Highly rated local moving companies for Detroit to Milwaukee moves
Organizing a move from Detroit to Milwaukee can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 36 local movers in Detroit known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Detroit to Milwaukee.
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- Palmer Moving Services: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- White Star Movers, Inc.: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Royal Movers Enterprises, LLC: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- O’Sullivan Moving & Storage CO.: 4.42 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2378173
Alternate Names: JCAL Holdings, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 114
DOT #: 511993
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
Years in Business: 39
DOT #: 624288
Alternate Names: Whitestar Movers, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 17
DOT #: 1673815
Alternate Names: Royal Movers
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 20587
Years in Business: 42
DOT #: 1660642
Alternate Names: O’Sullivan Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
How much does it cost to move from Detroit to Milwaukee?
On average, moving companies in Michigan charge about per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,033 – $3,236 | $644 – $1,422 | $351 – $619 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $1,836 – $4,886 | $1,097 – $2,098 | $371 – $780 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $2,823 – $6,971 | $1,483 – $2,814 | $461 – $934 |
Cost to hire movers from Detroit to Milwaukee
When planning a move to Milwaukee from Detroit, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,033 and $3,236. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,836 and $4,886 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,823 to $6,971.
Cost of moving containers from Detroit to Milwaukee
When you’re heading from Detroit to Milwaukee, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $644 and $1,422. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,097 and $2,098. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,483 to $2,814. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Michigan easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Detroit to Milwaukee
A moving rental truck from Detroit to Milwaukee is generally the cheapest option, 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 $351 to $619. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $371 to $780, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Detroit to Milwaukee costs around $461 to $934.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Detroit to Milwaukee
The cost of Detroit movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Detroit to Milwaukee may only cost $1,460, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $5,919.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Detroit.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($351–$860), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Detroit to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Detroit – roughly 19% less for singles and 26% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,500 in Detroit. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $6,687.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Detroit | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,325 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,542 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $73,156 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $37,761 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,500 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,687 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.06% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 6.0% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 4.25% | 7.65% |
- Your budget won’t be hit too hard when you move to Milwaukee from Detroit with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 174% steeper in Milwaukee compared to Detroit.
- Here’s some fantastic news, the average income is approximately 32% greater in Milwaukee than in Detroit, offering more potential for savings or investments each month.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Milwaukee. The cost of living for a single person there is 19% below that of Detroit.
- A move to Milwaukee can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 26% lower compared to Detroit.
- Milwaukee has a lower unemployment rate than Detroit by about 18%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 18% cheaper in Milwaukee compared to Detroit. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 80% more in Wisconsin than in Michigan. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Detroit versus Milwaukee:
| Living Expense | Detroit | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $251.12 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $55.77 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $3.52 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $2.94 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $18.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $68.50 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $43.00 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs are less expensive in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- Bread costs less in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Detroit than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Detroit vs. Milwaukee
| Detroit | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 639,111 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 7 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 51 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 52 | 58 |
| Crime index | 72.92 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 27.08 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 10% less than Detroit.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Detroit’s score of 7.
- Milwaukee is more walkable than Detroit with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Detroit’s 51 out of 100.
- With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Detroit, which has a score of 52 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Milwaukee’s crime rate is lower than Detroit with a score of 66.76 compared to Detroit’s 72.92. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Detroit neighborhoods are safer than 72.92%.
- Milwaukee is considered to be safer than Detroit with a safety index of 33.24 vs Detroit’s 27.08.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Detroit it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Detroit to Milwaukee move
- HOA rules: Costs across Detroit and Milwaukee are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the move.
- 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: 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. Ensure the company you choose is licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: To confirm a moving company’s license in Wisconsin, visit the state’s public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Moving permits aren’t typically required in Wisconsin, 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 Milwaukee. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Each state has its own requirements for the level of insurance moving companies must carry. 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: Let our moving checklist guide you through the process and help ensure nothing slips through the cracks.
Where to live in Milwaukee
With your sights set on Cream City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Milwaukee.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Bay View
- Brewer’s Hill
- Historic Third Ward
- Lower East Side
- Riverwest
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bay View
- Historic Third Ward
- Juneau Town
- Lower East Side
- Northpoint
Things to do in Milwaukee
With your move to Wisconsin complete, you can dive right into experiencing Milwaukee. From cultural attractions to outdoor adventures, you’ll never run out of things to do:
- Arts and culture: Milwaukee is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, and Discovery World.
- Outdoor recreation: The city’s Henry Maier Festival Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), Veteran’s Park, and Lake 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 Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Detroit to Milwaukee?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Detroit to Milwaukee. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Detroit.
When is the cheapest time to move from Detroit to Milwaukee?
Want to save on your move from Detroit to Milwaukee? 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 Detroit to Milwaukee take?
The 382-mile move from Detroit, MI, to Milwaukee, , takes one to four days. Some Detroit movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Milwaukee.
What kinds of discounts do Detroit movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 movers offer special pricing for military members. 2 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in Detroit?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 22 movers in Detroit provide piano moving services. 8 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 51 piano movers and 19 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Detroit moving services
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