($496) Movers From Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Milwaukee costs $102–$3,096 and takes one to two days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 93-mile move yourself.

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Our track record
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Milwaukee to Chicago guide.
The best Chicago to Milwaukee full-service moving companies
Choosing a long-distance moving company in Chicago to go to Milwaukee can be overwhelming. With so many options, it’s hard to know which movers to trust… and which ones to avoid.
Don't worry — you won't have to sort through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed down the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Milwaukee.
- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5 stars
- GPS tracking en route
- Veteran-owned
- Dedicated move coordinator
- Flat-rate pricing
- Donates a portion of moves to charity
- Family-owned, with locations covering the East Coast
- Full refund if you cancel within 7 days of your move
- Hands-on customer service
- 24/7 support
- Price-matching policy
- Experienced & fully trained moving crews
- Specializes in moving art & antiques
- Competitive pricing
- Can handle last-minute moves
- Climate-controlled storage
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Custom crates for electronics & art
- Satellite shipment tracking
- 1,500 local agents covering all 50 states
- Self-packing option
- No deposit required
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The best moving containers for your Chicago to Milwaukee move
Moving containers can be a cost-effective option for moving from Chicago to Milwaukee. You’ll save a little money by opting to pack and load everything yourself, but the container company will take care of the transportation for you.
We recommend these moving container companies:
- 30 days storage included
- Local and long distance moving options
- Unlimited loading/unloading time
- Store on property or at a facility
- Long distance moves only
- Only pay for the space you use
- No deposit or initial fees
- Fast delivery time frames
- Combines affordability of DIY moving with convenience of a truck and driver
- Only pay for the truck space you use
- Offers vehicle shipping
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The best moving truck rentals for your Chicago to Milwaukee move
If you want to save even more money on your Chicago to Milwaukee move, renting a moving truck is your cheapest option. Keep in mind that you’ll be handling all the work — packing, loading, and driving. But that extra work will pay off in terms of keeping costs low.
These top moving truck rentals are a great place to start:
- More than 20,000 locations with prominent pricing
- Rental options include everything from pick-up trucks to 26-foot moving trucks
- Gentle-Ride Suspension add protection to avoid damaging your items during transit
- U-Box moving containers available if you don't want to drive
- Competitive base prices with specialized discounts
- Round-trip and one-way moves available
- User-friendly website makes it easy to book the right truck
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The best labor-only movers for your Chicago to Milwaukee move
If you need some extra hands to help you with your move, you’ll want to hire labor-only movers with reasonable hourly rates and professional crews. Labor-only companies that offer add-on options like packing and cleaning allow you to more fully tailor services to your needs and budget.
Consider these highly rated labor-only movers to help you move from Chicago to Milwaukee:
- First call quoting, get a quote in just a couple of minutes
- Rates are typically 20-40% lower than the industry averages
- $1,000 money-back service guarantee
- Fast and accurate delivery times
- Free damage coverage with additional coverage options
- Quick and easy booking process
- National 4.75/5 star rating (these guys are good at what they do)
- Dedicated move concierge specialist
- Pay as you go service. 2-hour minimum and then prorated down to the minute
- The time clock starts when the movers arrive and ends when you tell them
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
---|---|---|---|
Studio / 1 bedroom | $496 - $2,242 | $432 - $993 | $90 - $149 |
2 - 3 bedrooms | $961 - $3,096 | $830 - $1,451 | $102 - $175 |
4+ bedrooms | $1,395 - $3,919 | $1,071 - $1,774 | $123 - $190 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Milwaukee
What to know before moving from Chicago to Milwaukee
Chicago | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Average rent cost | $2,045 | $1,250 |
Average home value | $295,743 | $200,685 |
Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $49,733 |
Cost of living (single person) | $1,280 | $2,022 |
Cost of living (family of 4) | $4,685 | $4,963 |
Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 7.4% |
Sales tax | 10.25% | 4.9% |
State income tax | 4.95% | 7.65% |
- Rent prices in Milwaukee are 39% lower than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Milwaukee are 32.1% lower than in Chicago.
- Income in Milwaukee is 30.5% lower than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 58.0% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 5.9% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 17.78% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 52.20% lower than in Chicago.
- State income taxes in Milwaukee are 54.55% higher than in Chicago.
To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,739.06 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Milwaukee
Milwaukee | Chicago | |
---|---|---|
Population | 577,222 | 2,746,388 |
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
Walkability score | 62 | 77 |
Bike friendliness score | 58 | 72 |
Crime Index | 66.76 | 35.19 |
Safety Index | 33.24 | 33.87 |
Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Milwaukee's population is about 79% less than Chicago.
- Milwaukee's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Milwaukee is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Milwaukee is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 66.76 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Chicago with a score of 33.24 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Milwaukee is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago 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.
Best neighborhoods for singles
Best neighborhoods for families
Things to do in Milwaukee
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
The best time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Because most people are moving from Chicago 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 Chicago to Milwaukee take?
The 93-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Milwaukee, WI, takes one to two days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Milwaukee.