Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Milwaukee costs $130–$3,713 and takes one to two days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you're moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 93-mile move yourself.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Milwaukee to Chicago guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Chicago to Milwaukee
Choosing a long-distance mover for your trip from Chicago to Milwaukee can be tough. With so many options, it's easy to feel overwhelmed about who you can truly count on.
Save yourself the hassle of sorting through countless moving companies — we've already narrowed down the best for you. Our favorites earned their spots thanks to rave reviews, budget-friendly prices, and versatile services to suit any type of move.
Safeway Moving
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American Van Lines
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Allied Van Lines
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Mayzlin Relocation
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North American Van Lines
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How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to WI move
Find trusted moving companies for your Chicago to Milwaukee journey
Organizing a move from Chicago to Milwaukee can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. The choices are vast, but which ones stand out?
We've done the groundwork for you, evaluating local movers in Chicago known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the top local moving companies to ensure a smooth transition from Chicago to Milwaukee.
- New City Moving: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.86 out of 5 stars
- H2H Movers Inc: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Alliance Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 158051
Years in Business: 16
DOT #: 3078026
Alternate Names: Windy City Moving, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136144
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 3383907
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 184599
Years in Business: 10
DOT #: 2428328
Alternate Names: H2H Movers, Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 139020
Pricing: $150/hr
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1308599
Alternate Names: STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 214845
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2882675
Alternate Names: HK & RP, LLC
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
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 | $601 - $2,716 | $483 - $1,342 | $123 - $173 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $1,213 - $3,713 | $1,005 - $1,830 | $130 - $206 |
4+ bedrooms | $1,740 - $4,795 | $1,310 - $2,259 | $148 - $217 |
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Wisconsin
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Wisconsin will cost between $601 and $2,716. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to WI will range from $1,213 to $3,713, and a large move from Illinois to Wisconsin will cost from $1,740 to $4,795.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Wisconsin
If you're moving from Illinois to Wisconsin, expect to pay between $483 and $1,342 for a small load. For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from $1,005 up to $1,830. Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $1,310 and $2,259. Check out our guide on PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Wisconsin
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you'll be handling all the loading, unloading, and driving yourself.
If you're moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between $123 and $173. For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $130 and $206. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home? You're likely looking at anywhere from $148 up to $217 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Chicago to Milwaukee move
What to know before moving from Chicago to Milwaukee
Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Chicago than in Milwaukee, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Chicago compares to Milwaukee so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Chicago | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $200,685 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $49,733 |
Cost of living (single person) | $3,648 | $2,022 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $9,266 | $4,963 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.4% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 4.9% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Milwaukee are 39% lower than in Chicago, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
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In terms of homeownership, you'll be able to get more for your money in Milwaukee.
Home prices in Milwaukee are 32.1% lower than in Chicago. - Income in Milwaukee is 30.5% lower than in Chicago, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Milwaukee — including Johnson Controls, Aurora Health Care, and ManpowerGroup — may pay more.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Milwaukee. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 44.6% lower than in Chicago.
- A move to Milwaukee can help cut down on a family's routine expenses, including utilities, transportation, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 46.4% less than what it costs in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 17.78% lower than in Chicago.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Milwaukee, since the city's sales taxes in Milwaukee are 52.20% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Milwaukee are 54.55% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,662.83 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. 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 | 66.76 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 33.24 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | 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 higher 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 has a bike-friendliness score 58 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
- Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 66.76 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Milwaukee and Chicago are considered to be equally safe.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Milwaukee move
- 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. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- 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: 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.
Where to live in Milwaukee
Now that you've chosen Cream City as your next home, here are a few of the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee to check out.
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
Once you're settled into your new home in Wisconsin, it's time to get out and discover what Milwaukee has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Milwaukee include museums and art centers like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World, and Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Henry Maier Festival Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), Veteran's Park, and Lake Park — and more, offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA), or Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Spring and fall are the ideal times to move from Chicago to Milwaukee You'll benefit from more comfortable weather and avoid the higher prices that come with peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Because spring and fall moves from Chicago to Milwaukee are so common, winter can be a great time to move if you're looking for lower prices. Read our moving discounts guide to see how.
How long does a move from Chicago to Milwaukee take?
The 93-mile journey from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI, typically takes one to two days. Some movers in Chicago offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Milwaukee.