Best Chicago to Milwaukee Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Milwaukee Movers Cost?

Moving 93 miles from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI will typically cost between $2,000 and $4,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Milwaukee that already have a booked job heading from Milwaukee to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Milwaukee from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Milwaukee moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Milwaukee moving option

Hire local Chicago movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Milwaukee movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Milwaukee move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.

How we ranked the top Chicago to Milwaukee movers

Why you should trust us

We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Milwaukee moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 43 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Milwaukee areas.

From these 43 companies, we analyzed a total of 25,320 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.

We also reviewed a total of 30 state and federal moving licenses from these 43 companies and 226 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~25,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria

Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 19,472 Chicago to Milwaukee moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.

Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Milwaukee moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.55/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 19,605 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.12/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 7,196 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.56/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 4,215 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.51/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 7,009 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.34/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 3,687 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.85/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 10,393 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.08/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 9,734 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.25/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 18,478 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.51/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 10,674 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.09/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 2,301 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.24/10 avg (Chicago & Milwaukee combined) from 9,766 reviews

From Chicago to Milwaukee: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Shorewood in Milwaukee are both known for their affluent lakefront community, family-friendly
• Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood & Milwaukee's East Side both share lakeshore living, nightlife, young professionals
• If you're moving from Wicker Park, check out Bay View in the Milwaukee area for the hipster vibe, breweries, local shops
• Do you enjoy Logan Square's artsy community, craft breweries, and murals? You're sure to love Riverwest
• Move from Bucktown to Third Ward and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: upscale boutiques, art galleries
• River North & Third Ward are both known for their high-end dining and gallery district
• Chicago's West Loop neighborhood & Milwaukee's Walker’s Point neighborhood both have trendy restaurants, breweries, and industrial chic
• If you're moving from Old Town, look into Brewers Hill for the historic architecture and proximity to downtown
• Do you cherish living in Hyde Park's university-centric and cultural diversity? Move into East Side for something similar
• The similar vibes of Andersonville & Riverwest are both known for their LGBTQ+ friendly community events

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee

ConsChicago, IL

• Higher crime rates
• More expensive housing
• Heavier traffic
• Higher cost of living

ProsMilwaukee, WI

• Lower crime rates
• More affordable housing
• Lighter traffic
• Lower cost of living

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Milwaukee, WI

• More subdued nightlife
• Less extensive transit
• Smaller job market
• Fewer cultural amenities

Chicago, IL

• Vibrant nightlife
• Better public transit
• Larger job market
• More cultural amenities

Pros of moving from Chicago to Milwaukee

• Say goodbye to higher crime rates and hello to lower crime rates
• Look forward to moving away from more expensive housing and moving to Milwaukee with more affordable housing
• Swap the heavier traffic of Chicago for lighter traffic in Milwaukee
• Get ready for a lower cost of living in Milwaukee

Cons of moving from Chicago to Milwaukee

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from vibrant nightlife in Chicago to live with more subdued nightlife in Milwaukee
• You'll lose out on the pro of better public transit and have to settle for the con of less extensive transit
• Time to bid farewell to a larger job market and get used to a smaller job market in Milwaukee
• Swap more cultural amenities for fewer cultural amenities

Chicago vs. Milwaukee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Milwaukee, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Beer Brats of Milwaukee. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Milwaukee residents know they have tasty Fish Fry and Bratwurst to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Vegan Deep Dish Pizza they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Cheese Curds of Milwaukee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Pizzeria Uno, Portillo's, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Milwaukee, don't wait too long before making your way to Milwaukee's acclaimed eateries like Mader's, Safe House, and Lakefront Brewery.

When comparing lifestyles, Milwaukee shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Milwaukee compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is less bustling in Milwaukee.

Discover Milwaukee Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Milwaukee is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Girl & The Goat, and Lou Malnati's Pizzeria in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Sanford, Braise, and Zaffiro's in Milwaukee. See our Milwaukee restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Portillo's, head to Real Chili on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Milwaukee

• The Brick Bungalows and Greystones architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Craftsman and Bungalow architecture typical of Milwaukee.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference hardwood floors and lake views, Milwaukee real estate listings often highlight features like spacious yards and proximity to lakes.
• You can keep your walking shoes packed away. Milwaukee is less walkable than Chicago.
• You might want to think twice before moving your bike. Milwaukee is less bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Milwaukee has less of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Milwaukee housing costs are 32% less expensive than they are in Chicago with a median home price of $196,698 compared to Chicago's $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Milwaukee have increased 62% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Milwaukee is 39.13% more affordable than in Chicago.

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.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Milwaukee

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Chicago to Milwaukee. Milwaukee gets 1% more sunshine days than Chicago.
• Milwaukee has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and floods in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and floods in Milwaukee.
• The average summer high temperature in Milwaukee is 2 degrees colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees colder than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Milwaukee. Milwaukee receives 2 fewer inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Milwaukee

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Milwaukee tend to earn about 30% less than in Chicago
• The COLI in Milwaukee is 13% lower than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in WI is 4.65 compared to 4.95 in IL
• The affluence in Milwaukee is less affluent compared to moderately affluent in Chicago
• The poverty level is significant in Milwaukee compared to noticeable in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is conspicuous in Chicago and less conspicuous in Milwaukee

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Milwaukee

• Chicago tends to lean Democratic Majority in its political climate
• Milwaukee, on the other hand, is often described as Democratic Majority
• Milwaukee's religious environment can be described as diverse, majorly Catholic and Lutheran (Archdiocese of Milwaukee)
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied, with a significant Catholic presence (Archdiocese of Chicago)

Chicago vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 32% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Milwaukee compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 5,720 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Milwaukee to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Milwaukee.