($113+) Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Moving from Chicago, IL, to Milwaukee, WI, runs anywhere from $107 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $3,870 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 102 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 $571, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $3,870 or more.
  • Moving containers run $718 - $2,018, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $107 - $216.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Chicago, IL, to Milwaukee, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $1,090 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Moving options from Chicago to Milwaukee 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 $1,090 - $3,291 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 102 miles and typically takes 1 to 2 days.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 102-mile route from Chicago to Milwaukee, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $571 - $2,701 $718 - $1,213 $107 - $174 $653 - $1,027
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,090 - $3,291 $894 - $1,663 $122 - $202 $715 - $1,344
4+ bedrooms $1,557 - $3,870 $1,131 - $2,018 $133 - $216 $951 - $1,631

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 102-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with costs ranging from $571 - $3,870. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $296 - $1,976. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Chicago and Milwaukee. Local movers in Chicago typically start around $220 as a base rate plus $100/hour per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Chicago to Milwaukee:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $571 - $2,701
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,090 - $3,291
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,557 - $3,870

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 Chicago to Milwaukee.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Illinois to Wisconsin. 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 Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Chicago movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Milwaukee, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing99% of local movers$494 - $4,940
Storage in transitNew place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Reebie Storage and Moving Co.$198 - $1,186/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$296 - $2,371
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs62% of local movers$988 - $2,964
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,470 - $9,880
Car shippingSecond vehicle$740 - $1,406
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items55% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc$988 - $2,470
PianoAny piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: H2H Movers Inc$790 - $3,458
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling36% of local movers$296 - $1,482
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect23% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Move-tastic$642 - $1,976
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$296 - $14,820+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$296 - $3,458+

What are the best full-service movers from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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 Chicago, IL?

Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Chicago to Milwaukee with a local mover averages $1,080 - $3,259. Shorter moves don't always call for a national van line, and local moving companies in Chicago, IL 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.

Mighty Moving & Storage (4.7/5 stars) is our preferred moving company in Chicago, based on our analysis of feedback from 88 customers, 94.3% of which is positive.

Address: 1228 Humbracht Circle, Bartlett, IL, 60103 | Founded: 2023

Moving container costs from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Moving containers from Chicago, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $718 and $2,018. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Chicago runs about $100/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Chicago to Milwaukee:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $718 - $1,213
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $894 - $1,663
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,131 - $2,018

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $692 in Chicago, IL. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
  • Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $74 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $148 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
  • Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Milwaukee, WI, destination before booking.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Illinois to Wisconsin 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 $718. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $894 - $1,663, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Chicago to Milwaukee?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chicago 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 Chicago:

  • Move-tastic (5.0/5), 17 years in business
  • H2H Movers Inc (4.9/5), 12 years in business
  • Stark Moving and Storage (5.0/5), 7 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Renting a moving truck for the 102-mile move from Chicago, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, costs between $107 and $216, before these typical add-ons:

  • Fuel for the drive: $32 - $37
  • Daily insurance: $30/day
  • Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
  • Chicago daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.79
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Chicago to Milwaukee based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $107 - $174
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $122 - $202
  • 4+ bedrooms: $133 - $216

Pro tip: A rental truck from Chicago to Milwaukee looks affordable at first glance, with base rates of $107 - $216. But once you factor in fuel ($32 - $37) , overnight lodging ($148/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?

  • Gas: Fuel adds $32 - $37 for the 102-mile drive, depending on whether your rental truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: You'll handle the heavy lifting unless you bring in help. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for about 5 hours typically costs around $692.
  • Additional insurance: Supplemental damage protection adds roughly $30 per day to your rental cost.
  • Lodging: The 102-mile drive typically calls for 2 - 3 overnight stops at around $148 per night, adding $296 - $445 in hotel costs total.
  • Equipment: Dollies, furniture pads, and vehicle tow gear are almost always billed separately. These extras typically add between $49 and $296.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Chicago to Milwaukee?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI

Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Chicago, Illinois, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.

What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $715 and $1,344.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Chicago to Milwaukee:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $653 - $1,027
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $715 - $1,344
  • 4+ bedrooms: $951 - $1,631

Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Seasonal demand: Pricing tends to rise during peak moving season, particularly between mid-May and mid-September.
  • Moving labor: Most customers hire loading help since freight is self-loaded. Two movers in Chicago, Illinois, for roughly 5 hours typically costs $692.
  • More space: Freight companies bill by linear footage. If your belongings take up more room than anticipated, the extra space adds between $74 and $148 per foot.

What are the best freight companies from Chicago to Milwaukee?

  1. MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
  2. U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
  3. Keller Trucking Co, Inc. (4.54/5 stars): Keller Trucking Co, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Local ownership translates to accessible support staff and facilities based in the communities they serve, giving customers more direct communication than they'd typically get from a national-only freight network.

Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Milwaukee 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: Chicago, IL vs Milwaukee, WI

The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Milwaukee, side by side with Chicago on housing, income, and taxes.

Measure Chicago, IL Milwaukee, WI
Cost of living index10688
Average rent$2,045/mo$1,250/mo
Median home value$317,509$171,025
Average income$75,134/yr$51,888/yr
Unemployment rate9.0%7.4%
State income taxUp to 4.95%Up to 7.65%
Walkability score77/10062/100
Safety index33.87/10033.24/100
Air qualityGoodGood

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 Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Illinois to Wisconsin, 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. Illinois alone has 103 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 102-mile move like this one.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Chicago, IL, to Milwaukee, WI, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $571 - $3,870 on the 102-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $718 - $2,018 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $107 - $216 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $1,090 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.

FAQs: Moving from Chicago, IL, to Milwaukee, WI

How long does a move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI 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 are the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee?

For families, Bay View, Historic Third Ward, and Juneau Town are worth a look in Milwaukee. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bay View, Brewer’s Hill, and Historic Third Ward tend to be popular picks instead.

What is the cheapest way to move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI?

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 $122 - $202. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.

Is Milwaukee a safe place to live?

Milwaukee has a safety index of 33.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.76, compared to 33.87 and 35.19 in Chicago. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.

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.

What percentage of Chicago movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 75% of movers in Chicago handle piano moves, and 55% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.