($778+) Madison, WI to Austin, TX Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Madison, WI to Austin, TX

Moving from Madison, WI, to Austin, TX, runs anywhere from $778 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,211 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 1,182 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 8 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 $2,234, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,211 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,289 - $4,280, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $778 - $2,047.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Austin, TX. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,593 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 Austin, TX

Moving options from Madison to Austin fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,593 - $6,606 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 38% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 68% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 1,182 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 8 days from pickup to delivery.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 1,182-mile route from Madison to Austin, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $2,234 - $4,773 $1,289 - $2,298 $778 - $1,498 $1,127 - $2,027
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,593 - $6,606 $1,597 - $3,137 $817 - $1,612 $1,227 - $2,562
4+ bedrooms $4,431 - $8,211 $2,140 - $4,280 $1,007 - $2,047 $1,711 - $3,424

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.

Professional moving
Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Moving container
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental truck
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight trailer
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Madison, WI to Austin, TX

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 1,182-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Austin, Texas, with costs ranging from $2,234 - $8,211. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $340 - $2,268. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Madison and Austin. 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 Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,234 - $4,773
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,593 - $6,606
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,431 - $8,211

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 Austin.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Austin, TX

Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Austin, 63% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing71% of local movers$567 - $5,670
Storage in transitNew place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC$227 - $1,361/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$340 - $2,722
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage5% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers$1,134 - $3,402
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,835 - $11,340
Car shippingSecond vehicle$849 - $1,614
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: O'Mara Moving & Storage Inc.$1,134 - $2,835
PianoAny piano type43% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$907 - $3,969
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers$340 - $1,701
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$737 - $2,268
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$340 - $17,010+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$340 - $3,969+

What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Austin?

Southwest Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Texas, on top of the picks below.

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, 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.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Madison, WI. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.

Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Austin, TX

Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Austin, Texas, cost between $1,289 and $4,280. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Madison runs about $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,289 - $2,298
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,597 - $3,137
  • 4+ bedrooms: $2,140 - $4,280

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Access: Most major container brands operate in both Madison, WI and Austin, TX. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
  • Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $794 in Madison, WI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $85 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $170 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
  • Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Texas 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 $1,289. 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 $1,597 - $3,137.

What are the best moving containers Madison to Austin?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Austin, TX

Plan on $778 - $2,047 for a rental moving truck on the 1,182-mile route from Madison, Wisconsin, to Austin, Texas. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:

  • Fuel for the drive: $426 - $487
  • Daily insurance: $34/day
  • Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
  • Madison daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Madison to Austin based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $778 - $1,498
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $817 - $1,612
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,007 - $2,047

Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $778 - $2,047 when pricing out a rental truck from Madison to Austin. Fuel alone runs $426 - $487, and overnight lodging ($170/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $426 - $487 for the 1,182-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours typically costs around $794.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 1,182-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $170 per night, adding $340 - $510 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $57 and $340.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Madison to Austin?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Austin, TX

Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Madison, Wisconsin, to Austin, Texas. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.

Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,021 and $2,562.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Austin:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,127 - $2,027
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,227 - $2,562
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,711 - $3,424

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $85 - $170 to your final bill.
  • Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
  • Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, typically costs $794.

What are the best freight companies from Madison to Austin?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Austin 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 Austin, TX

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Austin, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Madison, WI Austin, TX
Cost of living index103129
Average rent$1,600/mo$1,765/mo
Median home value$346,854$512,969
Average income$76,983/yr$91,461/yr
Unemployment rate3.3%3.5%
State income taxUp to 7.65%None
Walkability score50/10042/100
Safety index65.43/10059.87/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Austin, TX to Madison, WI guide.

Why book your mover through moveBuddha:

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Our take

Full-service movers on the 1,182-mile route from Madison, WI, to Austin, TX, run $2,234 - $8,211 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $1,289 - $4,280, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $778 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,593, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.

Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Austin tend to point to delicious barbecue and phenomenal live music, though hot summers and terrible traffic come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include Keller Williams Realty and Whole Foods Market.

FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Austin, TX

How do I know a mover is licensed in Texas?

In-state movers operating in the Lone Star State are legally required to be licensed by the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles (TXDMV), which issues 10-digit TXDMV numbers to commercial carriers.

What are the best neighborhoods in Austin?

For families, Rollingwood, West Lake, and Brushy Creek are worth a look in Austin. If you're moving solo or without kids, Cherrywood, North University, and Old West Austin tend to be popular picks instead.

How walkable is Austin?

Austin has a walkability score of 42 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 54, 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 Austin a safe place to live?

Austin has a safety index of 59.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 42.91, 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 Austin, TX?

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 percentage of Madison movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 43% of movers in Madison handle piano moves, and 14% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.