Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Milwaukeetoggle

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Milwaukee can be as low as $1,659 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $14,312.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,390 to $3,497. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Milwaukee

Seattle Milwaukee
Average rent cost $1,975 $1,250
Average home value $842,068 $200,685
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $49,733
Cost of living (single person) $1,446 $2,022
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,187 $4,963
Unemployment rate 4.8% 7.4%
Sales tax 10.35% 4.9%
State income tax 0.0% 7.65%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Milwaukee are 37% lower than in Seattle.
  • Home prices in Milwaukee are 76.2% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Milwaukee is 36.1% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Milwaukee is 39.8% higher than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a family in Milwaukee is 4.3% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Milwaukee is 54.17% higher than in Seattle.
  • Sales taxes in Milwaukee are 52.66% lower than in Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Milwaukee are 7.65% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $4,195.02 in Milwaukee to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Milwaukee

Milwaukee Seattle
Population 577,222 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 8
Walkability score 62 74
Bike friendliness score 58 71
Crime Index 66.76 58.88
Safety Index 33.24 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Milwaukee's population is about 22% less than Seattle.
  • Milwaukee's public transportation has a similar score to Seattle.
  • Milwaukee is less walkable than Seattle with a score of 62 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 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 Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100.
  • Milwaukee's crime rate is higher than Seattle with a score of 66.76 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Milwaukee neighborhoods are safer than 66.76% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Milwaukee is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 33.24 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Milwaukee is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle 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 Seattle to Milwaukee?

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

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

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

The 1,991-mile move from Seattle, WA, to Milwaukee, WI, takes five to 16 days. Some Seattle 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

Seattle moving services

Popular Washington routes

Popular moving resources