($293+) Madison, WI to St. Paul, MN Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to St. Paul, MN, runs anywhere from $293 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $5,581 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 261 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 $943, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $5,581 or more.
- Moving containers run $847 - $2,485, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $293 - $737.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to St. Paul, MN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,463 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 St. Paul, MN
Moving options from Madison to St. Paul fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $1,463 - $4,550 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 25% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 80% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 261-mile route typically takes 1 to 4 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 261-mile route from Madison to St. Paul, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $943 - $3,640 | $847 - $1,491 | $293 - $544 | $770 - $1,262 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,463 - $4,550 | $1,103 - $2,047 | $293 - $613 | $866 - $1,653 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,183 - $5,581 | $1,454 - $2,485 | $396 - $737 | $1,164 - $2,110 |
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 St. Paul, MN
Hiring full-service movers from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Paul, Minnesota, costs between $943 and $5,581. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 261-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $308 - $2,052, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Madison and St. Paul. For a rough baseline, movers based in Madison tend to start around $371 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to St. Paul:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $943 - $3,640
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,463 - $4,550
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,183 - $5,581
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 St. Paul.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to St. Paul, MN
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In St. Paul, 69% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $513 - $5,130 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $205 - $1,231/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $308 - $2,462 |
| 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 | $1,026 - $3,078 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,565 - $10,260 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $768 - $1,460 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,026 - $2,565 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $821 - $3,591 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $308 - $1,539 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $667 - $2,052 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $308 - $15,390+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $308 - $3,591+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to St. Paul?
Movers licensed to operate in Minnesota are typically members of the Minnesota Transport Services 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 St. Paul with a local mover averages $1,390 - $4,323. For moves under 500 miles, local moving companies in Madison, WI can be a practical and cost-effective alternative to national carriers. Many price shorter moves using hourly or regional rates that may come in lower overall, with leaner operations and tighter service areas often translating to more flexible scheduling and a more personalized experience.
Keep in mind that not every local mover is authorized for moves that cross city or state lines. Always confirm interstate licensing and proper insurance before booking.
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 St. Paul, MN
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Paul, Minnesota, cost between $847 and $2,485. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to St. Paul. If you go over that window, storage in Madison adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to St. Paul:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $847 - $1,491
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,103 - $2,047
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,454 - $2,485
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Madison, WI, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $718, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $77 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $154 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Madison, WI, and St. Paul, MN, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Minnesota 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 $847. 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 $1,103 - $2,047.
What are the best moving containers Madison to St. Paul?
- 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 St. Paul, MN
A rental truck for this 261-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Paul, Minnesota, costs between $293 and $737. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $85 - $97
- 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 St. Paul based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $293 - $544
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $293 - $613
- 4+ bedrooms: $396 - $737
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Madison to St. Paul starts at $293 - $737, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($85 - $97), overnight lodging ($154/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $154 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Madison, Wisconsin, usually costs about $718 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 261-mile drive falls between $85 and $97, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $51 and $308 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to St. Paul?
- 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 St. Paul, MN
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to St. Paul, Minnesota, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Pricing for a 2 - 3 bedroom move of this distance typically lands between $866 and $1,653.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to St. Paul:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $770 - $1,262
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $866 - $1,653
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,164 - $2,110
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?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $77 - $154 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about five hours typically runs $718.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to St. Paul?
- 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: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs St. Paul, MN
Madison and St. Paul land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 103 in Madison and 102 in St. Paul, and average rent is $1,600/mo vs. $1,350/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 60 and safety scores are 65.43 vs 49.14.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our St. Paul, MN to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Wisconsin to Minnesota, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 145 movers in Wisconsin, so you have real options to compare for this 261-mile move.
Our take
A move from Madison, WI, to St. Paul, MN, 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 $943 - $5,581 on the 261-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $847 - $2,485, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $293 - $737. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $1,463 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Siemens and ACS Group.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to St. Paul, MN
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 St. Paul run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Minnesota?
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.
What are the best neighborhoods in St. Paul?
For families, Macalester-Groveland, Summit Hill, and Highland are worth a look in St. Paul. If you're moving solo or without kids, Downtown, St. Anthony Park, and Summit Hill tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is St. Paul?
St. Paul has a walkability score of 60 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 64, 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 St. Paul a safe place to live?
St. Paul has a safety index of 49.14 out of 100 and a crime index of 50.86, 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 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.