Highly rated local moving companies for Portland to Milwaukee moves
Organizing a move from Portland to Milwaukee can be daunting, particularly when trying to identify a reliable mover that offers long-distance services. We’ve done the groundwork for you, evaluating 21 local movers in Portland known for their long-distance moving capabilities, assessing them on pricing, customer experiences, and reliability.
Here are the best local movers for long-distance moves from Portland to Milwaukee.
- PDX Movers: 4.78 out of 5 stars
- All Service Moving: 4.58 out of 5 stars
- 2 Brothers Moving & Delivery: 4.62 out of 5 stars
- ANC Movers: 4.64 out of 5 stars
- You Move Me: 4.62 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2353055
Pricing: $255/hr
Years in Business: 12
DOT #: 2353055
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Art
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Pay by cash
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 1863079
Years in Business: 20
DOT #: 1863079
Alternate Names: ASM LLC , All Service Moving and Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 217157
Pricing: $216/hr
Years in Business: 16
Alternate Names: 2Brothers Services Inc
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Pianos
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by money order
- Pay by cash
Company Info
State license #: MEF181016
Years in Business: 9
DOT #: 2877082
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Pool Tables
- Art
- Crating
- Crane vans
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Fragile-only packing
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 14401
Years in Business: 11
DOT #: 2518689
Alternate Names: 0955821 BC Ltd.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crating
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Portland to Milwaukee?
On average, moving companies in Oregon charge about $171 per hour. Consider these typical rates for a full-service moving company, moving container, or rental truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,352 – $5,336 | $1,118 – $2,912 | $1,155 – $2,274 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $3,689 – $8,579 | $2,136 – $4,311 | $1,201 – $2,707 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,770 – $12,720 | $2,897 – $5,419 | $1,642 – $3,185 |
Cost to hire movers from Portland to Milwaukee
When planning a move to Milwaukee from Portland, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,352 and $5,336. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $3,689 and $8,579 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $6,770 to $12,720.
Cost of moving containers from Portland to Milwaukee
When you’re heading from Portland to Milwaukee, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $1,118 and $2,912. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $2,136 and $4,311. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $2,897 to $5,419. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Oregon easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Portland to Milwaukee
A moving rental truck from Portland to Milwaukee 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 $1,155 to $2,274. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $1,201 to $2,707, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Portland to Milwaukee costs around $1,642 to $3,185.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Portland to Milwaukee
The cost of Portland movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Portland to Milwaukee may only cost $2,941, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $11,328.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Portland.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($1,155–$2,908), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Portland to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Portland – roughly 21% less for singles and 18% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,572 in Portland. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $6,077.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Portland | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,825 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,410 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $522,596 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $85,876 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,572 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,077 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 6.9% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 0.0% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 9.9% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 18% less expensive in Milwaukee than in Portland, so you will have more cash on hand each month.
- Expect your mortgage payments to be easier on the wallet, as home prices are around 62% cheaper in Milwaukee than in Portland.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 42% less in Milwaukee than in Portland.
- 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 21% below that of Portland.
- 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 18% lower compared to Portland.
- Milwaukee has a higher unemployment rate than Portland by about 7%. 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.
- Milwaukee has a sales tax, while Portland does not. That means you’ll pay more at checkout after your move, adding extra cost to everyday purchases.
- Income taxes are 23% less in Wisconsin compared to Oregon, offering a relief on your paycheck, which can enhance your budgeting options.
Here’s the side-by-side view of common monthly bills and day-to-day expenses in Portland versus Milwaukee:
| Living Expense | Portland | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $211.77 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $66.74 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.64 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.11 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $95.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $37.76 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Bread is more expensive in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Portland than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Portland than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Portland vs. Milwaukee
| Portland | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 652,503 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 81 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 92 | 58 |
| Crime index | 57.37 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 42.63 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 12% less than Portland.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score is within about 5% of Portland, making them very similar.
- Milwaukee is less walkable than Portland with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Portland’s 81 out of 100.
- Milwaukee has a bike-friendliness score of 58 out of 100, which means it isn’t as accessible or safe for cyclists as Portland, which has a score of 92.
- Milwaukee’s crime rate is higher than Portland with a score of 66.76 compared to Portland’s 57.37. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Portland neighborhoods are safer than 57.37%.
- Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Portland with a score of 33.24 vs Portland’s 42.63.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Portland it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Portland to Milwaukee move
- HOA rules: Costs across Portland and Milwaukee are largely aligned, so your monthly budget shouldn’t shift much after the 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: 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 Portland to Milwaukee?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Portland to Milwaukee. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Portland.
When is the cheapest time to move from Portland to Milwaukee?
Want to save on your move from Portland 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 Portland to Milwaukee take?
The 2,042-mile move from Portland, OR, to Milwaukee, , takes six to 17 days. Some Portland 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 Portland movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. 2 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 Portland?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 16 movers in Portland provide piano moving services. 10 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 28 piano movers and 16 antique movers, with nationwide counts at 2,303 and 1,466.
Demand for these services can be high, so schedule your specialty move as far ahead as possible.
Helpful moving resources
Portland moving services
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