Best Columbus to Milwaukee Movers

How Much Do Columbus to Milwaukee Movers Cost?

Moving 455 miles from Columbus, OH to Milwaukee, WI will typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000 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 Columbus. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Milwaukee from Columbus 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 Columbus to Milwaukee moving option

Hire local Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus 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 Columbus, OH to Milwaukee, WI long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 33 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Columbus and Milwaukee areas.

From these 33 companies, we analyzed a total of 9,302 reviews dating all the way back to July 2008.

We also reviewed a total of 15 state and federal moving licenses from these 33 companies and 171 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~9,000 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 3,554 Columbus 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 Manifest Shipping Llc) vs older more established companies (like Blue Men Moving LLC).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Columbus 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.

8.85/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 4,830 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.37/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 1,475 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.83/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 742 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.91/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 1,516 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.67/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 460 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.98/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 1,882 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.24/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 2,871 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.59/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 4,680 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.75/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 2,790 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.42/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 363 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.40/10 avg (Columbus & Milwaukee combined) from 2,188 reviews

From Columbus to Milwaukee: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Short North in Columbus & Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee are both known for their: art galleries & vibrant nightlife
• Columbus' German Village neighborhood & Milwaukee's Bay View both share: historic brick homes & village feel
• If you're moving from Victorian Village, check out Shorewood in the Milwaukee area for the: tree-lined streets & historic architecture
• Do you enjoy Clintonville's quiet residential areas & good schools? You're sure to love Wauwatosa
• Move from Grandview Heights to Whitefish Bay and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: an upscale suburb near downtown
• Olde Towne East & Riverwest are both known for their: diverse arts & emerging scene
• Columbus' University District neighborhood & Milwaukee's East Side neighborhood both have: proximity to campus & the rental market
• If you're moving from Franklinton, look into Walker's Point for the: emerging arts & brewery scene
• Do you cherish living in Italian Village's trendy shops & loft living? Move into Historic Third Ward for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Columbus to Milwaukee

ConsColumbus, OH

• Higher sales tax
• Less snowfall
• Smaller craft beer scene
• Fewer waterfront activities

ProsMilwaukee, WI

• Lower sales tax
• More snowfall
• Larger craft beer scene
• More waterfront activities

---

Milwaukee, WI

• Less affordable housing
• Colder winters
• Smaller city vibe
• Fewer dining options

Columbus, OH

• More affordable housing
• Warmer winters
• Bigger city amenities
• Diverse dining options

Pros of moving from Columbus to Milwaukee

• Say goodbye to higher sales tax and hello to lower sales tax
• Look forward to moving away from less snowfall and moving to Milwaukee with more snowfall
• Swap the smaller craft beer scene of Columbus for the larger craft beer scene in Milwaukee
• Get ready for more waterfront activities in Milwaukee

Cons of moving from Columbus to Milwaukee

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from more affordable housing in Columbus to live with less affordable housing in Milwaukee
• You'll lose out on the pro of warmer winters and have to settle for the con of colder winters
• Time to bid farewell to bigger city amenities and get used to the smaller city vibe in Milwaukee
• Swap diverse dining options for fewer dining options

Columbus vs. Milwaukee: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Columbus to Milwaukee, you will be trading the iconic Buckeye Candy of Columbus for the equally delicious Beer Brats of Milwaukee. And while the locals in Columbus rave about their flavorful Columbus-style Pizza and sumptuous Taco Trucks, Milwaukee residents know they have tasty Butter Burger and Curds to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Comfrey Corner Café's Vegan Chili they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Plant-based Beer Brats of Milwaukee. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Columbus eateries like Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, The Thurman Café, and Schmidt’s Sausage Haus. After the boxes are unpacked in Milwaukee, don't wait too long before making your way to Milwaukee's acclaimed eateries like Mader's, Leon's Frozen Custard, and The SafeHouse.

When comparing lifestyles, Milwaukee shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Columbus. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Milwaukee compared to what you are used to in Columbus. Also, the overall foodie scene is more 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 Columbus favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved The Refectory Restaurant & Bistro, Northstar Café, and Lincoln Social Rooftop in Columbus, we're sure you'll love Sanford Restaurant, Beans & Barley, and The Outsider in Milwaukee. See our Milwaukee restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Columbus hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Hot Chicken Takeover, head to Tomken’s Bar & Grill on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Columbus and Milwaukee

• The Colonial and Ranch architecture that Columbus is known for will be replaced with the Victorian and Bungalow architecture typical of Milwaukee.
• Compared to Columbus's real estate listings that commonly reference spacious yards and family-friendly features, Milwaukee real estate listings often highlight attributes like proximity to Lake Michigan and vibrant neighborhoods.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Milwaukee is more walkable than Columbus.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Milwaukee is more bike-friendly than Columbus.
• Milwaukee has more of an urban feel than Columbus.
• Milwaukee housing costs are 19% less expensive than they are in Columbus, with a median home price of $196,698 compared to Columbus’s $243,838.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Milwaukee have increased 62% compared to a 61% increase in Columbus.
• Rent in Milwaukee is 9.00% more affordable than in Columbus.

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 Columbus and Milwaukee

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Columbus to Milwaukee. Milwaukee gets 7% more sunshine days than Columbus.
• Milwaukee has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Columbus.
• Say goodbye to the possible severe storms and tornadoes in Columbus, but be on the lookout for potential severe storms and winter weather in Milwaukee.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Milwaukee is 6 degrees colder than in Columbus.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees colder than they are in Columbus.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Milwaukee. Milwaukee receives 4.5 fewer inches of rain compared to Columbus.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Columbus and Milwaukee

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Milwaukee tend to earn about 20% less than those in Columbus
• The COLI in Milwaukee will be 11% higher than what you are used to living in Columbus
• The state income tax in WI is 4% to 7.65% compared to 2.85% to 4.797% in OH
• The affluence in Milwaukee is less affluent compared to moderately affluent in Columbus
• The poverty level is high in Milwaukee compared to moderate in Columbus
• In terms of homelessness, it is low in Columbus and low to moderate in Milwaukee

Political and Religious Climate in Columbus vs. Milwaukee

• Columbus tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Milwaukee, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Milwaukee's religious environment can be described as mixed, with a Christian majority and a more diverse religious presence
• Columbus' residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as mixed, with a Christian majority

Columbus vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 4% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Milwaukee compared to your daily drive in Columbus. That's an annual savings of 520 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Milwaukee to be better than it is in Columbus.
• Public transit is more readily available in Milwaukee.