($1,599) Movers From San Francisco, CA to Milwaukee, WI

What to know before moving from San Francisco to Milwaukee

Moving from San Francisco to Milwaukee means adjusting to a different pace of life — and a different price tag. On average, it costs significantly more to live in San Francisco than in Milwaukee, making the move an opportunity for many to enjoy a lower cost of living.

Check out how San Francisco compares to Milwaukee so you know what to expect before you relocate:

• Rent prices in Milwaukee are 62% lower than in San Francisco, which means you’ll have more money in your pocket each month.
• In terms of homeownership, you’ll be able to get more for your money in Milwaukee.
  Home prices in Milwaukee are 83.8% lower than in San Francisco.
• Income in Milwaukee is 63.6% lower than in San Francisco, so you could earn less for doing the same job. The top employers in Milwaukee include Johnson Controls, Aurora Health Care, and ManpowerGroup.
• The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 46.5% lower than in San Francisco. This includes routine expenses like utilities, groceries, clothing, and transportation.
• The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 43.1% lower than in San Francisco.
• The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 37.04% higher than in San Francisco.
• You’ll spend less on retail and restaurants in Milwaukee, since the city’s sales taxes in Milwaukee are 43.22% lower than in San Francisco.
• One perk of moving to Milwaukee is paying less in state income taxes, which are 42.48% lower than in San Francisco.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $1,604.34 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in San Francisco.

How life is different in San Francisco vs. Milwaukee

• Milwaukee's population is about 29% less than San Francisco.
• Milwaukee's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus San Francisco's higher score of 10.
• Milwaukee is less walkable than San Francisco with a score of 62 out of 100 vs San Francisco's 99 out of 100.
• Milwaukee has a bike-friendliness score 58 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as San Francisco, which has a score of 99 out of 100.
• Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than San Francisco with a score of 66.76 compared to San Francisco's 61.41. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and San Francisco neighborhoods are safer than 61.41%.
• Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than San Francisco with a score of 33.24 vs San Francisco's 38.59.
• Air quality in Milwaukee is good, and in San Francisco it's moderate.

Other things to consider for your San Francisco 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, it’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.

Helpful moving resources