Madison, WI to Arlington, VA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Madison to Arlington typically costs $2,700–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 854 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Madison to Arlington
Moving from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA typically costs $2,700–$7,000 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 854-mile move from Madison to Arlington, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,084 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Mayflower Transit recently quoted $3,573 for a 1 bedroom (small) using professional movers.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $3,440 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 22, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Feb 20, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Feb 19, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 09, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Feb 08, 2026
4 Bedrooms
Jan 20, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 11, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 02, 2026
1 Bedroom (small)
Jan 01, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 01, 2026
Factors that affect moving costs from Madison to Arlington
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Madison to Arlington may only cost $2,100, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $9,300.
- 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 ($600–$1,900), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Arlington, VA to Madison, WI guide.
Best Madison to Arlington movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Madison to Arlington
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from Madison to Arlington. 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→VA 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 Arlington
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Arlington runs about 200% higher for singles and 119% higher for families than Madison.
Singles spend around $6,867 in Arlington versus $2,292 in Madison; families pay $11,970 compared with $5,457.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Madison | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,693 | $2,475 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,100 | $4,350 |
| Average home value | $367,934 | $810,670 |
| Average income (per capita) | $62,919 | $128,145 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,292 | $6,867 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $5,457 | $11,970 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.0% |
| Sales tax | 5.5% | 6.0% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 5.75% |
- Rent is about 70% more expensive in Arlington than in Madison. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 120% steeper in Arlington compared to Madison.
- Here's some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 104% greater in Arlington than in Madison, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Prepare for elevated costs in Arlington, with the cost of living for a single person being 200% more than in Madison. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
- When considering a family move to Arlington, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 119% higher than in Madison.
- Arlington has a higher unemployment rate than Madison by about 21%. 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 Arlington surpass those in Madison by 9%. This means everyday items like clothing, dining, and electronics may cost more at checkout.
- Income taxes are 25% less in Virginia 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 Arlington:
| Living Expense | Madison | Arlington |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $215.88 | $208.70 |
| Cell phone plan | $50.44 | $59.67 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.04 | $4.26 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.75 | $4.18 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $15.00 | $24.50 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $77.50 | $90.00 |
| Gym membership | $64.29 | $77.25 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Madison than in Arlington.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Madison than in Arlington.
- Eggs are less expensive in Madison than in Arlington.
- Bread costs less in Madison than in Arlington.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Madison than in Arlington.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Madison than in Arlington.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Madison than in Arlington.
How life is different in Madison vs. Arlington
| Madison | Arlington | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 238,643 |
| Transportation score | 6 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 50 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 66 | 72 |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 15.67 |
| Safety index | 65.43 | 79.15 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Arlington's population is about 12% less than Madison.
- Arlington's public transportation score of 9 out of 10 is higher than Madison's score of 6.
- Arlington is more walkable than Madison with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Madison's 50 out of 100.
- With a score of 72 out of 100, Arlington is more bike-friendly than Madison, which has a score of 66 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Arlington's crime rate is lower than Madison with a score of 15.67 compared to Madison's 34.57. This means that Arlington neighborhoods are safer than 15.67% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Madison neighborhoods are safer than 34.57%.
- Arlington is considered to be safer than Madison with a safety index of 79.15 vs Madison's 65.43.
- Air quality in Arlington is Good, and in Madison it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Madison to Arlington 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: In addition to filing tariffs and complying with insurance, bond, and highway safety requirements, all intrastate moving companies in Virginia must have a certificate from the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VaDMV). Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company's license in Virginia, visit the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Virginia, 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 Arlington. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. In Virginia, movers commonly offer Released Value Protection at no additional cost, providing coverage at 60 cents per pound. For increased protection, consider discussing Full Value Protection options with the moving company. Alternatively, explore third-party insurance providers for personalized plans. It's essential to understand coverage limits, potential additional costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision about your moving insurance in Virginia.
- Moving checklist: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Arlington
With your sights set on , these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Arlington.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Aurora Highlands
- Ballston-Virginia Square
- Bluemont
- Clarendon-Courthouse
- Radnor-Ft Myer Heights
Best neighborhoods for families
- Arlington Ridge
- Barcroft
- Chain Bridge Forest
- Cherrydale
- Dominion Hills
- Forest Glen
- Lyon Village
- Penrose
- Westover Village
Things to do in Arlington
With your move to Virginia complete, you can dive right into experiencing Arlington. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you'll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Arlington is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the JW Tumbles, Ball-Sellers House Museum, David M. Brown Planetarium, and Arlington Historical Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Gravelly Point Park, Long Bridge Park, Bon Air Park, and Upton Hill Regional 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 Arlington Youth Football Club game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Madison to Arlington?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Madison to Arlington. 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 Arlington?
Want to save on your move from Madison to Arlington? 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 Arlington take?
The 854-mile move from Madison, WI, to Arlington, VA, takes two to seven 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 Arlington.
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 2,294 and 1,462.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
