($569+) Madison, WI to Arlington, VA Movers
Moving from Madison, WI, to Arlington, VA, runs anywhere from $569 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,139 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 854 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,947, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,139 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,053 - $3,571, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $569 - $1,550.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Madison, WI, to Arlington, VA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,302 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA
Moving options from Madison to Arlington fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. The most hands-off option, full-service, runs $2,302 - $5,751 for a 2-3 bedroom home and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers cost about 40% less than full-service for the same size, and rental trucks land around 71% less, with both DIY options requiring you to load yourself. Covering 854 miles, this route usually takes 2 to 7 days from pickup to delivery.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 854-mile route from Madison to Arlington, broken down by home size:
Home size makes the biggest difference in what you'll pay on this route. A studio or 1-bedroom runs $1,947 - $4,567 with full-service movers and considerably less with a container ($1,053 - $2,027), rental truck ($569 - $1,118), or freight trailer ($1,027 - $1,734). A 2 - 3 bedroom home moves that range up to $2,302 - $5,751 full-service, and a 4+ bedroom household tops out around $8,139.
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 Arlington, VA
For the 854-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Arlington, Virginia, full-service movers cost between $1,947 and $8,139. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $382 - $2,548 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Madison generally start around $371 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Madison to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,947 - $4,567
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,302 - $5,751
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,042 - $8,139
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 Arlington.
Pro tip: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA
Specialty needs vary by market: 52% of Madison movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Arlington, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing79% of local movers | $637 - $6,370 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready52% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Above Average Moving LLC | $255 - $1,529/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $382 - $3,058 |
| 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 | $1,274 - $3,822 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,185 - $12,740 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $954 - $1,813 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items14% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,274 - $3,185 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $1,019 - $4,459 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling14% of local movers | $382 - $1,911 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect14% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | $828 - $2,548 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $382 - $19,110+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $382 - $4,459+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Madison to Arlington?
Look for Virginia Movers & Warehousemen’s Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Virginia beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in Madison, WI, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA
Moving containers from Madison, Wisconsin, to Arlington, Virginia, cost between $1,053 and $3,571. A container is delivered to your home and you load it on your own time. Loading windows vary by company: U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30. From there, the company takes over and transports it to Arlington. If you go over that window, storage in Madison adds around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Madison to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,053 - $2,027
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,382 - $2,785
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,858 - $3,571
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $96 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $191 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $892 in Madison, WI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Arlington, VA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Virginia 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 $1,053. 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 $1,382 - $2,785.
What are the best moving containers Madison to Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
A rental truck for this 854-mile move from Madison, Wisconsin, to Arlington, Virginia, costs between $569 and $1,550. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $346 - $396
- Daily insurance: $38/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $25
- 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 Arlington based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $569 - $1,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $659 - $1,355
- 4+ bedrooms: $778 - $1,550
Pro tip: A rental truck from Madison to Arlington looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $569 - $1,550. But once you factor in fuel ($346 - $396), overnight lodging ($191/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging. Building that into your budget upfront saves you from sticker shock at the end of the move.
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 $96 and $446.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $191.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $346 and $396 for the 854-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 $892 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 Arlington?
- 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 Arlington, VA
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 Arlington, Virginia. 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 $1,106 and $2,206.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Madison to Arlington:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,027 - $1,734
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,106 - $2,206
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,456 - $2,770
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $96 and $191.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in Madison, Wisconsin, for roughly five hours typically average $892.
What are the best freight companies from Madison to Arlington?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are one of the fastest ways to move your belongings interstate, often beating full-service movers on delivery time. If getting your stuff to Arlington quickly is a priority, freight is worth a hard look. That said, freight carriers typically require you to be available to receive your shipment within a set window, so if you need short-term storage or your new place won't be ready right away, a container or full-service mover may give you more flexibility.
Cost of living: Madison, WI vs Arlington, VA
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Arlington, side by side with Madison on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Madison, WI | Arlington, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 103 | 164 |
| Average rent | $1,600/mo | $2,718/mo |
| Median home value | $346,854 | $866,334 |
| Average income | $76,983/yr | $140,160/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 4.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 50/100 | 71/100 |
| Safety index | 65.43/100 | 79.15/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
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 Arlington, VA to Madison, WI guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Virginia, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 145 movers licensed in Wisconsin, useful context for sizing up this 854-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Madison, WI, to Arlington, VA, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,947 for a studio to $8,139 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 854-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,053 - $3,571. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $569 - $1,550, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,302 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include U.S. Department of Defense and Safran.
FAQs: Moving from Madison, WI, to Arlington, VA
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA?
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 is the best time of year to move from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA?
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. Virginia also has a hurricane season running June through November, worth factoring into your timing if you have flexibility. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($346 - $396), daily insurance ($38/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $25) on top. Overnight stops can add another $191/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Madison, WI to Arlington, VA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $659 - $1,355. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
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.