Best Phoenix to Milwaukee Movers + Moving Guide

Want help with the heavy lifting?

Get a quote now.

If you're moving from Phoenix to Milwaukee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 1,878 mile move from Arizona to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 34 Phoenix to Milwaukee moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Sterling Interstate LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Phoenix compared to Milwaukee. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Phoenix to Milwaukee Interstate Movers Featured Image

Best Phoenix to Milwaukee Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Sterling Interstate LLC9.769.64Authorized For HHG
2About Time Moving Systems LLC9.339.33Authorized For HHG
3New Beginnings Moving Solutions9.329.4Authorized For Property
4Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHG
5Creative Moving and Packing, LLC9.309.18Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Phoenix to Milwaukee?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 1,878 miles from Phoenix, AZ to Milwaukee, WI will cost on average $3,378 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Phoenix to Milwaukee move is roughly $8,148. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,267300 ft³$7.56
1 Bedroom$3,378450 ft³$7.51
2 Bedrooms$5,593750 ft³$7.46
3 Bedrooms$8,1481100 ft³$7.41
4 Bedrooms$11,7721600 ft³$7.36
5+ Bedrooms$13,1531800 ft³$7.31
*Please note: These Arizona to Wisconsin moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Arizona & Wisconsin. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed AZ to WI mover.
Arizona iconArrow iconWisconsin icon
U-turn icon

Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to Phoenix guide.

Compare the 5 Best Phoenix to Milwaukee Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Sterling Interstate LLC Logo

Sterling Interstate LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.76/10
based on 2,064+ data points

Phoenix, AZ, 85022

About Sterling Interstate LLC

Established in 2017, Sterling Interstate opened with the intention to change the stigma around the moving industry by providing reliable, customizable...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services
  • Packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3006713 / 26956

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved115,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
About Time Moving Systems LLC Logo

About Time Moving Systems LLC

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 2,122+ data points

4909 8th Ave

Kenosha, WI, 53140

About About Time Moving Systems LLC

This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation services. About Time...

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2525330 / 877057

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
New Beginnings Moving Solutions Logo

New Beginnings Moving Solutions

Exceptional9.32/10
based on 887+ data points

6757 W Charter Oak Rd

Peoria, AZ, 85381

About New Beginnings Moving Solutions

New Beginnings Moving Solutions is a full-service moving company specializing in long-distance moves. It is locally-owned and operated and has been...

Services

  • Long Distance Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Business Relocation

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/27/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3656946 / 1262843

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved500 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 1,857+ data points

310 Progress Way Suite 140

Sun Prairie, WI, 53590

About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...

Services

  • Residential moves
  • Commercial moves
  • Local/statewide moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Creative Moving and Packing, LLC Logo

Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.30/10
based on 3,672+ data points

4012 W Turney Ave

Phoenix, AZ, 85019

About Creative Moving and Packing, LLC

Since 2008, Creative Moving and Packing has served the Phoenix, AZ, area with high-quality local and long-distance relocation services. This company's...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Long-Distance Moving Services
  • Commercial Moving Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1877603 / 1173916

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved150,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
Rankings You Can Trust background image
Trust Rankings icon

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison

This guide helps you navigate an unfamiliar city by using your current city as a baseline. We’ll compare popular neighborhoods in Phoenix, AZ & Milwaukee, WI to find their closest counterparts. Discover familiar vibes in an unknown locale!

PhoenixMilwaukeeHow They're Similar
ArcadiaShorewoodTrendy with vintage homes
Roosevelt RowHistoric Third WardArtistic & cultural hub
Old Town ScottsdaleEast Town TosaLively nightlife & dining
Downtown PhoenixDowntown MilwaukeeBusiness & entertainment center
BiltmoreWhitefish BayUpscale shopping & dining
ChandlerBay ViewFamily-friendly & community parks
TempeNear West SideUniversity vibe & youthful energy
Paradise ValleyFox PointLuxury homes with scenic views
GilbertWauwatosaSuburban feel with urban amenities
Central CityRiverwestDiverse community with urban appeal

If you love exploring the artistic flair of Roosevelt Row, you’ll find a similar vibe in Milwaukee’s Historic Third Ward, known for its boutique shops, art galleries, and the iconic Milwaukee Public Market. For those who enjoy the lively atmosphere of Old Town Scottsdale, East Town Tosa provides a vibrant nightlife with numerous trendy bars and eateries. Downtown Phoenix’s bustling business infrastructure and entertainment offerings have their parallel in Downtown Milwaukee, where you’ll discover venues like the Milwaukee Art Museum and Fiserv Forum. If upscale living and high-end shopping are your preferences, Biltmore’s counterpart, Whitefish Bay, boasts elegant boutiques and fine dining that cater to similar tastes. Families relocating will appreciate Chandler’s community-focus found in Bay View, where you can enjoy family-friendly parks like South Shore Park offering relaxing lakefront vibes.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Milwaukee

  • Visit Milwaukee County Zoo
  • Explore Harley-Davidson Museum
  • Stroll along Lake Michigan
  • Discover Milwaukee Public Museum
  • Shop at Milwaukee Public Market
  • Enjoy Summerfest music festival
  • Watch a Brewers game

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Phoenix to Milwaukee

Moving from one city to another is a major life decision, and it’s crucial to weigh both the positive and negative aspects of such a change. This guide is designed to give you an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Phoenix, AZ to Milwaukee, WI. By comparing the cons against the pros and vice versa, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision about your impending move.

CONs
PROs
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Extreme heat
  • Scorpion encounters
  • Longer droughts
  • Limited greenery
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Seasonal weather
  • Scorpion-free
  • More rainfall
  • Lush landscapes
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Colder winters
  • Higher tax rates
  • Less open spaces
  • Fewer sunny days
Phoenix, AZ iconPhoenix, AZ
  • Year-round sun
  • Lower cost of living
  • Vast wilderness
  • Outdoor activities

While moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Milwaukee, WI, you'll naturally notice profound differences in climate and lifestyle. Phoenix residents are used to year-round sunshine, which supports an abundance of outdoor activities from hiking the trails at South Mountain Park to golfing at top-rated courses. However, Milwaukee offers its unique charm with seasonal weather that brings stunning fall colors and lush summer landscapes, perfect for exploring local parks like Bradford Beach and the Lake Park. Moreover, Milwaukee’s vibrant dining scene, including farm-to-table restaurants like Lake Park Bistro, offers a warm, hearty welcome to those moving from the dryer, warmer climates. While Phoenix has its attractions, the move to Milwaukee promises a rich array of seasonal experiences and a diverse urban culture waiting to be explored.

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Phoenix & Milwaukee, aiming to enlighten you on the food scene of both cities. Understanding the local cuisine is crucial since food plays a significant role in the local culture and lifestyle where you plan to move.

Phoenix
Milwaukee
Most iconic local food item
Navajo Taco
Cheese Curds
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Bratwurst
Most popular street food item
Street Tacos
Bratwurst
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Tacos
Vegan Cheese Curds
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Mader's
  • Sobelman's
  • Safe House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Phoenix, vibrant street tacos highlight the city's love for Mexican cuisine, which can be explored in areas like Roosevelt Row. Meanwhile, Milwaukee shines with its German heritage, particularly through its bratwursts. Food enthusiasts will enjoy Milwaukee's Third Ward, where iconic spots like Mader's and Sobelman's showcase the city’s rich cultural food scene. Pivotally, both cities offer an intriguing mix of traditional and innovative dishes that reflect their diverse cultural backgrounds and cater to various dietary preferences, including a growing range of vegan options.

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison

Finding comfort in a new city often starts with discovering your go-to dining spots. This comparison of top restaurants from Phoenix, AZ, to their closest equivalents in Milwaukee, WI, will guide you in finding your next favorite eatery, making the transition feel like home. By aligning Phoenix's culinary delights with Milwaukee's dining gems, we aim to simplify your move.

PhoenixMilwaukeeWhat You'll Love
BacanoraLa MerendaInternational tapas with a comparable focus on bold, authentic flavors.
Barrio CaféAntigua Latin Inspired KitchenCreative Latin dishes offering a similar zest.
Pizzeria BiancoFixture Pizza PubCraft pizzas with unique, high-quality ingredients.
FnBArdentSeasonal, local ingredients crafted into exquisite, innovative dishes.
Chula SeafoodSt. Paul Fish CompanyFresh, high-quality seafood in a casual setting.
Matt’s Big BreakfastBlue's EggElevated breakfast and brunch options with a local twist.
Pa’LaSan Giorgio Pizzeria NapoletanaNeapolitan pizzas and Mediterranean dishes with focus on simplicity and quality.
Little Miss BBQIron Grate BBQ Co.Authentic, slow-cooked BBQ with a focus on quality meats and homemade sides.
Durant’sFive O’Clock SteakhouseA classic steakhouse experience with a touch of old-school charm.
Nobuo at Teeter HouseBrick 3 PizzaThough not a direct match, offers quality articulated in its unique pizzas, similar in meticulous care to Nobuo's dishes.

Each restaurant pairing illustrates a seamless transition from Phoenix to Milwaukee through culinary experiences. For instance, transitioning from the iconic Barrio Café in Phoenix to Antigua Latin Inspired Kitchen in Milwaukee means you won't miss out on inventive Latin cuisine, where both establishments pride themselves on delivering authentic dishes with a creative twist. Meanwhile, moving from Pizzeria Bianco to Fixture Pizza Pub ensures your pizza cravings are met with craft pizzas that stress the importance of quality ingredients and flavor. Each Milwaukee counterpart has been carefully selected to resonate with what you cherished back in Phoenix, ensuring a sense of culinary familiarity and comfort in your new home city.

CTA Banner background image

Ready to start your move?

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how Phoenix and Milwaukee compare in terms of housing costs, styles, and livability to make an informed decision.

Phoenix
Milwaukee
Typical Architecture Style
Ranch-style, Pueblo Revival
Victorian, Bungalow
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Swimming pools, open floor plans
Historic features, proximity to Lake Michigan

When comparing Phoenix to Milwaukee, it's essential to highlight not just the difference in median home prices and monthly rent, which are significantly lower in Milwaukee, but also the distinctive architectural styles and urban features that make each city unique. Phoenix offers spacious, ranch-style homes often equipped with swimming pools, accommodating the warm climate. In contrast, Milwaukee's real estate boasts historic Victorian and bungalow styles, emphasizing the city's rich heritage and close proximity to Lake Michigan. Additionally, Milwaukee provides a slightly better walkability and bikeability score, which supports a more urban lifestyle, alluring those who prefer to live closer to the city's vibrancy and picturesque lakeside scenery.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI

1. Bay View : You’ll love Bay View for its abundance of parks and green spaces that are perfect for pet walks and playtime.

2. East Side : This area offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and stores, allowing you to enjoy leisurely outings with your furry friends.

3. Riverwest : Riverwest is known for its strong community vibe and pet-friendly events, making it an inviting place for both you and your pets.

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations

When relocating from one city to another, understanding how weather contrasts is crucial. This comparison will illuminate the meteorological differences to expect when moving from Phoenix to Milwaukee, aiding in your transition.

Phoenix
Milwaukee
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Heatwaves, Dust Storms
Snowstorms, Cold Waves
Air Quality
Poor
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

106°F / 83°F
81°F / 63°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

67°F / 46°F
30°F / 18°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

8
34.76
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0
46.9


Moving from the arid desert climate of Phoenix to Milwaukee's continental climate means trading in scorching summers and mild winters for moderate summers and chilly, snowy winters. In Phoenix, you're used to a staggering number of sunny days, but in Milwaukee, you'll find fewer sunshine days yet a beautiful, diverse seasonal change. The dramatic difference in humidity levels might also impact how you perceive the cold or heat, requiring a period of adjustment. Adapting your wardrobe and home heating or cooling systems will be essential to comfortably transition to life in Milwaukee.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Phoenix to Milwaukee

When planning a move from one city to another, grasping the differences in the cost of living and financial landscapes is crucial. This comparison will shed light on the economic contours of Phoenix, AZ versus Milwaukee, WI , providing a clearer picture of what to expect financially upon relocating. The chart below juxtaposes various economic indicators to help you make an informed decision.

Phoenix
Milwaukee
Avg. Household Income
$68,435
$46,637
Cost of Living Index
100.7
101.9
State Income Tax
2.59 - 4.50
3.54 - 7.65
Avg. Property Tax
0.62
1.77
Avg. Sales Tax
8.6
5.6
Top 3 Industries
Real Estate, Finance, Health Care
Manufacturing, Health Care, Education
Affluence
Moderate
Lower
Poverty
Moderate
Higher
Homelessness
Moderate
Higher

Upon comparing Phoenix and Milwaukee, you'll notice significant differences in the average household income, with Phoenix residents generally earning more. However, the cost of living in Phoenix is also higher, particularly when it comes to the sales tax rate and property taxes. These economic factors are directly influenced by the predominant industries of each city, with Milwaukee having a strong manufacturing base versus Phoenix's focus on real estate and finance. The aspects of affluence, poverty, and homelessness also starkly contrast between the two cities, reflecting in the varying social challenges each faces. Understanding these differences can help you prepare financially and culturally for your move.

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents in two cities you might be moving between. By comparing the politics between Phoenix & Milwaukee , we aim to give you a sense of the community vibes in both cities.

Phoenix
Milwaukee
Political Make-up
Lean towards Democrat
Strongly Democrat
Local Politics
Moderately progressive
More progressive
Religion
Christianity predominant, but diverse religious presence
Christianity predominant, with a noticeable Catholic majority

When moving from Phoenix to Milwaukee, you'll find that both cities lean Democratic, but Milwaukee has a more pronounced inclination towards progressive policies and candidates. In Phoenix, local politics tend to be moderately progressive, reflecting Arizona's traditionally conservative backdrop mingling with recent shifts towards more liberal viewpoints. On the other hand, Milwaukee’s local politics are notably more progressive, reflecting Wisconsin's historical union stronghold and its recent political activism. On the religious front, both cities have a predominantly Christian population. However, Milwaukee stands out with its higher concentration of Catholicism, a reflection of its European immigrant roots, particularly from German and Polish communities. This comparison should help you better understand the cultural and political air you're moving into.

Phoenix vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Phoenix, AZ, to Milwaukee, WI, it's crucial to understand the differences in daily commutes and traffic. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Phoenix & Milwaukee will help you adjust to your new surroundings more easily.

Phoenix
Milwaukee
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
25
22
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
5 out of 10
6 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Challenging
Feasible

In Phoenix, while the average commute time might be slightly longer, it's important to note that the city experiences higher traffic congestion compared to Milwaukee. This might not come as a surprise, considering Phoenix's sprawling nature. Public transit options, though improving, are not as robust as one might hope, making it challenging to get by without a car. On the other hand, Milwaukee offers a somewhat more relaxed traffic situation and better public transit availability, making it feasible for residents to navigate the city without personal vehicles. The difference in the feasibility of living without a car in these cities could influence your decision on whether or not to bring your vehicle.

CTA Banner background image
Connect with one of our Certified Moving Partners.
Best Phoenix to Milwaukee Movers Featured Image