Factors influencing moving costs from Milwaukee to Cincinnatitoggle

The cost of Milwaukee movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Milwaukee to Cincinnati can be as low as $1,208 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $ 6,924.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Milwaukee, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $432 to $986. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Milwaukee to Cincinnati

Moving from Milwaukee to Cincinnati comes with exciting new opportunities โ€” but also higher living costs. Since Cincinnati is generally more expensive than Milwaukee, itโ€™s important to plan ahead and budget carefully for the change.

Check out how the two cities compare so you know what to expect before you relocate:

Milwaukee Cincinnati
Average rent cost $1,250 $1,450
Average home value $200,685 $232,735
Average income (per capita) $49,733 $65,682
Cost of living (single person) $2,022 $2,467
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,963 $6,418
Unemployment rate 7.4% 4.9%
Sales tax 4.9% 6.5%
State income tax 7.65% 3.5%
  • Rent prices in Cincinnati are 16% higher than in Milwaukee, which means youโ€™ll have less money in your pocket each month.
  • In terms of homeownership, youโ€™ll be able to get more for your money in Milwaukee.
    Home prices in Cincinnati are 16.0% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • Income in Cincinnati is 32.1% higher than in Milwaukee, so you could earn more for doing the same job. The top employers in Cincinnati include Kroger, First Student, and Macy's.
  • Be sure to budget for higher bills in Cincinnati, since the cost of living for a single person in Cincinnati is 22.0% higher than in Milwaukee. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
  • If youโ€™re moving your family to Cincinnati, keep in mind that your living expenses could increase. The cost of living for a family in Cincinnati is 29.3% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • The unemployment rate in Cincinnati is 33.78% lower than in Milwaukee.
  • Youโ€™ll spend more on retail and restaurants in Cincinnati, since the cityโ€™s sales taxes in Cincinnati are 32.65% higher than in Milwaukee.
  • One perk of moving to Cincinnati is paying less in state income taxes, which are 54.25% lower than in Milwaukee.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,660.24 in Cincinnati to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Milwaukee.

How life is different in Milwaukee vs. Cincinnati

Cincinnati Milwaukee
Population 309,317 577,222
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 8
Walkability score 49 62
Bike friendliness score 36 58
Crime Index 48.47 66.76
Safety Index 49.53 33.24
Air Quality Good Good
  • Cincinnati's population is about 46% less than Milwaukee.
  • Cincinnati's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Milwaukee's higher score of 8.
  • Cincinnati is less walkable than Milwaukee with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Milwaukee's 62 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati has a bike-friendliness score 36 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Milwaukee, which has a score of 58 out of 100.
  • Cincinnati's crime rate is lower than Milwaukee with a score of 48.47 compared to Milwaukee's 66.76. This means that Cincinnati neighborhoods are safer than 48.47% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76%.
  • Cincinnati is considered to be safer than Milwaukee with a safety index of 49.53 vs Milwaukee's 33.24.
  • Air quality in Cincinnati is good, and in Milwaukee it's good.

Other things to consider for your Milwaukee vs. Cincinnati move

  • Weather: Snowfall and freezing weather is common in the winters and severe thunderstorms may happen in the warmer months.
  • HOA rules: Itโ€™s a good idea to look into your HOA or community regulations before moving day arrives.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator, itโ€™s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
  • Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
  • State licensing: Although a local license is not required in Ohio, make sure the moving company youโ€™ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if youโ€™re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number. Before booking, ensure the moving company is officially licensed to handle your move.
  • State regulator: To confirm a moving companyโ€™s license in Ohio, visit the state's public utilities commission
  • Moving permits: While Ohio doesnโ€™t mandate moving permits, checking local parking guidelines before your move-in day is still a good idea.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Cincinnati without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. Opt for cost-free Released Value Protection from movers, offering minimal coverage with a maximum liability of 60 cents per pound per article. For comprehensive coverage, explore alternatives with your chosen moving company 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 Cincinnati

With your sights set on "Blue Chip City", these are some of the most popular neighborhoods to consider in Cincinnati.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Central Business District
  • Clifton
  • Columbia-Tusculum
  • Oakley
  • Over-The-Rhine

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Hyde Park
  • Mount Adams
  • Mount Lookout
  • Oakley
  • Pleasant Ridge

Things to do in Cincinnati

Once youโ€™re settled into your new home in Ohio, itโ€™s time to get out and discover what Cincinnati has to offer. No matter your interests, thereโ€™s something for everyone here:

  • Arts and culture: Cincinnati features a variety of museums and cultural arts centers, including the American Classical Music Hall of Fame and Museum, American Sign Museum, Art Academy of Cincinnati, Betts House, and Center for Holocaust and Humanity Education.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Ault Park, Smale Riverfront Park, Mt. Airy Forest, and Eden Park โ€” among other spots โ€” perfect for hiking, biking, or simply soaking up the outdoors.
  • Sports: Grab a seat and root for the home team during an Cincinnati Reds (MLB), Cincinnati Bengals (NFL), FC Cincinnati (MLS), or Cincinnati Cyclones (ECHL) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Cincinnati?

The best time to move from Milwaukee to Cincinnati is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Milwaukee.

When is the cheapest time to move from Milwaukee to Cincinnati?

Because most people are moving from Milwaukee to Cincinnati 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 Cincinnati take?

The 391-mile move from Milwaukee, WI, to Cincinnati, OH, takes one to four days. Some Milwaukee movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Cincinnati.

Helpful moving resources