St. Louis, MO to Milwaukee, WI Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from St. Louis to Milwaukee typically costs $2,000–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 373 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
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Cost to move from St. Louis to Milwaukee
Moving from St. Louis, MO to Milwaukee, WI typically costs $2,000–$5,600 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 373-mile move from St. Louis to Milwaukee, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
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2-3 bedrooms
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4+ bedrooms
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Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,315 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $1,509 for a 1 bedroom (large) using a moving container.
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $2,279 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
5+ Bedrooms
Feb 01, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 22, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Jan 10, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 05, 2026
2 Bedrooms
Dec 31, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 26, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 25, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 24, 2025
3 Bedrooms
Dec 11, 2025
2 Bedrooms
Dec 09, 2025
Factors that affect moving costs from St. Louis to Milwaukee
Your total cost will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from St. Louis to Milwaukee may only cost $1,200, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $7,500.
- The season you're moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in St. Louis.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($400–$1,000), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Milwaukee, WI to St. Louis, MO guide.
Best St. Louis to Milwaukee movers by type
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Local
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Rental Truck
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Labor Only
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Best professional movers from St. Louis to Milwaukee
Choosing a full-service mover is ideal when you prefer experts to oversee your interstate move from St. Louis to Milwaukee. These companies handle all the details, allowing you to dedicate your energy to your next steps.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best MO→WI movers
moveBuddha's dedicated analysts have scrutinized moving rates across 57 Missouri moving firms, selecting the top providers by assessing customer approval, reviews, and affordability.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The team ensures timely service delivery, engages in effective communication, and adheres to the projected costs.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Moving isn’t perfect, and mistakes will happen. We highlight movers that handle those situations honestly and put effort into resolving them fairly.
- Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
- Online reputation (15%): This mover keeps its website up to date and provides timely, professional replies to questions or concerns raised online.
- Service options (10%): Companies stand out when they provide comprehensive options such as full-service packing, safe storage, handling of specialty items, and expedited shipping.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from St. Louis to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than St. Louis - roughly 22% less for singles and 24% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,589 in St. Louis. For a family of four, it's $4,963 compared with $6,573.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| St. Louis | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | |
| Average home value | $171,463 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $66,090 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,589 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,573 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 9.68% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 4.8% | 7.65% |
- Your budget won't be hit too hard when you move to Milwaukee from St. Louis with rent being about the same in each state.
- Plan for a heftier mortgage payment since home prices are approximately 17% steeper in Milwaukee compared to St. Louis.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 25% less in Milwaukee than in St. Louis.
- Expect to spend less on everyday needs such as food, fuel, and utilities in Milwaukee. The cost of living for a single person there is 22% below that of St. Louis.
- A move to Milwaukee can offer your family a more affordable lifestyle, with savings on everyday costs such as utilities, groceries, and transport. The cost of living for a family is 24% lower compared to St. Louis.
- Milwaukee has a higher unemployment rate than St. Louis by about 17%. 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 49% cheaper in Milwaukee compared to St. Louis. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 59% more in Wisconsin than in Missouri. This increase in state taxes means you will retain less of your earnings, impacting your disposable income.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in St. Louis versus Milwaukee:
| Living Expense | St. Louis | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | |
| Gym membership | $53.38 |
How life is different in St. Louis vs. Milwaukee
| St. Louis | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 293,310 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 66 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 58 |
| Crime index | 69.65 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 30.35 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
- Milwaukee's population is about 97% greater than St. Louis.
- Milwaukee's public transportation score is within about 5% of St. Louis, making them very similar.
- Milwaukee is less walkable than St. Louis with a score of 62 out of 100 vs St. Louis's 66 out of 100.
- Both Milwaukee and St. Louis have similar bike-friendliness scores (58 vs 58), meaning Milwaukee is about as safe for cyclists as St. Louis. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
- Milwaukee and St. Louis have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.76 and 69.65, respectively.
- Milwaukee is considered to be safer than St. Louis with a safety index of 33.24 vs St. Louis's 30.35.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in St. Louis it's Moderate.
Other things to consider for your St. Louis to Milwaukee move
- HOA rules: Plan time to look into your HOA or community rules and regulations before moving day arrives, to avoid any delays.
- 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.
Where to live in Milwaukee
With your sights set on Cream City, these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider 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
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.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from St. Louis to Milwaukee?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from St. Louis to Milwaukee. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in St. Louis.
When is the cheapest time to move from St. Louis to Milwaukee?
Want to save on your move from St. Louis to Milwaukee? Consider scheduling it in winter, when demand is lower and rates are often cheaper. Our moving discounts guide shows you how.
How long does a move from St. Louis to Milwaukee take?
The 373-mile move from St. Louis, MO, to Milwaukee, WI, takes one to four days. Some St. Louis movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Milwaukee.
What kinds of discounts do St. Louis movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 1 movers extend discounts to senior citizens.
Check with each mover to confirm discount availability, eligibility requirements, and how much you can save.
Need help moving a piano or antiques in St. Louis?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 9 movers in St. Louis provide piano moving services. 5 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 37 piano movers and 22 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,296 and 1,463.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
