 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,746 - $4,463 | $1,146 - $2,134 | $126 - $188 |
Extra costs to budget for
Most quotes won't include these line items by default — confirm each one with your mover or rental company before booking.
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Packing service | $309 - $2,575+ | Full-service movers |
| Loading labor | $85/hr per mover | Moving containers, rental trucks |
| Storage | About $90/month | Moving containers |
| Shuttle fee | $206 - $824 | Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $52 - $206 | Rental trucks |
| Added protection | 1% - 2% of declared value | All move types |
Best movers from Madison to Milwaukee
At 80 miles, your Madison to Milwaukee move sits in a range where both national and local companies can handle it well, but they serve different needs. We've listed our top pick from each category below.
Best movers for larger homes and complex logistics
Safeway Moving is our top-rated full-service pick for larger moves from Madison to Milwaukee. With 14 years in the moving industry and service throughout Wisconsin, they're a strong fit for intrastate moves of 80 miles.
Best movers for smaller homes and apartment moves
Above Average Moving LLC is the best mover for smaller homes and apartments from Madison to Milwaukee. They've been in business since 2016 (10 years of experience) and 92.0% of their 226 verified reviews are positive.
More Wisconsin moving resources
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Milwaukee to Madison guide.
Considerations when moving from Madison to Milwaukee
Cost of living: Madison vs. Milwaukee
The cost of living in Madison vs. Milwaukee isn’t just about housing costs. We’ll lay out everything that matters, including rent, home prices, average income, everyday spending, and local job trends, so you can easily see how life in Milwaukee compares to what you’re used to in Madison.
Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:
| Madison | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $346,854 | $171,025 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,983 | $51,888 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 7.4% |
| Average Sales Tax | 5.5% | 4.9% |
- Rent in Milwaukee is about 22% cheaper than in Madison. That means you’ll probably free up more of your budget for savings, fun, or other expenses.
- Home prices in Milwaukee are 51% lower than in Madison. That means you’ll have an easier time buying a home, locking in an affordable mortgage, and still having money left over for what matters most to you.
- Income in Milwaukee is 33% lower than in Madison, which might mean you’ll need to watch your budget, especially if your income doesn’t keep pace with the cost of living.
- The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 12% lower than in Madison, meaning you'll likely have more financial flexibility, allowing for increased savings, spending, or investment opportunities.
- Good news, living costs are 9% lower in Milwaukee than in Madison. That means your money goes further, giving you more room in your budget and a chance to boost your quality of life after the move.
- The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 124% higher than in Madison. This could make finding work more challenging and potentially affect job security, especially if you're moving without a job lined up.
- With sales taxes 11% lower in Milwaukee than Madison, everyday expenses like meals, clothing, and electronics could be easier on your wallet.
If you typically live on $3,000 a month in Madison, you’ll need about $2,640 to enjoy a similar lifestyle in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Madison vs. Milwaukee
Before you move, check out how life in Milwaukee measures up to Madison. You can easily compare the weather, cost of living, politics, safety, and population side by side. This comparison makes it easier to tell which city better fits your lifestyle and needs.
| Madison | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 577,222 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 45" |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 66.76 |
Milwaukee sources: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
- Milwaukee has a population roughly 114% higher than Madison. Relocating to a bigger city brings more people, possibilities, cultural experiences, and higher costs and a faster paced lifestyle. Whether that energizes or exhausts you all comes down to what you’re looking for.
- During the last presidential election, both Madison and Milwaukee supported the Democratic candidate.
- You’ll find that both Milwaukee and Madison have similar summer temperatures, so expect the same warm weather you’re used to, without changing your routine.
- In the coldest months, you’ll find similar low temperatures in both Madison and Milwaukee—with winter lows around 10°F and 14°F.
- Both Madison and Milwaukee see similar yearly rainfall—Madison averages 36 inches, while Milwaukee gets 35 inches.
- Snowfall totals are similar in Madison and Milwaukee, averaging 42 and 45 inches each year.
- Milwaukee shows a higher crime rate than Madison, with index scores of 66.76 compared to 34.57.
Things to do in Milwaukee
Whether you prefer to be in the great outdoors, soak up some culture, or catch a live game, Milwaukee has plenty to offer:
Museums in Milwaukee
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Milwaukee Public Museum
- Discovery World
- Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Parks in Milwaukee
- Henry Maier Festival Park
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes)
- Veteran's Park
- Lake Park
- The Swing Park
Sports teams in Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
- Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)
- Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)
Universities in Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Mount Mary University
- Alverno College
FAQ
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Madison to Milwaukee?
Shipping furniture from Madison to Milwaukee with a moving company typically costs between $593 and $2,661. If you’re relocating a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay anywhere from $1,177 to $3,650. For a four-bedroom home or larger, prices generally fall between $1,746 and $4,463 for that same route.
How much are moving container companies from Madison to Milwaukee?
If you’re planning a move from Madison to Milwaukee and thinking about using moving containers, here’s a quick look at typical costs: For a studio or one-bedroom, prices usually fall between $481 and $1,127. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect to pay from $870 to $1,649. Have an even larger house? Moves for four- or five-bedroom homes typically range from $1,146 to $2,134.
How much is a moving truck from Madison to Milwaukee?
If you’re looking to save money, renting a moving truck is often the most budget-friendly choice. Keep in mind, though— you’ll need to handle both the driving and the heavy lifting yourself. To keep things transparent, we’ve factored estimated fuel costs into our pricing so you know exactly what to expect.
If you’re renting a truck for a studio or one-bedroom move, expect to pay between $103 and $146. Moving a larger apartment? Costs typically fall between $108 and $176. For four-bedroom homes or bigger going from Madison to Milwaukee, truck rentals usually range from $126 up to $188.
How far in advance should I book Madison-to-Milwaukee movers?
To make your move from Madison to Milwaukee as stress-free as possible, lock in your movers at least two months before your big day. If you’re planning a summer move, aim for three months ahead, because spots fill up fast! Booking early not only boosts your chances of getting the date you want, but you might also score a better deal since many companies offer early-bird discounts for customers who plan ahead.
What time of year is the cheapest to move to Milwaukee?
The cheapest time of year to move to Milwaukee is between early October and late April. This period is outside of the moving industry’s peak season (May–September), which means demand — and therefore pricing — will typically be lower. A majority of U.S. moves happen between May and August, so staying outside the busy summer months will help you save money.
