($944) Moving from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee

Quick answer: A move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee costs $326 to $4,766 and takes one-four 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 269-mile move yourself.

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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
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  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
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moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.8 / 5
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  • Unlimited storage
  • 3 container sizes
  • 10% discount
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.5 / 5
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  • Certified crews
  • Flat-rate pricing
  • Family-owned

Hiring a long-distance moving company from Grand Rapids will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Milwaukee to Grand Rapids guide.

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The best Grand Rapids to Milwaukee moving companies

Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Grand Rapids to Milwaukee.

moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.85 / 5
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Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Best overall value
  • Portion to charity
  • Veteran owned
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.9 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned
  • East coast focus
  • Affordable pricing
moveBuddha logo iconrating starstarstarstarstar 4.25 / 5
Licensedcheckmark
Insuredcheckmark
Price dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign dollar sign
  • Family owned & operated
  • Affordable pricing
  • Same-day estimates

How much does it cost to move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?

Grand Rapids movers charge $120 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 $944 - $3,030 $594 - $1,446 $283 - $516
2 - 3 bedrooms $1,581 - $4,766 $1,090 - $2,083 $326 - $649
4+ bedrooms $2,199 - $6,215 $1,452 - $2,632 $411 - $743
*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 269 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

Factors influencing moving costs from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee

The cost of Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Milwaukee can be as low as $944 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $5,254.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Grand Rapids, 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 $283 to $721. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

How much are professional moving companies when moving from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee will cost between $944 to $3,030. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $1,581 to $4,766, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee will cost from $2,199 to $6,215.

How much are moving container companies from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?

Moving containers from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee will cost you $594 to $1,446 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $1,090 to $2,083. A larger home will cost $1,452 to $2,632.

How much is a moving truck from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?

Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.

Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $283 to $516. A larger move will cost $326 to $649, and a four-bedroom move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee costs from $411 to $743. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.

Pros and cons of moving from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee

Cost of living: Grand Rapids vs Milwaukee

Grand Rapids Milwaukee
Average rent cost $1,795 $1,250
Average home value $308,002 $187,383
Average income (per capita) $62,283 $45,318
Cost of Living (single person) $913 $2,009
Cost of Living (family of 4) $3,317 $4,561
Unemployment rate 4.3% 7.4%
Sales Tax 6.0% 5.5%
State Income Tax 4.25% 7.65%
  • Rent prices in Milwaukee are 30% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Home prices in Milwaukee are 39.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • Income in Milwaukee is 27.2% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 120.0% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 37.5% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 72.09% higher than in Grand Rapids.
  • Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 8.33% lower than in Grand Rapids.
  • State income taxes in Milwaukee are 80.00% higher than in Grand Rapids.

To put this into perspective, you would need around $6,601.31 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Grand Rapids.

How is life different in Grand Rapids compared to Milwaukee?

Milwaukee Grand Rapids
Population 577,222 198,893
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 6
Walkability score 62 56
Bike friendliness score 58 52
Crime Index 68.15 44.23
Safety Index 31.85 55.77
Air Quality Moderate Good
  • Milwaukee's population is about 190% greater than Grand Rapids.
  • Milwaukee's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Grand Rapids's higher score of 6.
  • Milwaukee is more walkable than Grand Rapids with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 56 out of 100.
  • Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Grand Rapids with a score of 58 out of 100 vs Grand Rapids's 52.
  • Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than Grand Rapids with a score of 68.15 compared to Grand Rapids's 44.23. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 68.15% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Grand Rapids neighborhoods are safer than 44.23%.
  • Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Grand Rapids with a score of 31.85 vs Grand Rapids's 55.77.
  • Air quality in Milwaukee is moderate, and in Grand Rapids it's good.

Considerations for moving to Milwaukee

  • 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.

Local Grand Rapids movers

Company Quote Rating Contact
Two Men and a Truck Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
1115 Taylor Avenue North, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503
(616) 371-4019
Powell Relocation Group Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.62 overall rating
4937 Starr St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546
(616) 956-0900

Visit our best long distance movers in Grand Rapids page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

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:

  • Bay View
  • Brewer’s Hill
  • Historic Third Ward
  • Lower East Side
  • Riverwest

Best neighborhoods for families:

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

What to do in Milwaukee

These are some of the best things to do in your new Wisconsin home.

  • Harley Davidson Museum
  • The Milwaukee Art Museum
  • Miller Park
  • The Domes: Mitchell Park Conservatory
  • Milwaukee County Zoo
  • Basilica of St. Josaphat
  • Historic Third Ward
  • Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Pabst Mansion
  • Discovery World

Get your sports on!

Milwaukee is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:

  • Milwaukee Bucks (NBA)
  • Milwaukee Brewers (MLB)
  • Marquette Golden Eagles (NCAA)
  • Milwaukee Admirals (AHL)

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Grand Rapids to Milwaukee?

Because most people are moving from Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids to Milwaukee take?

The 269-mile move from Grand Rapids, MI, to Milwaukee, WI, takes one-four days. Some Grand Rapids 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