($373+) Madison, WI to Dayton, OH Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH, runs anywhere from $373 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,615 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 448 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 $1,145, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,615 or more.
- Moving containers run $896 - $2,762, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $373 - $969.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,943 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Dayton, OH
There are 3 main ways to move from Madison to Dayton: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $1,943 - $4,912. Moving containers run about 37% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 79% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 4 days for this 448-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 448-mile route from Madison to Dayton, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,145 - $3,776 | $896 - $1,550 | $373 - $686 | $856 - $1,482 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,943 - $4,912 | $1,217 - $2,226 | $402 - $855 | $926 - $1,746 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,184 - $7,615 | $1,584 - $2,762 | $485 - $969 | $1,292 - $2,256 |
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 Dayton, OH
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 448-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio, with prices running from $1,145 - $7,615. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $281 - $1,876 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Madison and Dayton are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Madison movers tend to run around $371 as a base rate plus $85/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,145 - $3,776
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,943 - $4,912
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,184 - $7,615
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 Dayton.
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 Dayton, OH
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Dayton, 63% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $469 - $4,690 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $188 - $1,126/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $281 - $2,251 |
| 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 | $938 - $2,814 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,345 - $9,380 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $703 - $1,335 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $938 - $2,345 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $750 - $3,283 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $281 - $1,407 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $610 - $1,876 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $281 - $14,070+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $281 - $3,283+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Dayton?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Ohio Association of Movers is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
How much do local movers cost in Madison, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Madison to Dayton with a local mover averages $1,885 - $4,765. 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 Dayton, OH
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio, cost between $896 and $2,762. 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 Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $896 - $1,550
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,217 - $2,226
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,584 - $2,762
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Small containers (7 - 8 feet) run about $70 per month after the initial period, while larger units (12 - 16 feet) cost around $141 per month.
- Access: Make sure your container company has a storage facility reasonably close to your new home in Dayton, OH, if you need to retrieve anything while items are still in storage.
- Moving labor: Since you're responsible for loading the container yourself, many customers bring in hourly help. Based on moveBuddha data, hiring 2 movers for approximately 5 hours costs about $657 in Madison, WI. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection goes beyond the standard minimum and covers repair, replacement, or reimbursement at declared value. Pricing is typically 1% - 2% of your total shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 move.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Ohio 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 $896. 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 $1,217 - $2,226.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Dayton?
- 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 Dayton, OH
Plan on $373 - $969 for a rental moving truck on the 448-mile route from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $134 - $153
- Daily insurance: $28/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- 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 Dayton based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $373 - $686
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $402 - $855
- 4+ bedrooms: $485 - $969
Pro tip: The base rate of $373 - $969 is just the starting point for a rental truck move from Madison to Dayton. Fuel ($134 - $153), lodging at around $141/night, meals, and equipment rentals are all on top of that.
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 $70 and $328.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $141.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $134 and $153 for the 448-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 $657 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 Dayton?
- 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 Dayton, OH
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Madison, Wisconsin, to Dayton, Ohio. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $926 and $1,746.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Dayton:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $856 - $1,482
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $926 - $1,746
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,292 - $2,256
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?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Madison, Wisconsin, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $657.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $70 - $141 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Dayton?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Madison to Dayton. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Dayton, OH
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Dayton, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Madison, WI | Dayton, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 103 | 80 |
| Average rent | $1,600/mo | $925/mo |
| Median home value | $346,854 | $94,536 |
| Average income | $76,983/yr | $43,454/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 6.8% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 3.5% |
| Walkability score | 50/100 | 45/100 |
| Safety index | 65.43/100 | 40.68/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Moderate |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Dayton, OH to Madison, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Ohio, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Wisconsin alone has 145 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 448-mile move like this one.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,145 - $7,615 on the 448-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $896 - $2,762 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $373 - $969 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,943 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Morgan Linen & Uniform Services and Premier Physicians.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Dayton, OH
How much does it cost to move from Madison, WI to Dayton, OH?
Costs on this route range from around $373 to $7,615, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,145 and $7,615, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
How walkable is Dayton?
Dayton has a walkability score of 45 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 47, 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.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($134 - $153), daily insurance ($28/day), and equipment rentals ($7 - $19) on top. Overnight stops can add another $141/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Ohio?
Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.
What is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to Dayton, OH?
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.