($515+) Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN Movers

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Background image of a moving truck moving from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Chattanooga, TN, runs anywhere from $520 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,102 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 697 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 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 $1,566, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $8,102 or more.
  • Moving containers run $1,083 - $3,423, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $520 - $1,457.
  • Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Chattanooga, TN. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,389 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.

Compare moving options from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

There are 3 main ways to move from Milwaukee to Chattanooga: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $2,389 - $6,228. Moving containers run about 30% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 60% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 1 to 6 days for this 697-mile route, depending on which option you go with.

Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 697-mile route from Milwaukee to Chattanooga, broken down by home size:

Home size Full-service movers Moving container Rental truck Freight trailer
Studio / 1 bedroom $1,566 - $4,453 $1,083 - $1,885 $520 - $963 $917 - $1,749
2 - 3 bedrooms $2,389 - $6,228 $1,390 - $2,611 $589 - $1,203 $1,146 - $2,067
4+ bedrooms $4,173 - $8,102 $1,916 - $3,423 $693 - $1,457 $1,488 - $2,739

Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.

Professional
Safeway Moving
star star star star star 4.9 / 5
Read our full Safeway review
Best overall value
Portion to charity
Veteran-owned
Container
Unlimited storage
3 container sizes
10% discount
Rental Truck
Budget Truck Rental
star star star star star 4.3 / 5
Read our full Budget review
Affordable pricing
Online estimates
Several discounts
Freight
MovingYourself
star star star star star 4.5 / 5
Read our full MovingYourself review
Fast delivery
Nationwide
100+ miles moves

Full-service moving costs from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

Full-service movers for the 697-mile relocation from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,566 and $8,102. With a long-distance moving company, loading, transportation, and unloading are all taken care of. If you want to skip packing boxes, too, that can be added for $266 - $1,776, depending on your home size. What you pay in the end is mainly a function of how much your shipment weighs and how far it's traveling. As a point of reference, local movers in Milwaukee typically charge a base rate around $349 plus $105 per hour, per mover.

Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Milwaukee to Chattanooga:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,566 - $4,453
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,389 - $6,228
  • 4+ bedrooms: $4,173 - $8,102

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 Milwaukee to Chattanooga.

The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Wisconsin to Tennessee. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.

Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.

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Specialty moving services from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

Specialty needs vary by market — 100% of Milwaukee movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chattanooga, 100% of movers offer the same service.

Service When you need it Typical cost
Full packingFull crew packing92% of local movers$444 - $4,440
Storage in transitNew place not ready100% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving$178 - $1,066/mo
Shuttle feeTruck can't reach door$266 - $2,131
Full-value protectionMore than $0.60/lb coverage8% of local movers$300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value)
Small movesUnder ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers$888 - $2,664
Office / commercialWorkplace relocation$2,220 - $8,880
Car shippingSecond vehicle$665 - $1,264
Antiques & fine artFragile, high-value items17% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$888 - $2,220
PianoAny piano type42% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: Eagle Moving & Storage Co$710 - $3,108
Pool tableDisassembly & re-leveling8% of local movers$266 - $1,332
Hot tubHeavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Schroeder Moving Systems Inc.$577 - $1,776
Wine collectionClimate-controlled transport$266 - $13,320+
Pet relocationGround, air, or concierge$266 - $3,108+

What are the best full-service movers from Milwaukee to Chattanooga?

  1. Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list, with flat-rate pricing that holds firm on moving day and a customer support team available around the clock.
  2. American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here. With 30+ years of interstate moves behind them, AVL uses full-time in-house crews instead of the contracted labor most national carriers rely on.
  3. Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan available on every long-distance move.

Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Milwaukee, WI. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.

Moving container costs from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

Moving containers from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, cost between $1,083 and $3,423. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in Milwaukee typically runs around $90/month.

Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Milwaukee to Chattanooga:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,083 - $1,885
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,390 - $2,611
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,916 - $3,423

What other costs come with moving containers?

  • Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $67 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $133 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
  • Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $622 in Milwaukee, WI, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
  • Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
  • Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chattanooga, TN, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.

Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Wisconsin to Tennessee 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 $1,083. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,390 - $2,611, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.

What are the best moving containers Milwaukee to Chattanooga?

  1. Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
  2. U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Milwaukee 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 Milwaukee:

  • College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.8/5), 10 years in business
  • Eagle Moving & Storage Co (4.1/5), 96 years in business
  • TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.4/5), 33 years in business

Moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

Truck rentals from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Chattanooga, Tennessee, range from $520 - $1,457 for the 697-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:

  • Fuel for the drive: $197 - $225
  • Daily insurance: $27/day
  • Equipment rentals: $6 - $18
  • Milwaukee daily rental rate: $19 - $39
  • Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.59 - $0.69
Home sizeTypical truck size
Studio / 1 bedroom10 - 12 ft
2 - 3 bedrooms15 - 17 ft
4+ bedrooms20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel)

These are typical moving truck rental costs from Milwaukee to Chattanooga based on home size:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $520 - $963
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $589 - $1,203
  • 4+ bedrooms: $693 - $1,457

Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Milwaukee to Chattanooga starts at $520 - $1,457, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($197 - $225) , overnight lodging ($133/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.

What other costs come with rental trucks?

  • Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $67 and $311.
  • Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $133.
  • Gas: Expect fuel to run between $197 and $225 for the 697-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
  • Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $622 for 2 movers in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for about 5 hours.
  • Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.

What are the best moving truck rentals from Milwaukee to Chattanooga?

  1. Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
  2. Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
  3. 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 Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN

For larger DIY moves from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For most medium-to-large moves on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,146 and $2,067.

Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Milwaukee to Chattanooga:

  • Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $917 - $1,749
  • 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,146 - $2,067
  • 4+ bedrooms: $1,488 - $2,739

Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.

What other costs come with freight trailers?

  • Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Milwaukee, Wisconsin, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $622.
  • More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $67 - $133 per additional foot to your total.
  • Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.

What are the best freight companies from Milwaukee to Chattanooga?

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Star Line Trucking Or Star Line (4.46/5 stars): Star Line Trucking Or Star Line 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: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Milwaukee to Chattanooga. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.

Cost of living: Milwaukee, WI vs Chattanooga, TN

Milwaukee and Chattanooga land in a similar range on everyday costs. The cost of living index sits at 88 in Milwaukee and 90 in Chattanooga, and rent tracks closely too ($1,250/mo vs. $1,475/mo). You likely won't need to rework your monthly budget much after this move. Walkability (62 vs 29) and safety scores (33.24 vs 46.11) come out about the same too.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chattanooga, TN to Milwaukee, WI guide.

Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:

Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Wisconsin to Tennessee, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Wisconsin alone has 40 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 697-mile move like this one.

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Our take

How you handle your interstate move from Milwaukee, WI, to Chattanooga, TN, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,566 - $8,102 on the 697-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,083 - $3,423 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $520 - $1,457 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,389 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.

Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Hamilton County and Schools Erlanger.

FAQs: Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to Chattanooga, TN

What are the best neighborhoods in Chattanooga?

For families, North Shore, St. Elmo, and Lookout Mountain are worth a look in Chattanooga. If you're moving solo or without kids, Southside, Martin Luther King, and Fort Wood tend to be popular picks instead.

How do I know a mover is licensed in Tennessee?

Although a local license is not required in Tennessee, make sure the moving company you’ll be hiring is registered with U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT). To verify if you’re dealing with a legal and licensed mover, you may ask them their USDOT registration number.

What do local movers charge in Milwaukee?

Local movers based in Milwaukee typically start around $349 as a base rate, plus $105/hour per mover. That's a useful baseline if you're hiring help just to load a rental truck or container rather than booking a full long-distance move. Rates in Chattanooga run similarly and are worth checking if you need help unloading on the other end.

What size moving truck do I need for this route?

Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.

How much does it cost to move from Milwaukee, WI to Chattanooga, TN?

Costs on this route range from around $1,566 to $8,102, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,566 and $8,102, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.

What percentage of Milwaukee movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?

About 42% of movers in Milwaukee handle piano moves, and 17% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.