Madison, WI → Appleton, WI · Short-haul move
About 115 road miles heading northeast. Typical two-bedroom cost $1,930–$2,880, delivery in 1–2 days, 228 carriers on the Madison side and 81 in Appleton.
Appleton sits about 115 miles northeast of Madison, so this is an in-state move that most movers classify as a short-haul move.
Because the two cities are close together, most companies quote this move by the hour: a crew of two to four movers plus a truck, with the drive of about 2 h 41 min counted as billable travel time. A typical two-bedroom household lands between $1,930 and $2,880, before packing or storage.
On the Madison side there are 228 household-goods carriers registered with the FMCSA in and around the city (120 of them authorized for interstate work), and 81 around Appleton (36 interstate). For an in-state move you can book from either end; movers near the origin handle loading and are usually the better first call, while a destination-side company can be useful if you need storage or delivery-day help in Appleton.
Madison has a population of about 286,233 and Appleton about 75,000. The two cities have comparable density (3,390 and 2,986 people per square mile), so loading and unloading conditions are usually similar at both ends.
| Home size | Est. weight | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,190 | $1,460 | $1,780 |
| 1 Bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,190 | $1,460 | $1,780 |
| 2 Bedrooms | 5,000 lb | $1,930 | $2,360 | $2,880 |
| 3 Bedrooms | 8,000 lb | $3,090 | $3,770 | $4,600 |
| 4+ Bedrooms | 11,000 lb | $4,250 | $5,190 | $6,330 |
$270–$380
One-way truck for the distance, mileage and fuel included; you load and drive.
$1,120–$1,650
Container delivered, you load, company transports; transit is slower than a mover.
$1,930–$2,880
Two-bedroom reference; crew loads, hauls and unloads.
Distance is pre-filled for Madison, WI → Appleton, WI. Adjust the other options to see your range.
Typical full-service range.
Estimates use market baselines described on the cost guide; your quotes will vary by inventory, access and date.
Legal name: Lightner & Lightner INC
Legal name: Roessler LLC
Legal name: Schroeder Moving Systems Of Appleton LLC
Legal name: Packerland Portable Storage INC
Typical full-service estimates for this route are $1,190 to $1,780 for a studio, $1,190 to $1,780 for a one-bedroom, $1,930 to $2,880 for a two-bedroom, $3,090 to $4,600 for a three-bedroom and $4,250 to $6,330 for four or more bedrooms. Packing, storage, stairs and specialty items add to these figures.
About 115 road miles (97 miles in a straight line). Driving without overnight stops takes roughly 2 h 41 min.
Expect a delivery window of 1 to 2 days after pickup. Carriers give a spread rather than a fixed date because long-distance trucks carry several shipments; a dedicated truck or expedited service shortens the window for an extra fee.
No. Because both Madison and Appleton are in Wisconsin, this is an intrastate move regulated by the state rather than the FMCSA. Still, choosing a carrier with an active USDOT number is the easiest way to confirm the company is a registered motor carrier with insurance on file.
A one-way rental truck for this distance typically runs $270 to $380 including mileage and fuel, and a portable container about $1,120 to $1,650. Both save money versus a full-service crew but you do the loading, and container transit can take longer than a mover's delivery window.
Rates are highest in summer and around the last days of any month, when demand peaks. Mid-month, mid-week and winter dates are usually quoted below the standard rate. Booking four to eight weeks ahead gives you the widest choice of carriers on the Madison–Appleton corridor.