Top local movers for Madison to Houston moves
Searching for a dependable local mover in Madison that also provides long-distance services to Houston 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 Houston.
- 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 Houston?
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 | $1,222 – $4,792 | $830 – $2,093 | $701 – $1,376 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,546 – $6,145 | $1,519 – $3,101 | $773 – $1,538 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,359 – $8,385 | $2,012 – $4,303 | $923 – $1,873 |
Cost to hire movers from Madison to Houston
Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Madison to Houston typically costs between $1,222 and $4,792. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $2,546 and $6,145 when moving from Madison to Houston. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Madison to Houston, you’re looking at costs ranging from $4,359 up to $8,385.
Cost of moving containers from Madison to Houston
If you’re relocating from Madison to Houston, you’ll typically spend between $830 and $2,093 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $1,519 up to $3,101. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,012 and $4,303. 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 Houston
Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Madison to Houston 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 $701 and $1,376. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $773 to $1,538. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $923 and $1,873.
Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.
Major factors affecting moving costs from Madison to Houston
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 Houston might be as low as $2,432, while a four-bedroom could reach $7,207.
- 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 $701 to $1,823 — but you’ll handle all the labor vs. letting professionals do it.
What to know before moving from Madison to Houston
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move – Houston runs about 21% higher for singles and 31% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $2,770 in Madison versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $7,157 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $1,658 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $3,195 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $263,945 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $69,833 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $2,770 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $7,157 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.1% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 8.25% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 0.0% |
- Switching from Madison to Houston won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
- With home prices being nearly 28% cheaper in Houston, your mortgage budget will remain the same without any significant changes.
- Exciting news here, the average income is about 11% higher in Houston than in Madison, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
- Anticipate increased living expenses in Houston, as the cost of living for a single person in Houston is 21% greater than in Madison. This covers typical expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transport.
- As you plan your move to Houston, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 31% more than it is in Madison.
- The unemployment rate in Houston exceeds that of Madison by about 24%, resulting in a larger pool of potential workers and thus more hiring competition.
- Sales taxes in Houston exceed those in Madison by 50%, which can mean paying extra for usual purchases like clothes and electronics.
- Texas has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Take a detailed look at how everyday expenses stack up between Madison and Houston, from monthly bills to routine purchases:
| Living Expense | Madison | Houston |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $200.52 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $60.77 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.11 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $3.05 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $80.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $38.29 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Houston.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Houston.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Houston.
- Bread is more expensive in Madison than in Houston.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Houston.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Houston.
- Gym memberships cost more in Madison than in Houston.
How life is different in Madison vs. Houston
| Madison | Houston | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 2,301,572 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 47 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 49 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 63.5 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 36.5 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Houston’s population is about 753% greater than Madison.
- Houston’s public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Madison’s score of 6.
- Houston is less walkable than Madison with a score of 47 out of 100 vs Madison’s 50 out of 100.
- Houston has a bike-friendliness score of 49 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Madison, which has a score of 66.
- Houston’s crime rate is higher than Madison with a score of 63.5 compared to Madison’s 34.57. This means that Houston neighborhoods are safer than 63.5% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Houston is considered to be less safe than Madison with a score of 36.5 vs Madison’s 65.43.
- Air quality in Houston is Good, and in Madison it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Houston 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: 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can check the status of a Texas moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Texas, 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 Houston 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 Texas, movers typically provide Released Value Protection at no additional cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. For enhanced protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for customized plans. It’s crucial to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Texas.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.
Where to live in Houston
Ready to relocate to HOU? Here are some of the top neighborhoods to consider in Houston.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Downtown
- Greenway/Upper Kirby
- Montrose
- Museum District
Best neighborhoods for families
- Clear Lake City
- Friendswood
- Kingwood
- Memorial
- Sugar Land
Things to do in Houston
Now that you’ve made the move to Texas, it’s the perfect time to explore Houston. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Houston include museums and art centers like the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Children’s Museum of Houston, The Menil Collection, and Houston Museum of Natural Science.
- Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Hermann Park, Terry Hershey Park, Lake Houston Park, and Memorial 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 Houston Texans (NFL)Houston Astros (MLBHouston Dash (NWSL)Houston Dynamo FC (MLS)Houston Rockets (NBA)Houston SaberCats (MLR) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Houston?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Madison to Houston. 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 Houston?
With many people choosing to move from Madison to Houston 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 Houston take?
Covering 1,135 miles, the move from Madison, WI to Houston, typically takes two to eight days. Some Madison movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Houston can help bridge the gap.
How many movers in Madison can handle specialty items for my move to Houston?
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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