Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Milwaukee to Minneapolis typically costs $1,800–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 337 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN typically costs $1,800–$5,100 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 337-mile move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 16, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- Colonial Van Lines recently quoted $4,127 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
- PODS recently quoted $2,211 for a 4 bedroom using a moving container.
- Joyce Van Lines recently quoted $4,360 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
Key factors that impact the cost of your Milwaukee to Minneapolis move
Your total cost will depend on:
- Home size: The number of rooms makes a big difference. Expect around $1,200 for a one-bedroom, or up to $7,400 for a four-bedroom.
- The time of year you're moving: Rates climb in summer because of peak season demand in Milwaukee.
- DIY vs. professional: Rental trucks can range from $400 to $900, but require more effort than hiring movers.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Minneapolis, MN to Milwaukee, WI guide.
Best Milwaukee to Minneapolis movers by type
|
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Milwaukee to Minneapolis
Opting for a full-service mover can make your interstate move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis much easier by letting professionals manage the entire process. This choice allows you to focus on what matters most instead of the logistics of moving.
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
How we chose the best WI→MN movers
The experienced professionals at moveBuddha reviewed moving rates from 39 Wisconsin movers, pinpointing the highest-rated services by analyzing satisfaction metrics, reviews, and overall cost.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The business consistently meets deadlines, communicates clearly with clients, and remains within the expected spending limits.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Mistakes cannot be avoided in the moving industry. We look for companies that own their mistakes and make genuine efforts to fix any issues that arise during a move.
- Industry reputation (15%): This mover maintains a strong reputation among industry peers and is active in professional associations and events.
- Online reputation (15%): A polished, accurate website and quick, respectful responses to online inquiries reflect the company’s strong digital presence.
- Service options (10%): A broad service menu matters. We value movers that cover everything from packing and storage to unique item care and speedy delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Minneapolis
Expect a bump in monthly expenses after the move - Minneapolis runs about 93% higher for singles and -5% higher for families than Milwaukee.
Singles spend around $3,900 in Minneapolis versus $2,022 in Milwaukee; families pay $4,710 compared with $4,963.
Dig into the side-by-side details here:
| Milwaukee | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $1,612 | $1,688 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $2,880 | $2,707 |
| Average home value | $200,685 | $312,602 |
| Average income (per capita) | $49,733 | $70,099 |
| Cost of living (single) | $2,022 | $3,900 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $4,963 | $4,710 |
| Unemployment rate | 7.4% | 4.5% |
| Sales tax | 4.9% | 9.03% |
| State income tax | 7.65% | 9.85% |
- Planning a move to Minneapolis? Keep in mind that rent could be approximately 19% higher than in Milwaukee, so be sure to adjust your monthly expenses accordingly.
- Anticipate a larger mortgage expense since home prices in Minneapolis are about 56% higher than those in Milwaukee.
- Exciting update: you'll see an average income that's about 41% higher in Minneapolis compared to Milwaukee, which might allow for more savings or investments.
- Prepare your budget for higher expenses in Minneapolis, as living costs for a single person are 93% higher than in Milwaukee. This includes essential costs such as utilities, groceries, clothing, and commuting.
- The cost of living for a family is within about 5% of the same in Minneapolis and Milwaukee, so you probably won’t see a major difference in expenses.
- The unemployment rate in Minneapolis is about 39% lower than in Milwaukee. This is often a positive indicator of a robust job market and economic health, beneficial if you plan to move there.
- Sales taxes in Minneapolis are 84% more than in Milwaukee, implying increased costs for common purchases like apparel, dining, and gadgets.
- Income taxes in Minnesota are 29% above those in Wisconsin. Consequently, more of your income may be allocated to tax payments, which could diminish your overall earnings.
See how the cost of everyday necessities and regular monthly payments differs between Milwaukee and Minneapolis:
| Living Expense | Milwaukee | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $167.94 | $164.65 |
| Cell phone plan | $43.50 | $50.68 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.23 | $4.15 |
| Loaf of bread | $3.40 | $3.75 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $16.00 | $18.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $70.00 | $75.00 |
| Gym membership | $53.38 | $55.00 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
- Cell phone plans are cheaper in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
- Eggs cost more in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
- Bread costs less in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
- A quick meal is cheaper in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
- A mid-range dinner for two costs less in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
- Gym memberships are more affordable in Milwaukee than in Minneapolis.
How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Minneapolis
| Milwaukee | Minneapolis | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 577,222 | 425,115 |
| Transportation score | 8 | 8 |
| Walkability score | 62 | 71 |
| Bike friendliness score | 58 | 83 |
| Crime index | 66.76 | 56.06 |
| Safety index | 33.24 | 43.94 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Minneapolis's population is about 26% less than Milwaukee.
- Minneapolis's public transportation score is within about 5% of Milwaukee, making them very similar.
- Minneapolis is more walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 out of 100.
- With a score of 83 out of 100, Minneapolis is more bike-friendly than Milwaukee, which has a score of 58 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited it is to safely accommodating cyclists.
- Minneapolis's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 56.06 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Minneapolis neighborhoods are safer than 56.06% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
- Minneapolis is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 43.94 vs Milwaukee's 33.24.
- Air quality in Minneapolis is Good, and in Milwaukee it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Milwaukee to Minneapolis move
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, make sure to find out how to reserve it ahead of your move.
- Truck parking permits: Make sure to look into local parking regulations—some areas require permits for large moving trucks.
- State licensing: To operate legally within the state, Minnesota household goods movers must have a current permit from the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT). Before being granted operating authority, each moving company must file a public tariff, provide proof of insurance and submit a Certificate of Compliance to MnDOT. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
- State regulator: Minnesota’s public utilities commission provides official mover license verification.
- Moving Permits: Minnesota does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state. We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move.
- Change of address: We suggest filing your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move. You'll be able to set your official move date, helping ensure your mail is forwarded correctly to Minneapolis. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: The amount and type of insurance movers must have depends on state regulations. In Minnesota, opt for the budget-friendly Released Value Protection provided by movers at no extra charge. While economical, it offers minimal coverage at 60 cents per pound per article. For full value coverage of your items, consult with your chosen moving company for alternatives or consider a third-party insurance provider.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist gives you the peace of mind that comes with being fully prepared.
Where to live in Minneapolis
Planning your move to City of Lakes? Take a look at our picks for the best neighborhoods to call home in Minneapolis.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- Linden Hills
- Loring Park
- Northeast Minneapolis
- North Loop (Warehouse District)
- Uptown
- Whittier
Best neighborhoods for families
- Diamond Lake
- Fulton
- Kenny
- Linden Hills
- Minnehaha
Things to do in Minneapolis
After settling into your new Minnesota home, you'll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Minneapolis has lots to offer, no matter what you're interested in:
- Arts and culture: Minneapolis features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the Minneapolis Institute of Art, Mill City Museum, American Swedish Institute, and The Museum of Russian Art.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Minnehaha Park, Mill Ruins Park, Loring Park, and Gold Medal Park — along with other locations — ideal for trails, cycling, or enjoying the fresh air.
- Sports: Nothing beats the thrill of cheering on the home team at an Minnesota Lynx (WNBA)Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA)Minnesota Twins (MLB)Minnesota Vikings (NFL) game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis?
Planning your move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis? Aim for spring or fall when the weather is pleasant and demand is lower, helping you avoid peak-season rates in Milwaukee.
When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis?
Because most people are moving from Milwaukee to Minneapolis in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis take?
The 337-mile journey from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN, typically takes one to four days. Some movers in Milwaukee offer expedited services if you're on a tight schedule, and if you need extra time, be sure to ask about storage options in Minneapolis.
Are piano and antique moving services available in Milwaukee?
Not all movers have the resources to handle high-value or delicate items. In Milwaukee, 5 movers can manage piano relocations. 2 movers are equipped for antique transport. By comparison, Wisconsin has 25 piano movers and 13 antique movers, while nationwide there are 2,296 and 1,463 respectively.
Always confirm the mover’s experience and packing methods for fragile or specialty items before booking.