Quick answer: A typical 436-mile move from Cleveland to Milwaukee runs $508–$6,342 and takes one to four days. Price and timing vary based on how much stuff you are moving, move date, and choice of DIY or full-service.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Milwaukee to Cleveland guide.
Our track record
Best Movers By Type
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Best Professional Movers from Cleveland to Milwaukee
Picking a long-distance moving company for your journey from Cleveland to Milwaukee isn't always easy. With so many choices out there, figuring out who you can really rely on can feel overwhelming.
No need to waste hours comparing moving companies — we've done the work for you. Our top picks stand out for their glowing reviews, affordable rates, and wide range of services to fit any 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 OH to WI move
Local moving companies in Cleveland
- Bellhop Moving: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Leaders Moving & Storage Co.: 5.0 out of 5 stars
- Berger Allied Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Summit Moving & Storage: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- Bright Eyed Moving: 4.76 out of 5 stars
Company Info
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhops
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 136562
Years in Business: 30
DOT #: 1237577
Alternate Names: Leaders Moving And Storage Company, L.E.A.D.E.R.S Moving & Storage Co.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 144651-HG
Years in Business: 115
DOT #: 125665
Alternate Names: Berger Transfer & Storage International, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 0603438-HG
Years in Business: 68
DOT #: 2987151
Alternate Names: Summit Moving LTD
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Antiques
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
Company Info
State license #: 157491
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 1657726
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee?
Cleveland movers charge $75 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 | $1,392 - $4,108 | $827 - $1,831 | $458 - $903 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,531 - $6,342 | $1,379 - $2,845 | $508 - $1,030 |
4+ bedrooms | $4,069 - $9,540 | $1,850 - $3,711 | $620 - $1,275 |
Cost to hire movers from Ohio to Wisconsin
Planning a move from Ohio to Wisconsin? For a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,392 and $4,108. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,531 and $6,342 for the same journey (OH to WI). Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $4,069 to $9,540.
Cost of moving containers from Ohio to Wisconsin
Moving containers from Ohio to Wisconsin will cost you $827 to $1,831 for a small move. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,379 to $2,845. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $1,850 to $3,711. Learn more about PODS cost.
Here are the cheapest moving container companies when moving out of Ohio.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Ohio to Wisconsin
A moving rental truck 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 $458 to $903. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $508 to $1,030, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms or from Ohio to Wisconsin costs around $620 to $1,275.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors influencing moving costs from Cleveland to Milwaukee
What to know before moving from Cleveland to Milwaukee
Moving from Cleveland to Milwaukee means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in Cleveland than in Milwaukee, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.
Check out how Cleveland compares to Milwaukee so you know what to expect before you relocate:
Cleveland | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $1,295 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $108,509 | $200,685 |
Average income (per capita) | $64,965 | $49,733 |
Cost of living (single person) | $2,490 | $2,022 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $6,729 | $4,963 |
Unemployment rate | 6.8% | 7.4% |
Sales tax | 8.0% | 4.9% |
State income tax | 3.5% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Milwaukee are 4% lower than in Cleveland, which means you'll have more money in your pocket each month.
- The home prices in Milwaukee are 84.9% higher than in Cleveland, which could mean saving up before buying a home, taking on a bigger mortgage, or downsizing.
- Income in Milwaukee is 23.4% lower than in Cleveland, 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 18.8% lower than in Cleveland.
- 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 26.2% less than what it costs in Cleveland.
- The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 8.82% higher than in Cleveland.
- You'll spend less on retail and restaurants in Milwaukee, since the city's sales taxes in Milwaukee are 38.75% lower than in Cleveland.
- State income taxes in Milwaukee are 118.57% higher than in Cleveland.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,436.14 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Cleveland.
How life is different in Cleveland vs. Milwaukee
Milwaukee | Cleveland | |
---|---|---|
Population | 577,222 | 372,624 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 8 |
Walkability score | 62 | 57 |
Bike friendliness score | 58 | 52 |
Crime Index | 66.76 | 63.41 |
Safety Index | 33.24 | 36.59 |
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
- The population of Milwaukee is about 55% greater than Cleveland, so you may find more to see and do in your new surroundings. Of course, with more people can also come increased competition for jobs and housing.
- Your access to buses, shuttles, trams, or trains in Milwaukee will be about the same as it currently is in Cleveland. The cities share a similar public transportation score, which means their transit systems are comparable in terms of how connected they are, how often they provide service, and how close they are to jobs, housing, retail and food stores, and other important locations.
- Living in Milwaukee means you'll likely be within closer walking distance to restaurants, shops, parks, and entertainment than you are in Cleveland. Milwaukee is considered more walkable than Cleveland, with a score of 62 out of 100 versus 57 out of 100 in Cleveland. A city's walkability score indicates how pedestrian-friendly it is in terms of proximity of neighborhoods to amenities.
- If cycling is your thing, Milwaukee is considered more bike-friendly than Cleveland in terms of designated lanes and connectivity and how many residents opt to commute on two wheels rather than by car. Milwaukee has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, while Cleveland is rated as 52 out of 100.
- You can anticipate the same crime rate in Milwaukee as Cleveland. With the crime index, lower scores are better because they indicate less crime. Cities with scores of 20 or below, for example, have much fewer instances of crime than those with scores of 80–100.
- Milwaukee is generally as safe as Cleveland, according to their similar safety index ratings. The ratings are based on how comfortable residents feel about walking alone during the daytime and nighttime and the number of small crimes like theft and muggings.
- You can breathe easy knowing that Milwaukee has better air quality than in Cleveland. Milwaukee has Good air quality, compared to moderate in Cleveland. Ratings of good to moderate mean very low risk of health concerns, although people with conditions like asthma or allergies could be affected. Beyond the moderate rating, health concerns increase for some or all residents.
Other things to consider for your Cleveland 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: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you're familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- 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: You can verify a Wisconsin moving company's license by visiting the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: You won't need a moving permit in Wisconsin, though it's smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Milwaukee Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. 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
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
Things to do in Milwaukee
Now that you've made the move to Wisconsin it's the perfect time to explore Milwaukee From local hotspots to hidden gems, there's something to enjoy for every lifestyle:
- Arts and culture: Milwaukee features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including 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 — among other spots — perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
- Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during 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 Cleveland to Milwaukee?
If you're flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee. You'll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Cleveland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Cleveland to Milwaukee moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Cleveland to Milwaukee take?
Covering 436 miles, the move from Cleveland, OH to Milwaukee, WI typically takes one to four days. Some Cleveland movers may offer faster options, and if your timing is flexible, storage services in Milwaukee can help bridge the gap.