Madison to Milwaukee Movers & Costs (2026)
Fact Checked by:
A Madison to Milwaukee, WI move (~80 miles) starts around $78 for a studio move with a rental truck, and goes up to $3,826 for full-service movers handling a 5-bedroom home.
Local movers such as Above Average Moving LLC, moveBuddha's top-rated local mover for this route at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 344 verified customer reviews, bill hourly at an average of $85/hr per mover, with a typical 2 - 3 hour minimum and round-trip drive time added.
Use moveBuddha's cost calculator to compare specific quotes for your move.
Don't see your company listed?
Reach customers actively searching for trusted movers in your area. Tell us about your company and services to get your business listed on moveBuddha.
October is a low-cost month to move in Madison
Mover demand is low and schedules are flexible. This is one of the best times of year to lock in a competitive rate.
What are the best ways to move from Madison to Milwaukee?
Did you know: Intrastate moves like Madison to Milwaukee are regulated by Wisconsin law instead of federal DOT rules, so make sure your mover holds a valid Wisconsin intrastate authority, not just a USDOT number.
This is a local move, typically billed hourly by Wisconsin companies. A local or regional mover usually means faster scheduling, same-day or next-day delivery, and competitive rates, though a national carrier is still an option for larger homes or complex logistics.
For full-service moves, we recommend Above Average Moving LLC (4.64/5) as the top local pick, followed by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5). Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is also available for full-service or larger-home moves.
Here's a closer look at each moving option:
Did you know: Most Madison to Milwaukee moves complete in 1 - 2 days, and full-service movers can often offer same-day or next-day delivery on a route this size, so it's worth asking for a guaranteed delivery date in writing.
Pricing data reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,000+ live price points and 109+ Wisconsin movers reviewed.
How much does it cost to move from Madison to Milwaukee?
A move from Madison to Milwaukee runs $78 to $3,826*, per moveBuddha's monthly pricing dataset. Costs shift based on service type and home size.
Here's what each option costs:
- Full-service movers: $528 - $3,826
- Moving containers: $567 - $1,656
- Rental trucks: $78 - $156
What drives the cost difference?
- Full-service moves combine packing, loading, transport, and unloading in one quote. Professional packing alone runs $0.15 - $0.21 per pound.
- Moving containers lower your costs by putting the loading and unloading on you while the company handles transport.
- Rental trucks land roughly 30% under full-service pricing, but you're responsible for driving the truck and arranging your own moving help.
- Movers using moveBuddha's cost calculator typically save 30% compared to their first quote.
| Home size | Full-service mover | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $528 - $2,502 | $567 - $1,022 | $78 - $128 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,072 - $3,189 | $746 - $1,399 | $87 - $144 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,481 - $3,826 | $953 - $1,656 | $102 - $156 |
*Prices are based on moveBuddha pricing data backed by our 12 years of experience reviewing 109+ Wisconsin moving companies, and are updated as of October 2026. Actual costs vary based on home size, add-on services, access or parking conditions, and timing. Use a moving cost calculator and compare quotes from at least 3 movers for the most accurate number.
Learn more about the cost of Madison, WI movers.
How Madison to Milwaukee moving costs break down
It'll cost you about $85 an hour per moving crew member in terms of labor and driving. So, if a 3-person moving crew takes 4 hours to move your 2-bedroom home, your baseline price would be $1,020.
Here's a breakdown of some of the most common moving costs:
| Extra cost | Typical range | Applies to |
|---|---|---|
| Professional packing | $0.15 - $0.21 per lb. 10% of Madison movers offer fragile-only packing, vs 12% nationally |
Full-service movers |
| Fuel surcharge | $100 - $400 (or 8% - 15% of transport charges) | Full-service movers |
| Shuttle service | $0.08 - $0.12 per lb. ($200 minimum) | Full-service movers |
| Access fees (stairs, elevators, long carry) | $75 - $500+ | Full-service movers |
| Storage-in-transit | ~$0.50 per cubic foot ($257/month for a 1-bedroom) | Full-service movers |
| Bulky-item handling | $150 - $400 per item 14% of Madison movers handle hot tubs, vs 9% nationally. Top pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving |
Full-service movers |
| Equipment rental | $50 - $200 | Rental trucks |
| Contents coverage plan | 1% - 2% of the total value of your belongings | All move types |
Did you know: Many high-rises and managed communities require a certificate of insurance (COI) from your mover before granting elevator or loading dock access, so request one at least a week ahead to avoid delay fees.
Source: moveBuddha pricing analysis. Bulky-item charges apply to safes, sectionals, and large appliances. Storage-in-transit assumes ~514 cubic feet for a 1-bedroom home.
Best movers from Madison to Milwaukee
Moving from Madison to Milwaukee is a job for local and regional Wisconsin movers, not a national carrier. Most companies bill hourly for a route like this, and can typically deliver same-day or next-day, without the long-haul logistics overhead national companies build into their pricing. Above Average Moving LLC leads moveBuddha's local rankings at 4.64 out of 5 stars across 344 verified customer reviews.
Best local & regional movers from Madison to Milwaukee
Local movers operating within Wisconsin know the intrastate logistics and regulations inside and out, and can typically offer same-day or next-day delivery windows that national van lines can't always match. For a route this size, they're often priced the same as or cheaper than a national operator, with noticeably more scheduling flexibility.
rating
Our top local picks:
- Above Average Moving LLC (4.64/5 stars): 94.2% positive customer ratings.
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.36/5 stars): 88.0% positive customer ratings.
- The Armstrong Company (4.34/5 stars): 77.2% positive customer ratings.
- Top Notch Moving and Storage (4.3/5 stars): 97.3% positive customer ratings.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.2/5 stars): 94.4% positive customer ratings.
We evaluated 21 movers in Madison, drawing on 4,943 verified customer reviews, along with BBB ratings, customer satisfaction, and proximity to this route.
Best national carriers from Madison to Milwaukee
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick among national full-service carriers. National movers offer binding estimates, comprehensive coverage options, and established claims processes, worth considering for 4+ bedroom moves or high-value shipments.
Our top national picks:
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): best overall value pick, because it balances affordable pricing with quality service.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): most experienced pick, because it has been in business since 1933 and trains and certifies its moving crews.
- North American Van Lines (4.8/5 stars): best customized plans pick, because you add only the services you need instead of paying for a fixed package.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): strongest protection plans pick, because it offers multiple valuation plans, including one that more fully reimburses you for lost or damaged belongings.
- International Van Lines (4.6/5 stars): best customer service pick, because it consistently earns high marks from our readers and other review sites for friendly, efficient service.
More popular routes from Madison, WI
Madison residents also frequently move to these destinations. Compare pricing and top-rated movers for each route below.
More Wisconsin moving resources
How does Milwaukee compare to Madison?
Cost of living: Madison vs. Milwaukee
A big difference in cost of living can offset any savings from cheaper movers, so it's worth checking before you commit to the move.
| Madison | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,600 | $1,250 |
| Average home cost | $346,854 | $171,025 |
| Average income (per capita) | $76,983 | $51,888 |
| Cost of living (single person) | $2,292 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of 4) | $5,457 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 3.3% | 7.4% |
| Average sales tax | 5.5% | 4.9% |
Cost-of-living data for Madison and Milwaukee comes from moveBuddha's city dataset, updated October 2026 across 109+ Wisconsin moving companies. Methodology details are available in our moving cost methodology.
- Rent prices in Milwaukee are 22% lower than in Madison. The gap typically frees up several hundred dollars a month for savings or a larger unit.
- Home prices in Milwaukee are 51% lower than Madison. Buyers can stretch existing budget into a larger home, better neighborhood, or earlier purchase timeline.
- Average income in Milwaukee is 33% lower than Madison. A same-role transfer typically requires offsetting the salary gap with cost-of-living savings.
- Cost of living for one person in Milwaukee is 12% lower than Madison. The savings typically free up 12% of monthly take-home for savings or discretionary spending.
- Cost of living for a family of 4 in Milwaukee is 9% lower than Madison. Most households convert the savings into housing upgrades, college savings, or retirement contributions.
- Unemployment in Milwaukee runs 124% higher than Madison. Lock in a role before relocating, especially if you depend on a single income.
- Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 11% lower than Madison. Households with larger spending profiles see the biggest savings.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,640 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you could have with $3,000 in Madison.
How life is different in Madison vs. Milwaukee
Beyond the numbers, day-to-day life in Milwaukee might look different from Madison in ways that matter more once you've settled in.
| Madison | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 269,840 | 577,222 |
| Political leaning | Democratic 76-23 | Democratic 51-46 |
| Summer high | 82ºF | 83ºF |
| Winter low | 10ºF | 14ºF |
| Annual rain | 36" | 35" |
| Annual snow | 42" | 45" |
| Crime index | 34.57 | 66.76 |
Did you know: Summer moves in Wisconsin can expose belongings to truck temperatures over 120ºF, so heat-sensitive items like electronics, wine, and wood furniture are safer with an early-morning load time or climate-controlled storage (offered by 25% of movers in Wisconsin, vs 23% nationally).
- Milwaukee is 114% larger in size than Madison. Larger metros offer deeper job markets and more amenities, but cost of living and commute times typically rise with size.
- In the last presidential election, both Madison and Milwaukee voted Democratic.
- Summer highs in Milwaukee (83°F) match Madison (82°F). No wardrobe or cooling-cost adjustment required.
- Winter lows in Madison (10°F) and Milwaukee (14°F) are similar. Heating costs and seasonal wardrobe carry over without adjustment.
- Annual rainfall in Madison (36 inches) and Milwaukee (35 inches) is comparable. No major change to drainage, gear, or seasonal planning.
- Annual snowfall in Madison (42 inches) and Milwaukee (45 inches) is similar. Existing winter routines transfer.
- Crime index in Milwaukee (66.76) is higher than Madison (34.57). Vet specific neighborhoods carefully and check property crime rates at the ZIP-code level.
Things to do in Milwaukee
Milwaukee balances outdoor access, cultural depth, sports culture, and academic presence. The categories below cover the best of each.
Museums in Milwaukee
- Harley-Davidson Museum
- Milwaukee Art Museum
- Milwaukee Public Museum
- Discovery World
- Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear
Parks in Milwaukee
- Henry Maier Festival Park
- Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes)
- Veteran's Park
- Lake Park
- The Swing Park
Sports teams in Milwaukee
- Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
- Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
- Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)
- Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)
Universities in Milwaukee
- Marquette University
- Milwaukee School of Engineering
- Wisconsin Lutheran College
- Mount Mary University
- Alverno College
Final verdict: Madison to Milwaukee movers
Safeway Moving (4.9/5) is our best overall value pick for full-service moves, backed by 14 years in business and statewide Wisconsin service. For smaller moves, Above Average Moving LLC (4.64/5) is the top local choice, with 94.2% positive reviews across 344 ratings.
Containers and rental trucks cut costs by about 30% versus full-service. Total prices on this route run $78 - $3,826, based on our analysis of 109+ Wisconsin movers and 12 years of pricing data.
FAQs about moving from Madison to Milwaukee
How much is a moving truck from Madison to Milwaukee?
A rental truck from Madison to Milwaukee costs $84 - $126 for a studio or 1-bedroom move, $87 - $144 for 2 - 3 bedrooms, and $102 - $156 for 4 or more. It's usually the cheapest option since you handle the driving and loading yourself, and the estimate includes fuel.
Do movers in Wisconsin offer storage?
60% of movers in Wisconsin offer storage, including storage-in-transit for when your new place isn't ready when the truck arrives, compared to 61% nationally.
How long does a move from Madison to Milwaukee take?
Most moves from Madison to Milwaukee take 1 - 2 days from pickup to delivery. Same-day or next-day delivery is common on intrastate routes like this one, and getting your delivery date in writing gives you a binding guarantee. Add 4 - 8 hours for professional packing of a 2 - 3 bedroom home before the truck departs.
How far in advance should I book Madison-to-Milwaukee movers?
Book your Madison to Milwaukee movers at least 2 months ahead, or 3 months for a summer move since that's peak season. Booking early improves your odds of getting your preferred date and better rates, and some companies offer early-bird discounts. Since this is an intrastate move, same-day or next-day delivery is often available once your booking is confirmed.
How much does it cost to hire a professional moving company from Madison to Milwaukee?
A full-service move from Madison to Milwaukee costs $469 - $2,235 for a few items or a small bedroom. A 2 - 3 bedroom home runs $1,072 - $3,189, and a 4-bedroom or larger move costs $1,481 - $3,826.