($102+) Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $100 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $4,265 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 91 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 2 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 $621, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $4,265 or more.
- Moving containers run $660 - $1,856, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $100 - $185.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,056 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 Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Milwaukee to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $1,056 - $3,236 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 91 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 91-mile route from Milwaukee to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $621 - $2,659 | $660 - $1,127 | $100 - $142 | $0 - $0 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,056 - $3,236 | $842 - $1,564 | $105 - $171 | $0 - $0 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $1,501 - $4,265 | $1,141 - $1,856 | $127 - $185 | $0 - $0 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 91-mile move from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $621 - $4,265. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $286 - $1,904. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Milwaukee and Chicago. Local movers in Milwaukee typically start around $349 as a base rate plus $105/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $621 - $2,659
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,056 - $3,236
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,501 - $4,265
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 Milwaukee to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
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 Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Milwaukee movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing92% of local movers | $476 - $4,760 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving | $190 - $1,142/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $286 - $2,285 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $952 - $2,856 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,380 - $9,520 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $713 - $1,355 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $952 - $2,380 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage Co | $762 - $3,332 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers | $286 - $1,428 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc. | $619 - $1,904 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $286 - $14,280+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $286 - $3,332+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Milwaukee, WI?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Milwaukee to Chicago with a local mover averages $1,004 - $3,075. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Milwaukee, WI often offer competitive pricing on nearby routes. Smaller crews and regional focus translate to lower overhead and more scheduling flexibility.
Just make sure they're properly licensed for interstate moves and equipped to handle the full distance.
Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $660 and $1,856. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Milwaukee typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $660 - $1,127
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $842 - $1,564
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,141 - $1,856
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $666 in Milwaukee, WI, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $71 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $143 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Illinois 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 $660. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $842 - $1,564, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Milwaukee to Chicago?
- 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
- Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.1/5), 96 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 91 miles from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Chicago, Illinois, running $100 - $185. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $28 - $32
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $19
- Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
| 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 Milwaukee to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $100 - $142
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $105 - $171
- 4+ bedrooms: $127 - $185
Pro tip: A rental truck from Milwaukee to Chicago looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $100 - $185. But once you factor in fuel ($28 - $32) , overnight lodging ($143/night), meals, and equipment rentals, most people end up spending $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate suggests. 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 $71 and $333.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $143.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $28 and $32 for the 91-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 $666 for 2 movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Chicago?
- 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 Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $0 and $0.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $0 - $0
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $0 - $0
- 4+ bedrooms: $0 - $0
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $71 - $143 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for about five hours typically runs $666.
What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee to Chicago?
- 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.
- Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (4.46/5 stars): Star Line Trucking Or Star Line is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Milwaukee on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Milwaukee, WI | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 88 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $171,025 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $51,888/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 7.65% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 62/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 33.24/100 | 33.87/100 |
| 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 Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Wisconsin alone has 40 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 91-mile move like this one.
Our take
The 91-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Chicago, IL, costs between $621 and $4,265 with full-service movers, $660 - $1,856 with a moving container, and $100 - $185 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $1,056 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Chicago, IL
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 33.24 and 66.76 in Milwaukee. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What is the cheapest way to move from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL?
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 $105 - $171. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How long does a move from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 percentage of Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
