Best Milwaukee to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Milwaukee to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 94 miles from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Milwaukee. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Milwaukee entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Milwaukee to Chicago moving option

Hire local Milwaukee 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 Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Milwaukee to Chicago 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 Milwaukee to Chicago 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 Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 43 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Milwaukee and Chicago 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 Milwaukee to Chicago 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 The Go To Guys, LLC) 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 Milwaukee to Chicago 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 (Milwaukee & Chicago combined) from 19,605 reviews

Punctuality

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

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

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

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

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

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

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

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

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

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

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

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

Will Hire Again

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

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

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

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

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

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

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

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

From Milwaukee to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• East Side in Milwaukee & Lakeview in Chicago are both known for their college town vibe, bars & eateries
• Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward neighborhood & Chicago's West Loop both share upscale lofts, arts & dining district
• If you're moving from Bay View, check out Bridgeport in the Chicago area for the community breweries and growing arts scene
• Do you enjoy Walker’s Point's former industrial vibe, now galleries & breweries? You're sure to love Pilsen
• Move from Riverwest to Logan Square and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: bohemian spirit and community events
• Wauwatosa & Andersonville are both known for their historic shopping street and family-friendly atmosphere
• Milwaukee's Brady Street neighborhood & Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood both have hip hangouts and walkable nightlife
• If you're moving from Shorewood, look into Lincoln Park for the lakefront parks and residential & affluent environment

Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to Chicago

ConsMilwaukee, WI

• Smaller city vibe
• Fewer job opportunities
• Less diverse cuisine
• Lower public transit coverage

ProsChicago, IL

• Larger, dynamic city
• More career options
• Wider food variety
• Better public transportation

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Chicago, IL

• Higher cost of living
• More impersonal
• Noisier surroundings
• Scarce parking spots

Milwaukee, WI

• Affordable living
• Community feel
• Quiet neighborhoods
• Easier parking

Pros of moving from Milwaukee to Chicago

• Say goodbye to smaller city vibe and hello to larger and dynamic city
• Look forward to moving away from fewer job opportunities and moving to Chicago with more career options
• Swap the less diverse cuisine of Milwaukee for a wider food variety in Chicago
• Get ready for better public transportation in Chicago

Cons of moving from Milwaukee to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from affordable living in Milwaukee to live with a higher cost of living in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of community feel and have to settle for the con of more impersonal
• Time to bid farewell to quiet neighborhoods and get used to noisier surroundings in Chicago
• Swap easier parking for scarce parking spots

Milwaukee vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

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

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

Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Milwaukee favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Ardent, Sanford, and La Merenda in Milwaukee, we're sure you'll love Alinea, North Pond, and Carnivale in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Milwaukee hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Odd Duck, head to Girl and The Goat on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Milwaukee and Chicago

• The Germanic and Cream City Brick architecture that Milwaukee is known for will be replaced with the Prairie Style and Skyscrapers architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Milwaukee's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and spacious layouts, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and proximity to public transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Milwaukee.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Milwaukee.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Milwaukee.
• Chicago housing costs are 47% more expensive than they are in Milwaukee, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Milwaukee’s $196,698.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 62% increase in Milwaukee.
• Rent in Chicago is 64.30% more expensive than in Milwaukee.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
2. Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
3. Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.

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

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Milwaukee to Chicago. Chicago gets 1% fewer sunshine days than Milwaukee.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Milwaukee.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Milwaukee, but be on the lookout for potential snowstorms and cold waves in Chicago.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 6 degrees warmer than in Milwaukee.
• The average winter lows are 4 degrees warmer than they are in Milwaukee.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Chicago. Chicago receives 2.1 more inches of rain compared to Milwaukee.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Milwaukee and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 43% more than those in Milwaukee
• The COLI in Chicago is 15% higher than what you are used to living in Milwaukee
• The state income tax in IL is 4.95 compared to 6.27 in WI
• The affluence in Chicago is high compared to moderate affluence in Milwaukee
• The poverty level is considerable in Chicago compared to significant poverty in Milwaukee
• In terms of homelessness, it is concerning in Milwaukee and worrisome in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Milwaukee vs. Chicago

• Milwaukee tends to lean Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse, with a large Catholic presence as well as significant Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities
• Milwaukee's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse, with a significant Catholic community

Milwaukee vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 55% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Milwaukee commute. That's 6,240 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be worse than it is in Milwaukee.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.