($713) Movers From Illinois to Madison

Quick answer: The cost to move from Illinois to Madison, WI averages from $264 to $3,754 depending on how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a professional Illinois moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our moving from Madison, WI to Illinois guide.

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Moving from Illinois to Madison, WI resources

In this article, we’ll lay out everything you need to know for your upcoming move from Illinois to Madison, WI.

But first, here are a few resources if you need immediate answers:

  • Best Illinois to Madison, WI movers: If you plan on hiring a moving company be sure to check out our list of the top movers from Illinois to Madison, WI.
  • How much will your move cost?: Want to narrow down how much your move will cost? Use our moving cost calculator to get more specific price ranges and recommendations on the best companies to use for your move.
  • Consider moving containers: Need a more budget-friendly option? With these companies, you load and they drive! These are the best moving container companies.
  • Illinois to Madison, WI car shippers: Moving your car? Use an experienced company that prioritizes professionalism and cares for your vehicle.

Moving 205 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

The best Illinois to Madison, WI moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company from Illinois to Madison is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don’t worry, you won’t have to filter through all of them. We’ve done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Illinois to Madison.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here our our recommended services for small moves.

What is the average cost to move from Illinois to Madison, WI?

The table below lays out average cost ranges to move from Illinois to Madison for different moving services depending on the size of your home.

Size of the Move Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $713 - $2,736 $543 - $1,379 $225 - $392
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,411 - $3,754 $1,008 - $1,960 $264 - $487
4+ bedrooms $1,862 - $5,030 $1,348 - $2,449 $317 - $579

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 205 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Illinois to Madison, WI will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Illinois, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much does it cost to hire professional movers from Illinois to Madison?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Madison will cost between $713 to $2,736. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Illinois to Madison will range from $1,411 to $3,754, and a large move from Illinois to Madison will cost from $1,862 to $5,030.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Illinois to Madison?

Moving containers from Illinois to Madison will cost you $543 to $1,379 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,008 to $1,960. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,348 to $2,449.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move to Madison.

How much is a moving truck from Illinois to Madison?

A moving rental truck is generally the cheapest option for moving from Illinois to Madison, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $225 to $392. A larger move will cost $264 to $487, and a four-bedroom or more move from Illinois to Madison costs from $317 to $579. These estimates include the estimated fuel cost.

Here are the cheapest rental truck companies for your move from Illinois.

Is moving from Illinois to Madison, WI a good idea?

Cost of living: Illinois vs Madison, WI

Illinois Madison
Average rent cost $1,038 $1,600
Average home value $249,224 $367,934
Average income (per capita) $78,433 $62,919
Unemployment rate 5% 3%
State income tax 5% 8%
  • Rent is about 54% more expensive in Madison than in Illinois.
  • Home prices are about 48% higher in Madison than in Illinois.
  • The average income is about 20% lower in Madison than in Illinois.
  • Madison has a lower unemployment rate than Illinois by about 28%.
  • Income taxes are 55% higher in Madison than in Illinois.

How is life different in Madison from Illinois?

Madison Illinois
Population 269,840 12,582,032
Political leaning Democratic 76-23 Democrat 58-41
Summer high 82ºF 86ºF
Winter low 10ºF 17ºF
Annual rain 36" 40"
Annual snow 42" 22"
Crime index 34.57 18.79
  • The population of Madison is approximately 98% lower than the population of Illinois.
  • In the last presidential election, Madison voted Democratic and Illinois voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Madison is 82ºF and in Illinois, it’s 86ºF.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Madison reaches the temperature of 10ºF and Illinois gets down to 17ºF.
  • You can expect about 36 inches of annual rainfall in Madison vs 40 inches of rainfall in Illinois.
  • In Madison, it snows about 42 inches annually vs 22 inches of snow in Illinois.
  • Madison has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 34.57 vs 18.79.

Considerations for moving to Madison, WI

  • Weather: August, June and July are the most pleasant months in Madison, while January and December are the least comfortable months for any relocation activities.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: One common and important example of something that should be handled ahead of time is reserving the building's elevator and finding out their rules for using the elevator.
  • Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles, find out ahead of time with your new local rules.
  • State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, it’s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status on the state regulator's official website.
  • Moving permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Wisconsin. Get started here.
  • Mover's insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to insurance. For a secure move in Wisconsin, explore movers' insurance options to safeguard your belongings. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Elevate your protection with discussions on Full Value Protection or explore customized plans from third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Wisconsin state moving insurance. Ensure a smooth and protected relocation experience with the right insurance coverage.
  • Moving checklist: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Illinois movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
STI Moving & Storage Inc. Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
7400 Niles Center Rd, Skokie, IL, 60077
(847) 675-1223
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.96 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949

Visit our best movers in Illinois page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Need a local Madison mover?

Company Quote Rating Contact
Armstrong relocation Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.48 overall rating
4505 Helgesen Dr, Madison, WI, 53718
(608) 838-5940
Top Notch Moving and Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.34 overall rating
905 Dempsey Rd, Madison, WI, 53716
(608) 590-3710

Visit our best movers in Madison page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Madison?

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Madison.

Museums in Madison

  • Chazen Museum of Art
  • Madison Children's Museum
  • Wisconsin Veterans Museum
  • Wisconsin Historical Museum
  • University of Wisconsin Geology Museum
  • Madison Museum of Contemporary Art
  • Washburn Observatory
  • Wisconsin Science Museum
  • Overture Center for the Arts

Parks in Madison

  • Olbrich Botanical Gardens
  • University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum
  • Lake Mendota
  • Allen Centennial Gardens
  • Tenney Park
  • Vilas Park
  • Olin-Turville Park
  • Lake Monona Shoreline Run
  • Warner Park
  • Elver Park
  • Alumni Park
  • Owens Conservation Park
  • Ice Age National Scenic Trail
  • Lakeshore Nature Preserve at University of Wisconsin
  • Brittingham Park

Sports Teams in Madison

  • Wisconsin Badgers (NCAA)
  • Madison Mallards (Baseball)
  • Madison Radicals (AUDL)
  • Madison Capitols (United States Hockey League)
  • Forward Madison (USL League One)

Universities in Madison

  • Herzing University
  • Madison Area Technical College
  • Madison Media Institute
  • University of Phoenix–Madison Campus
  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

FAQs

How far in advance should I book movers when moving from Illinois to Madison?

Because of the 205-mile move, it’s best to book your move from Illinois to Madison as soon as you have your moving details. Ideally, you’d book your move two to three months ahead of time.

What time of year is the cheapest to move to Madison, WI?

With the summer highs of 82ºF and the winter lows of 10ºF, most people move to Madison from Illinois during the spring and fall months. To avoid competing during those busy seasons, you could save some money by booking your move to Madison during summer or winter.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies from Madison?

Check out our full breakdown of the best long-distance movers in Madison.

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