Top local movers for Madison to St. Paul moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Madison that also provides long-distance services to St. Paul can feel overwhelming. That’s where we come in — we’ve analyzed five local movers in Madison who specialize in long-distance relocations, factoring in cost, services, and customer feedback.
These are the best local moving companies for getting from Madison to St. Paul.
- Above Average Moving LLC: 4.48 out of 5 stars
- The Armstrong Company: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.44 out of 5 stars
- Top Notch Moving and Storage: 4.3 out of 5 stars
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.28 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 St. Paul?
Movers in Wisconsin generally charge an average of per hour. Check out these typical costs for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck rental:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $875 – $3,013 | $584 – $1,324 | $279 – $502 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,525 – $4,595 | $1,071 – $2,107 | $302 – $638 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,037 – $5,992 | $1,329 – $2,637 | $385 – $737 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to St. Paul
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to St. Paul typically costs between $875 and $3,013. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $1,525 and $4,595 when moving from Madison to St. Paul. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Madison to St. Paul, you’re looking at costs ranging from $2,037 up to $5,992.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to St. Paul
If you’re relocating from Madison to St. Paul, you’ll typically spend between $584 and $1,324 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,071 up to $2,107. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $1,329 and $2,637. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Wisconsin.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Madison to St. Paul
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Madison to St. Paul move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.
If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $279 and $502. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $302 to $638. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $385 and $737.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Madison to St. Paul
The cost of Madison movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move depends on how much you’re bringing. A one-bedroom from Madison to St. Paul might be as low as $1,197, while a four-bedroom could reach $4,866.
- When you move: Moving in summer often costs more, since it’s the busiest season for movers in Madison.
- DIY moves vs. full-service help: Truck rentals cost less — around $279 to $674 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Madison to St. Paul
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – St. Paul runs about 59% higher for singles and -21% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $3,633 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $4,290 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $278,221 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $63,483 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $3,633 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $4,290 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.9% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.88% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 9.85% |
- Good news! When moving to St. Paul from Madison, you’ll benefit from rent being an estimated 16% less, allowing for a more relaxed budget.
- With home prices being nearly 24% cheaper in St. Paul, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Luckily, the average income is within about 5% of the same in St. Paul and Madison, so no need to worry about big financial changes.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in St. Paul, as the cost of living for a single person in St. Paul is 59% greater than in Madison. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- Relocating to St. Paul could provide savings on routine expenses for your family, including transportation, utilities, and groceries. The cost of living for a family is 21% lower than in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in St. Paul exceeds that of Madison by about 48%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in St. Paul exceed those in Madison by 80%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Income taxes are 29% higher in Minnesota than in Wisconsin. This means a larger portion of your earnings will go to state taxes, potentially reducing your take-home pay.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Madison and St. Paul, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Madison | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | |
| Gym membership | $64.29 |
How life is different in Madison vs. St. Paul
| Madison | St. Paul | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 303,176 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 60 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 64 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 50.86 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 49.14 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- St. Paul’s population is about 12% greater than Madison.
- St. Paul’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Madison’s score of 6.
- St. Paul is more walkable than Madison with a score of 60 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Both St. Paul and Madison have similar bike-friendliness scores (66 vs 64), meaning St. Paul is about as safe for cyclists as Madison. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- St. Paul’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 50.86 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that St. Paul neighborhoods are safer than 50.86% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- St. Paul is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 49.14 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in St. Paul is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to St. Paul move
- HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
- Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
- State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Minnesota moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Minnesota, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to St. Paul without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover insurance. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in St. Paul
Ready to relocate to Pigs Eye? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in St. Paul.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- St. Anthony Park
- Summit Hill
- Summit-University
- Union Park
Best neighborhoods for families
- Macalester-Groveland
- Summit Hill
- Highland
- Union Park
- St. Anthony Park
Things to do in St. Paul
Now that you’ve made the move to Minnesota, it’s the perfect time to explore St. Paul. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in St. Paul include museums and art centers like the Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota History Center, Historic Fort Snelling, and James J. Hill House.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Rice Park, Mears Park, Harriet Island Regional Park, and Indian Mounds Regional Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
- Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Minnesota Wild (NHL)St. Paul Saints (MiLB)St. Paul Twin Stars (NPSL)Minnesota United FC (MLS)Minnesota Whitecaps (PHF)Minnesota Wind Chill (AUDL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to St. Paul?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to St. Paul. You’ll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to St. Paul?
With many people choosing to move from Madison to St. Paul in spring or fall, winter moves often come with better rates. Take a look at our moving discounts guide to find out how to save.
How long does a move from Madison to St. Paul take?
Covering 261 miles, the move from Madison, WI to St. Paul, typically takes one to four days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in St. Paul can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Madison can handle specialty items for my move to St. Paul?
Specialty moving services aren’t offered by every company. In Madison, 3 movers can handle pianos. 1 offer antique moving services. Compared to the rest of WI, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide the numbers are 2,303 and 1,466 respectively.
If you need these services, it’s best to book early — availability can be limited, especially during peak moving months.
Helpful moving resources
Madison moving services
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