($994) Cost to Move From Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI

1. TWO MEN AND A TRUCK: 4.48 out of 5 stars
2. All Mighty Movers LLC: 4.38 out of 5 stars
3. College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving: 4.38 out of 5 stars
4. Black Belt Movers: 4.38 out of 5 stars
5. Adamantine Spine Moving: 4.36 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Des Moines to Milwaukee

When planning a move to Milwaukee from Des Moines, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $994 and $3,022. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $1,731 and $4,602 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $2,945 to $6,979.

Cost of moving containers from Des Moines to Milwaukee

When you’re heading from Des Moines to Milwaukee, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $612 and $1,452. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,176 and $2,163. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,498 to $2,759. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Iowa easier and more affordable.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Des Moines to Milwaukee

A moving rental truck from Des Moines 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 $355 to $613. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $374 to $757, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Des Moines to Milwaukee costs around $452 to $898.

These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.

• Rent is about 9% more expensive in Milwaukee than in Des Moines. Make sure to include this increase in your monthly budget.
• With home prices differing by less than 5% between Milwaukee and Des Moines, you probably don’t need to adjust your mortgage planning unless there’s a change in your housing needs.
• You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 15% less in Milwaukee than in Des Moines.
• Prepare for elevated costs in Milwaukee, with the cost of living for a single person being 7% more than in Des Moines. This includes routine costs such as utilities, groceries, clothes, and transportation.
• When considering a family move to Milwaukee, prepare for a potential rise in household expenses. The cost of living for a family here is 13% higher than in Des Moines.
• Milwaukee has a higher unemployment rate than Des Moines by about 25%. This means that more people are out of work, so employers may have a larger pool of candidates to choose from, which can lead to a more competitive hiring process.
• Sales taxes are 30% cheaper in Milwaukee compared to Des Moines. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
• Income taxes are 74% more in Wisconsin than in Iowa. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.

• Milwaukee’s population is about 17% less than Des Moines.
• Milwaukee’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is higher than Des Moines’s score of 5.
• Milwaukee is more walkable than Des Moines with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Des Moines’s 45 out of 100.
• With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Des Moines, which has a score of 39 out of 100. The higher a city’s score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
• Milwaukee’s crime rate is higher than Des Moines with a score of 66.76 compared to Des Moines’s 5.0. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Des Moines neighborhoods are safer than 5.0%.
• Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Des Moines with a score of 33.24 vs Des Moines’s 57.8.
• Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Des Moines it’s Good.

• HOA rules: Costs across Des Moines 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.

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.