($330+) Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI, runs anywhere from $330 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,046 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 394 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 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 $1,094, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,046 or more.
- Moving containers run $902 - $2,621, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $330 - $925.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,783 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Fact Checked by:
Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Moving options from Madison to Ann Arbor fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,783 - $5,039 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 34% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 79% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 394 miles and typically takes 1 to 4 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 394-mile route from Madison to Ann Arbor, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,094 - $3,587 | $902 - $1,555 | $330 - $613 | $755 - $1,385 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,783 - $5,039 | $1,176 - $2,076 | $382 - $727 | $914 - $1,766 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,944 - $7,046 | $1,438 - $2,621 | $484 - $925 | $1,151 - $2,251 |
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 Ann Arbor, MI
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 394-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, with costs ranging from $1,094 - $7,046. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $313 - $2,084. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Madison and Ann Arbor. Local movers in Madison typically start around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,094 - $3,587
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,783 - $5,039
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,944 - $7,046
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 Ann Arbor.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Ann Arbor, 57% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $521 - $5,210 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% 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: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,042 - $2,605 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $834 - $3,647 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $313 - $1,563 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $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 Ann Arbor?
Look for Michigan Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Michigan 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.
How much do local movers cost in Madison, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Madison to Ann Arbor with a local mover averages $1,800 - $5,089. Working with a local mover based in Madison, WI often costs less than hiring a national carrier on routes under 500 miles. Shorter routes come with lower fuel overhead and simpler logistics, and local movers can offer more direct communication and quicker booking windows.
The tradeoff is that smaller companies may lack the infrastructure for longer hauls. Verify proper interstate licensing and relevant experience before signing anything.
Above Average Moving LLC (4.64/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Madison, ranked #1 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 Ann Arbor, MI
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, cost between $902 and $2,621. 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 Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $902 - $1,555
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,176 - $2,076
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,438 - $2,621
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 $729 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 $78 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $156 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 Ann Arbor, MI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Michigan 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 $902. 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 $1,176 - $2,076.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Ann Arbor?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI
A rental truck for this 394-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Ann Arbor, Michigan, costs between $330 and $925. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $131 - $149
- 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 Ann Arbor based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $330 - $613
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $382 - $727
- 4+ bedrooms: $484 - $925
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Ann Arbor looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $330 - $925. But once you factor in fuel ($131 - $149), overnight lodging ($156/night), meals, and equipment rentals, the total adds up to more than the base rate suggests. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $131 and $149 for the 394-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 Ann Arbor?
- 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 Ann Arbor, MI
If you're moving a larger household from Madison, Wisconsin, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $914 and $1,766.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Ann Arbor:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $755 - $1,385
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $914 - $1,766
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,151 - $2,251
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
- Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $729.
- More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $78 and $156 per foot.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Ann Arbor?
- 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 are a great option when you need your belongings in Ann Arbor fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Ann Arbor, MI
Good news for your budget: Ann Arbor isn't meaningfully more or less expensive to live in than Madison. Cost of living index runs 106 there against 103 here. Focus your planning on the move itself rather than a change in monthly expenses. For reference, walkability and safety scores are 50/100 and 65.43/100 here versus 52/100 and 79.18/100 there.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Ann Arbor, MI to Madison, WI guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Michigan 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 394-mile route.
Our take
For a move from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,094 for a studio to $7,046 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 394-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $902 - $2,621. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $330 - $925, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $1,783 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include University of Michigan and NSK Americas, Inc..
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Ann Arbor, MI
What are the best neighborhoods in Ann Arbor?
For families, Burns Park, Eberwhite, and Water Hill are worth a look in Ann Arbor. If you're moving solo or without kids, Kerrytown, Lower Burns Park, and Old West Side tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Ann Arbor?
Ann Arbor has a walkability score of 52 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 71, 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.
Is Ann Arbor a safe place to live?
Ann Arbor has a safety index of 79.18 out of 100 and a crime index of 31.0, 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 are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI?
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 is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to Ann Arbor, MI?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
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.