Factors influencing moving costs from Columbus to Milwaukeetoggle

The cost of Columbus 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 Columbus to Milwaukee can be as low as $1,319 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $7,991.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Columbus, 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 $473 to $1,067. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Columbus to Milwaukee

Columbus Milwaukee
Average rent cost $1,441 $1,250
Average home value $238,832 $200,685
Average income (per capita) $65,075 $49,733
Cost of living (single person) $1,217 $2,022
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,292 $4,963
Unemployment rate 5.7% 7.4%
Sales tax 7.5% 4.9%
State income tax 3.5% 7.65%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Milwaukee are 13% lower than in Columbus.
  • Home prices in Milwaukee are 16.0% lower than in Columbus.
  • Income in Milwaukee is 23.6% lower than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 66.1% higher than in Columbus.
  • The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 15.6% higher than in Columbus.
  • The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 29.82% higher than in Columbus.
  • Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 34.67% lower than in Columbus.
  • State income taxes in Milwaukee are 118.57% higher than in Columbus.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,984.39 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Columbus.

How life is different in Columbus vs. Milwaukee

Milwaukee Columbus
Population 577,222 905,748
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 5
Walkability score 62 41
Bike friendliness score 58 48
Crime Index 66.76 49.65
Safety Index 33.24 50.35
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Milwaukee's population is about 36% less than Columbus.
  • Milwaukee's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Columbus's higher score of 5.
  • Milwaukee is more walkable than Columbus with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Columbus's 41 out of 100.
  • With a score of 58 out of 100, Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Columbus, which has a score of 48 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 Columbus with a score of 66.76 compared to Columbus's 49.65. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Columbus neighborhoods are safer than 49.65%.
  • Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Columbus with a score of 33.24 vs Columbus's 50.35.
  • Air quality in Milwaukee is good, and in Columbus it's good.

Other things to consider for your Columbus 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 Columbus to Milwaukee?

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

When is the cheapest time to move from Columbus to Milwaukee?

Because most people are moving from Columbus 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 Columbus to Milwaukee take?

The 453-mile move from Columbus, OH, to Milwaukee, WI, takes one to four days. Some Columbus 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

Columbus moving services

Popular Ohio routes

Popular moving resources