Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to St. Louis typically costs $2,000–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 359 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from Madison to St. Louis
Moving from Madison, WI to St. Louis, MO typically costs $2,000–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 359-mile move from Madison to St. Louis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- PODS recently quoted $1,160 for a studio apartment using a moving container.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,034 for a 3 bedroom using professional movers.
- American Van Lines recently quoted $4,114 for a 4 bedroom using professional movers.
Studio apartment
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 30, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 23, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 05, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 24, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 13, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 03, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to St. Louis
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to St. Louis may only cost $1,300, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Madison.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from St. Louis, MO to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to St. Louis movers by type
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Local
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Container
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from Madison to St. Louis
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Madison to St. Louis. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best WI→MO movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 39 Wisconsin moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Madison to St. Louis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - St. Louis runs about 13% higher for singles and 20% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,589 in St. Louis versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $6,573 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $171,463 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $66,090 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,589 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $6,573 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.3% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 9.68% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 4.8% |
- Rent is about 22% less expensive in St. Louis than in Madison, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 53% cheaper in St. Louis than in Madison.
- There's good news: the average income differences between St. Louis and Madison are within a modest 5%, minimizing financial adjustments.
- Prepare for elevated costs in St. Louis, with the cost of living for a single person being 13% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to St. Louis, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 20% higher than in Madison.
- St. Louis has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 91%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
- Sales taxes in St. Louis surpass those in Madison by 76%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 37% less in Missouri compared to Wisconsin, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Madison versus St. Louis:
| Living Expense | Madison | St. Louis |
|---|---|---|
| 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. Louis
| Madison | St. Louis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 293,310 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 66 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 58 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 69.65 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 30.35 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
- St. Louis's population is about 9% greater than Madison.
- St. Louis's public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Madison's score of 6.
- St. Louis is more walkable than Madison with a score of 66 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- St. Louis has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- St. Louis's crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 69.65 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that St. Louis neighborhoods are safer than 69.65% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- St. Louis is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 30.35 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in St. Louis is Moderate, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to St. Louis move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Many cities require special permits for parking large moving trucks. Check in advance to see if one is needed for your move.
- State licensing: Movers that provide local and intrastate relocation services in Missouri fall under the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT). Every household goods mover operating in the state is required to have a MoDOT Number. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Missouri, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Missouri, but always confirm with local authorities to avoid surprises.
- Change of address: You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to St. Louis. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. Opt for Released Value Protection, the budget-friendly choice with no extra cost from movers. This minimal coverage ensures that movers are liable for a maximum of 60 cents per pound per item. For a comprehensive coverage of your valuables, explore alternative options with your chosen moving company or consider a third-party insurance provider. Ensure the full value of your items is covered by consulting with the moving company for suitable alternatives.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in St. Louis
With your sights set on The Chess Capital of the World , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in St. Louis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Central West End
- Downtown
- Lafayette Square
- Shaw
- Soulard
Best neighborhoods for families
- Hi-Pointe
- The Hill
- Lindenwood Park
- Shaw
- Skinker DeBaliviere
Things to do in St. Louis
With your move to Missouri complete, you can dive right into experiencing St. Louis. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: St. Louis is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the City Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, The Magic House, and Saint Louis Science Center.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis Zoo, Forest Park, and Lone Elk Park — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Experience the energy of a live game and back the home team at an St. Louis Cardinals Baseball (MLB)St. Louis Blues (NHL)St. Louis City SC (MLS)St. Louis BattleHawks (XFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to St. Louis?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to St. Louis. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Madison.
When is the cheapest time to move from Madison to St. Louis?
Want to save on your move from Madison to St. Louis? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from Madison to St. Louis take?
The 359-mile move from Madison, WI, to St. Louis, MO, takes one to four days. Some Madison movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in St. Louis.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Madison?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 3 movers in Madison provide piano moving services. 1 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
