Factors influencing moving costs from San Diego to Milwaukeetoggle

The cost of San Diego 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 San Diego to Milwaukee can be as low as $1,459 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $13,006.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in San Diego, 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 $1,451 to $3,728. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from San Diego to Milwaukee

San Diego Milwaukee
Average rent cost $2,881 $1,250
Average home value $1,003,444 $200,685
Average income (per capita) $72,963 $49,733
Cost of living (single person) $3,346 $2,022
Cost of living (family of 4) $7,719 $4,963
Unemployment rate 6.6% 7.4%
Sales tax 7.75% 4.9%
State income tax 13.3% 7.65%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Milwaukee are 57% lower than in San Diego.
  • Home prices in Milwaukee are 80.0% lower than in San Diego.
  • Income in Milwaukee is 31.8% lower than in San Diego.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 39.6% lower than in San Diego.
  • The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 35.7% lower than in San Diego.
  • The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 12.12% higher than in San Diego.
  • Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 36.77% lower than in San Diego.
  • State income taxes in Milwaukee are 42.48% lower than in San Diego.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,812.91 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Diego.

How life is different in San Diego vs. Milwaukee

Milwaukee San Diego
Population 577,222 1,386,932
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 62 53
Bike friendliness score 58 43
Crime Index 66.76 39.83
Safety Index 33.24 60.17
Air Quality Good Moderate
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Milwaukee's population is about 58% less than San Diego.
  • Milwaukee's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Diego's higher score of 6.
  • Milwaukee is more walkable than San Diego with a score of 62 out of 100 vs San Diego's 53 out of 100.
  • With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than San Diego, which has a score of 43 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than San Diego with a score of 66.76 compared to San Diego's 39.83. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Diego neighborhoods are safer than 39.83%.
  • Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than San Diego with a score of 33.24 vs San Diego's 60.17.
  • Air quality in Milwaukee is good, and in San Diego it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Diego vs. Milwaukee move

  • Weather: Milwaukee's location in the Great Lakes Region often has rapidly changing weather, producing a humid continental climate, with cold, snowy winters, and hot, humid summers. Thunderstorms in the region can be dangerous and damaging, bringing hail and high winds. In rare instances, they can bring a tornado. Be sure to check your weather app to avoid inclement weather during your 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 you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
  • State licensing: Movers providing in-state relocation services in the Badger State must register with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), but strictly speaking, itโ€™s not a regulated state. However, movers must comply with individual insurance, licensing, and other state laws and regulations. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Wisconsin moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Wisconsin does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. 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: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Milwaukee

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Cream City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Milwaukee.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Bay View
  • Brewerโ€™s Hill
  • Historic Third Ward
  • Lower East Side
  • Riverwest

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Bay View
  • Historic Third Ward
  • Juneau Town
  • Lower East Side
  • Northpoint

Things to do in Milwaukeetoggle

After settling into your new Wisconsin home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Milwaukee has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Milwaukee is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Harley-Davidson Museum, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Public Museum, Discovery World, and Chudnow Museum of Yesteryear.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Henry Maier Festival Park, Mitchell Park Horticultural Conservatory (The Domes), Veteran's Park, and Lake Park โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Milwaukee Bucks (NBA), Milwaukee Brewers (MLB), Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA), or Milwaukee Admirals (AHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from San Diego to Milwaukee?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from San Diego to Milwaukee?

Because most people are moving from San Diego to Milwaukee 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 San Diego to Milwaukee take?

The 2,123-mile move from San Diego, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, takes six to 17 days. Some San Diego movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Milwaukee.

Helpful moving resources

San Diego moving services

Popular California routes

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