$519 Movers From Chicago to Milwaukee

Quick Answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI averages from $107 to $3,175 depending on how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the move yourself.

Hiring a full-service Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Here's everything you need to know about your upcoming move to Milwaukee, WI.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Milwaukee to Chicago guide.

Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee resources

Moving 92 miles is no joke. Here's what you need to know.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:

Move Size Moving Company Moving Container Rental Truck
Studio / 1 bedroom $519 - $2,212 $430 - $1,082 $97 - $141
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,059 - $3,175 $818 - $1,611 $107 - $173
4+ bedrooms $1,444 - $3,905 $1,055 - $1,894 $126 - $185
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*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 92 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago to Milwaukee will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs Professional Mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to letting the pros handle your move.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Milwaukee will cost between $519 to $2,212. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,059 to $3,175, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Milwaukee will cost from $1,444 to $3,905.

How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Moving containers from Chicago to Milwaukee will cost you $430 to $1,082 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $818 to $1,611. A larger home will cost $1,055 to $1,894.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Renting a moving truck is usually 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 $97 to $141. A larger move will cost $107 to $173, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Milwaukee costs from $126 to $185. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

The best Chicago to Milwaukee moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Milwaukee is a big deal.

There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services. Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Milwaukee.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
Get A Quote
(855) 650-0657

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 20 yrs experience
  • Flat rate pricing
  • Family owned
Get A Quote
(866) 835-2392

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.45 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
Get A Quote
(980) 217-6841

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • 74 years in biz
  • 1,800 trucks
  • Storage available
Get A Quote
(844) 950-2963

% of users select this mover

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • White glove
  • Expensive items
  • Guaranteed delivery
Get A Quote
(703) 972-1772

% of users select this mover

If you're just trying to ship a few items, here are our picks for the best small load moving companies.

Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Milwaukee

Cost of living: Chicago vs Milwaukee

Chicago Milwaukee
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,250
Average home value $306,098 $187,383
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $45,318
Cost of Living (single person) $1,001 $2,009
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,584 $4,561
Unemployment rate 9.0% 7.4%
Sales Tax 10.25% 5.5%
State Income Tax 4.95% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Milwaukee are 22% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Milwaukee are 38.8% lower than in Chicago.
  • Income in Milwaukee is 30.9% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 100.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 27.3% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 17.78% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 46.34% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Milwaukee are 54.55% higher than in Chicago.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,020.98 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago compared to Milwaukee?

Milwaukee Chicago
Population 577,222 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 62 77
Bike friendliness score 58 72
Crime Index 68.15 35.19
Safety Index 31.85 33.87
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Milwaukee's population is about 79% less than Chicago.
  • Milwaukee's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Milwaukee is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Milwaukee is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
  • Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 68.15 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 68.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 31.85 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Milwaukee is moderate, and in Chicago it's good.

Considerations for moving to Milwaukee

  • Weather: Milwaukee's location in the Great Lakes Region often has rapidly changing weather, producing a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms in the region can be dangerous and damaging, bringing hail and high winds. In rare instances, they can bring a tornado. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your move..
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth 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: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Local Chicago movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Alliance Moving & Storage Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008
(847) 378-4949
H2H Movers Inc Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613
(773) 236-8797

Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

Where to live in Milwaukee

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Cream City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to 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

What to do in Milwaukee

These are some of the best things to do in your new Wisconsin home.

  • Harley Davidson Museum
  • The Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Miller Park
  • The Domes: Mitchell Park Conservatory
  • Milwaukee County Zoo
  • Basilica of St. Josaphat
  • Historic Third Ward
  • Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Pabst Mansion
  • Discovery World

Get your sports on!

Milwaukee is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
  • Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
  • Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)
  • Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

FAQs about moving from Chicago to Milwaukee

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?

The best time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee is during the transitional seasons of spring or fall, considering the summer highs of 83ºF and the winter lows of 14ºF in Milwaukee.

When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Milwaukee in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the summer or winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

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