Highly rated local moving companies for Philadelphia to Milwaukee moves
Organizing a move from Philadelphia 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 68 local movers in Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Milwaukee.
- Bellhop Moving: 4.56 out of 5 stars
- Anchor Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.52 out of 5 stars
- Suburban Solutions Moving & Transport: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- Gentle Giant Moving Company: 4.42 out of 5 stars
- Transtar Moving Systems: 4.48 out of 5 stars
Company Info
State license #: 2878240
Years in Business: 14
DOT #: 2878240
Alternate Names: Bellhop Moving Services
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- Deposit Required
Company Info
State license #: 125550
Years in Business: 51
DOT #: 125550
Alternate Names: Anchor Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Crating
- Shipment tracking
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
- DOD certified
Company Info
Years in Business: 10
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Hot Tubs
- 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 #: 373544
Years in Business: 44
DOT #: 373544
Alternate Names: Gentle Giant Moving & Storage
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Crane vans
- Storage
- Pay by credit card
Company Info
State license #: 39PC00058806
Years in Business: 63
DOT #: 939629
Alternate Names: A Action Family Moving Company, Inc.
Services Offered
- Local moves
- Interstate moves
- International moves
- Packing
- Unpacking
- Offices
- Pianos
- Art
- Antiques
- Grandfather clocks
- Crating
- Full-valuation coverage
- Storage
- Safes
- Pay by credit card
How much does it cost to move from Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
On average, moving companies in Pennsylvania charge about $143 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 | $1,098 – $3,913 | $808 – $1,887 | $587 – $1,053 |
| 2 – 3 bedrooms | $2,350 – $5,364 | $1,368 – $2,757 | $634 – $1,342 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,618 – $7,895 | $1,839 – $3,715 | $817 – $1,550 |
Cost to hire movers from Philadelphia to Milwaukee
When planning a move to Milwaukee from Philadelphia, for a studio or one-bedroom, you’ll likely pay between $1,098 and $3,913. If you have a two- or three-bedroom home, expect costs to fall somewhere between $2,350 and $5,364 for the same journey. Moving four or five bedrooms? Typical prices range from $3,618 to $7,895.
Cost of moving containers from Philadelphia to Milwaukee
When you’re heading from Philadelphia to Milwaukee, and you’re only moving a few items, you can expect to spend between $808 and $1,887. For a two- or three-bedroom place, prices usually fall between $1,368 and $2,757. If you’re packing up a large home with four or more bedrooms, the cost can range from $1,839 to $3,715. Want more details? Check out our complete PODS cost guide.
Explore the top budget-friendly moving container companies to make your move from Pennsylvania easier and more affordable.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Milwaukee
A moving rental truck from Philadelphia 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 $587 to $1,053. A two to three-bedroom move will cost $634 to $1,342, and moving a home with four or more bedrooms from Philadelphia to Milwaukee costs around $817 to $1,550.
These quotes include the estimated fuel cost.
Factors that affect moving costs from Philadelphia to Milwaukee
The cost of Philadelphia movers will depend on:
- How much stuff you have: A one-bedroom move from Philadelphia to Milwaukee may only cost $1,891, whereas a full four-bedroom relocation can approach $6,459.
- The season you’re moving in: Movers charge more in summer, the busiest months in Philadelphia.
- Which type of mover you use: Save with a truck rental ($587–$1,435), but expect more hassle than hiring pros.
What to know before moving from Philadelphia to Milwaukee
Many movers find Milwaukee easier on the wallet than Philadelphia – roughly 20% less for singles and 20% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,022 for one person in Milwaukee versus $2,541 in Philadelphia. For a family of four, it’s $4,963 compared with $6,190.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Philadelphia | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,791 | $1,612 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $3,116 | $2,880 |
| Average home value | $216,914 | $200,685 |
| Average income (per capita) | $70,746 | $49,733 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,541 | $2,022 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $6,190 | $4,963 |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.4% |
| Sales tax | 8.0% | 4.9% |
| State income tax | 3.07% | 7.65% |
- Rent is about 26% less expensive in Milwaukee than in Philadelphia, 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 7% cheaper in Milwaukee than in Philadelphia.
- You might want to reassess your budget before relocating. The average income is roughly 30% less in Milwaukee than in Philadelphia.
- 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 20% below that of Philadelphia.
- 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 20% lower compared to Philadelphia.
- Milwaukee has a lower unemployment rate than Philadelphia by about 30%. This signals a stronger job market and healthier local economy, both promising indicators for someone relocating.
- Sales taxes are 39% cheaper in Milwaukee compared to Philadelphia. This could significantly slash costs for families or individuals with higher spending on taxable necessities.
- Income taxes are 149% more in Wisconsin than in Pennsylvania. 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 Philadelphia versus Milwaukee:
| Living Expense | Philadelphia | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $269.29 | $167.94 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.40 | $43.50 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.30 | $4.23 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.40 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $20.00 | $16.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $90.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $48.67 | $53.38 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
- Eggs cost more in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
- Bread is more expensive in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Philadelphia than in Milwaukee.
How life is different in Philadelphia vs. Milwaukee
| Philadelphia | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 1,603,797 | 577,222 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 75 | 62 |
| Bike friendliness score | 67 | 58 |
| Crime index | 66.09 | 66.76 |
| Safety index | 33.91 | 33.24 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee’s population is about 64% less than Philadelphia.
- Milwaukee’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Philadelphia’s score of 9.
- Milwaukee is less walkable than Philadelphia with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Philadelphia’s 75 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 Philadelphia, which has a score of 67.
- Milwaukee and Philadelphia have a similar crime rate with scores of 66.76 and 66.09, respectively.
- Milwaukee and Philadelphia have a similar safety level, with scores of 33.24 and 33.91.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is Good, and in Philadelphia it’s Good.
Other things to consider for your Philadelphia to Milwaukee move
- HOA rules: Costs across Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
If you’re flexible with timing, spring and fall are great seasons to move from Philadelphia to Milwaukee. You’ll dodge the heat, the crowds, and the higher moving costs typical of peak season in Philadelphia.
When is the cheapest time to move from Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
Want to save on your move from Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia to Milwaukee take?
The 859-mile move from Philadelphia, PA, to Milwaukee, , takes two to seven days. Some Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia movers offer?
Many local moving companies provide ways to save, from ongoing deals to seasonal offers. In Philadelphia, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts. 1 movers offer special pricing for military members. 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 Philadelphia?
These delicate items require movers with specialized training. Currently, 53 movers in Philadelphia provide piano moving services. 41 can transport antiques with care. Statewide, there are 77 piano movers and 55 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
Philadelphia moving services
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