($633+) Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI Movers
Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Milwaukee, WI, runs anywhere from $603 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,208 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 849 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,717, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,208 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,163 - $3,890, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $603 - $1,607.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Milwaukee, WI. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,348 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI
Moving options from Philadelphia to Milwaukee fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $2,348 - $5,999 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 60% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 849-mile route typically takes 2 to 7 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 849-mile route from Philadelphia to Milwaukee, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,717 - $4,330 | $1,163 - $2,166 | $603 - $1,114 | $1,047 - $1,912 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,348 - $5,999 | $1,538 - $2,804 | $677 - $1,405 | $1,219 - $2,220 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $3,937 - $8,208 | $1,890 - $3,890 | $856 - $1,607 | $1,575 - $2,961 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI
Hiring full-service movers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, costs between $1,717 and $8,208. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 849-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $293 - $1,952, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Philadelphia and Milwaukee. For a rough baseline, movers based in Philadelphia tend to start around $282 plus $130/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Philadelphia to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,717 - $4,330
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,348 - $5,999
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,937 - $8,208
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Philadelphia to Milwaukee.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI
Specialty needs vary by market — 90% of Philadelphia movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Milwaukee, 100% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $488 - $4,880 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready90% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $195 - $1,171/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $293 - $2,342 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage36% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs39% of local movers | $976 - $2,928 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,440 - $9,760 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $731 - $1,389 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items59% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Nicky's Moving & Storage | $976 - $2,440 |
| Piano | Any piano type75% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $781 - $3,416 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling38% of local movers | $293 - $1,464 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Keep It Moving, LLC | $634 - $1,952 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $293 - $14,640+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $293 - $3,416+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
Wisconsin Movers Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Wisconsin, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Philadelphia, PA. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI
Moving containers from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, cost between $1,163 and $3,890. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Philadelphia costs roughly $80/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Philadelphia to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,163 - $2,166
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,538 - $2,804
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,890 - $3,890
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Containers are self-loaded, so many people hire hourly help for the heavy lifting. moveBuddha data shows two movers for about five hours runs around $683 in Philadelphia, PA. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: If you want stronger coverage than the default liability, full-value protection is the upgrade to consider. Most providers charge 1% - 2% of your shipment value, roughly $500 - $1,000 for $50,000 in contents.
- Storage: After the first month, rental fees average $73 per month for a small 7- to 8-foot container and $146 per month for a larger 12- to 16-foot unit.
- Access: If you anticipate needing to access items while in storage, confirm there's a facility conveniently located near your Milwaukee, WI, destination before booking.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Pennsylvania to Wisconsin move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,163. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,538 - $2,804, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Philadelphia to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Philadelphia:
- Transtar Moving Systems (4.9/5), 64 years in business
- Keep It Moving, LLC (4.2/5), 20 years in business
- Superior Moving & Storage (4.3/5), 45 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI
A rental truck for this 849-mile move from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, costs between $603 and $1,607. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $264 - $301
- Daily insurance: $29/day
- Equipment rentals: $7 - $20
- Philadelphia daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.89 - $0.99
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Philadelphia to Milwaukee based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $603 - $1,114
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $677 - $1,405
- 4+ bedrooms: $856 - $1,607
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $603 - $1,607 does not include fuel ($264 - $301) , lodging ($146/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Philadelphia to Milwaukee typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $146 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, usually costs about $683 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 849-mile drive falls between $264 and $301, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $49 and $293 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $878 and $2,220.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Philadelphia to Milwaukee:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,047 - $1,912
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,219 - $2,220
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,575 - $2,961
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $73 - $146 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for about five hours typically runs $683.
What are the best freight companies from Philadelphia to Milwaukee?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
- Pipco Transportation, Inc. (4.66/5 stars): Pipco Transportation, Inc. is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned and operated facilities give you direct access to support staff who know the area and can coordinate pickups and deliveries with greater flexibility than national carriers.
Pro tip: If speed matters on your move from Philadelphia to Milwaukee, freight trailers are one of the fastest interstate options available, second only to renting a truck and driving it yourself. The tradeoff is that freight works best when you're ready to receive your belongings on the other end. If your timeline is tight on the receiving side or you need a short storage buffer, a moving container might be a better fit.
Cost of living: Philadelphia, PA vs Milwaukee, WI
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Milwaukee, side by side with Philadelphia on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Philadelphia, PA | Milwaukee, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 104 | 88 |
| Average rent | $1,695/mo | $1,250/mo |
| Median home value | $231,098 | $171,025 |
| Average income | $60,698/yr | $51,888/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 10.6% | 7.4% |
| State income tax | Up to 3.07% | Up to 7.65% |
| Walkability score | 75/100 | 62/100 |
| Safety index | 33.91/100 | 33.24/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Milwaukee, WI to Philadelphia, PA guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 106 movers in Pennsylvania, so you have real options to compare for this 849-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Philadelphia, PA, to Milwaukee, WI, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $1,717 for a studio to $8,208 for a 4 - 5 bedroom home on the 849-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,163 - $3,890. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $603 - $1,607, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $2,348 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Johnson Controls and Aurora Health Care.
FAQs: Moving from Philadelphia, PA, to Milwaukee, WI
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Philadelphia, PA to Milwaukee, WI?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
Is Milwaukee a safe place to live?
Milwaukee has a safety index of 33.24 out of 100 and a crime index of 66.76, compared to 33.91 and 66.09 in Philadelphia. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
How walkable is Milwaukee?
Milwaukee has a walkability score of 62 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 58, compared to 75 and 67 in Philadelphia. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
What are the best neighborhoods in Milwaukee?
For families, Bay View, Historic Third Ward, and Juneau Town are worth a look in Milwaukee. If you're moving solo or without kids, Bay View, Brewer’s Hill, and Historic Third Ward tend to be popular picks instead.
How do I know a mover is licensed in Wisconsin?
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.
What percentage of Philadelphia movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 75% of movers in Philadelphia handle piano moves, and 59% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.