Best Chicago to Milwaukee Movers and Practical Moving Guide
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Moving from the bustling Windy City to the vibrant Brew City is an exhilarating adventure, marking a significant and positive turn in your life. You’re leaving behind Chicago’s towering skyscrapers and deep-dish pizza for Milwaukee’s scenic lakefront and vibrant beer scene. To ensure this transition is smooth and stress-free, it’s crucial to choose trusted and reliable professional movers. We at Great Guys Moving, using our unbiased ranking algorithm, take the guesswork out of finding the best mover for your long-distance journey, allowing you to focus on the excitement ahead.
Best Chicago to Milwaukee Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.36 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| Move-tastic! | 9.35 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.33 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.31 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| H2H Movers Inc | 9.24 | A | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to Chicago guide.
5 Best Chicago to Milwaukee Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About 606 Movers, Inc.
606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly movi...Read More >>
Services
- Residential Movers
- Commercial Movers
- Packing & Unpacking Services
About Move-tastic!
What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving c...Read More >>
Services
- Full Moves
- Truck Loading and Unloading
- Interstate Moving Assistance
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 servic...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
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 comme...Read More >>
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
This listing has been claimed by H2H Movers IncAbout H2H Movers Inc
Are you looking to move places but are worried about the cost? Then, H2H Movers might be the best choice for you. This moving company provid...Read More >>
Services
- Local moves
- Long distance moves
- Commercial moves
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.
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.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be a daunting task, especially when trying to find a neighborhood that feels like home. To ease this transition, we've created a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Chicago, IL & Milwaukee, WI . This guide will help you find areas in Milwaukee that share the same vibe, amenities, and community spirit as your favorite Chicago neighborhood.
| Chicago | Milwaukee | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Lincoln Park | Shorewood | Family-friendly, with vibrant retail |
| Wicker Park | Bay View | Artsy, with a strong sense of community |
| The Loop | East Town | Bustling downtown vibe, cultural landmarks |
| Gold Coast | Yankee Hill | Upscale living, near the lakefront |
| Old Town | Walker's Point | Historic architecture, great dining |
| Andersonville | Washington Heights | Diverse community, historic homes |
| Hyde Park | Riverwest | Diverse, vibrant community spaces |
| Logan Square | Riverwest | Youthful energy, craft beer scene |
| South Loop | Harambee | Growing arts scene, historic vibe |
| River North | Third Ward | Trendy lofts, bustling art scene |
In Lincoln Park, you're used to expansive green spaces like Lincoln Park itself, offering a zoo, museums, and ample outdoor activities. The equivalent joy awaits in Shorewood at places like Atwater Park, showcasing spectacular Lake Michigan views. If your heart belongs to the artsy vibrance and community feel of Wicker Park, you'll find a kindred spirit in Bay View, celebrated for its eclectic mix of local shops, galleries, and dynamic dining scene, including gems like HoneyPie Café. Culture enthusiasts moving from The Loop's array of theaters, parks, and museums will appreciate East Town's cultural landmarks, including the notable Marcus Performing Arts Center, fostering a deep appreciation for the arts within Milwaukee's energetic downtown atmosphere.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee
Moving from one city to another is always a journey of weighing options and evaluating what you're gaining versus what you’re leaving behind. This guide offers a candid look at the pros and cons of relocating from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI, providing you with an honest reflection of both the good and the bad attributes of this significant change. Our charts are designed to help you visualize the benefits and drawbacks side by side.
Chicago, IL- Higher crime rates
- More expensive housing
- Heavier traffic
- Higher cost of living
Milwaukee, WI- Lower crime rates
- More affordable housing
- Lighter traffic
- Lower cost of living
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
Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee can be likened to transitioning from the vast, bustling shores of Lake Michigan in Illinois to its more serene cousin up north. While you might miss Chicago's vast array of culinary delights like those found in the famed restaurant rows, Milwaukee presents its own culinary scene with gems such as Maxie's for southern fare and the classic German cuisine at Mader's. Although you'll leave behind the extensive networks of Chicago's L train, Milwaukee's own public transportation offers a charm with easier navigation. Furthermore, transitioning from Chicago's Grant Park to Milwaukee's more intimate yet historic parks such as Lake Park offers a refreshing change where community feels closer, yet the grandeur of city parks isn't entirely lost.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Food Guide
When considering a move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI, it's crucial to explore the differences in local cuisine between these two cities. Understanding the food scene is a significant aspect of local culture and what living in a new city will be like. This comparison will help you get a better sense of what culinary delights await you in your potential new home.
| Chicago | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Deep Dish Pizza | Beer Brats |
| Most popular meat dish | Italian Beef | Fish Fry |
| Most popular street food item | Chicago-style Hot Dog | Bratwurst |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Deep Dish Pizza | Vegan Cheese Curds |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In your move from Chicago to Milwaukee, you'll transition from the skyscraper-studded, bustling streets known for their deep dish pizzas and Italian beef, to a city that boasts a vibrant beer culture and hearty meat dishes. For instance, while Chicago's love for deep dish pizza can be explored in iconic spots like Pizzeria Uno, Milwaukee offers a unique twist with German-inspired fare such as beer brats, widely available at local haunts like Mader's. Moreover, the vegan scene in both cities is burgeoning, with creative takes on traditional dishes, such as vegan deep dish pizzas in Chicago and vegan cheese curds in Milwaukee. Whether strolling through the historic Third Ward in Milwaukee or exploring the vibrant street food scene in Chicago's neighborhoods, you're sure to find culinary delights that cater to all tastes.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison
Relocating to a new city doesn't mean leaving all your old favorites behind, especially when it comes to dining out. This restaurant comparison is designed to make your transition smoother. Using the tastes of your current Chicago favorites as a guide, we'll help you find Chicago to Milwaukee restaurant comparisons so you can quickly feel at home in your new city.
| Chicago | Milwaukee | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Sanford | Both offer innovative, fine dining experiences. |
| Girl & The Goat | Braise | Similar farm-to-table ethos with a creative menu. |
| Lou Malnati's Pizzeria | Zaffiro's | Known for their thin-crust pizza, reminiscent of Lou Malnati's deep dish in approach to quality and taste. |
| Portillo's | Real Chili | Both are go-to spots for local flavor and straightforward, hearty meals. |
| Rick Bayless' Frontera Grill | Botanas | Offering an authentic Mexican culinary experience similar to Frontera Grill. |
| The Purple Pig | Ardent | Ardent presents an eclectic, fine-dining menu that echoes The Purple Pig's innovation and flair for Mediterranean dishes. |
| Pequod's Pizza | Fixture Pizza Pub | Both are beloved for their unique take on pizza, satisfying both traditional and adventurous palates. |
| Three Dots and a Dash | Foundation Tiki Bar | Milwaukee's answer for a tropical, whimsical cocktail experience akin to Three Dots and a Dash. |
| Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse | Five O'Clock Steakhouse | Both are iconic for steak lovers seeking top-quality cuts and a classic steakhouse atmosphere. |
| Smoque BBQ | Iron Grate BBQ Co. | Smokey, mouth-watering BBQ that rivals even Chicago's best, keeping BBQ lovers happy. |
In the passionate culinary scenes of Chicago and Milwaukee, certain establishments stand out, offering experiences that speak to the heart of dining culture in both cities. For instance, embracing the farm-to-table philosophy, Milwaukee's Braise echoes the ethos of Chicago's Girl & The Goat, ensuring that your love for fresh, locally-sourced ingredients continues unabated in your new city. On the other end, pizza enthusiasts moving from Chicago's deep-dish empire will find solace in Zaffiro's thin-crust offerings in Milwaukee, providing a novel yet familiar taste journey. Transitioning from Chicago doesn't mean you'll miss out on world-class BBQ or innovative cocktail bars; places like Milwaukee's Iron Grate BBQ Co. and Foundation Tiki Bar welcome you with open arms and flavors that resonate with Chicago's dining scene, making your new city feel like home from the first bite.
Ready to start your move?
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal factor when planning a move. Understanding the differences between Chicago, IL, and Milwaukee, WI, in terms of housing costs, architecture, and livability is crucial. This comparison aims to arm you with the information needed for a well-informed decision.
| Comparison | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Brick Bungalows, Greystones | Craftsman, Bungalow |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood Floors, Lake Views | Spacious Yards, Proximity to Lakes |
When comparing the housing landscapes of Chicago and Milwaukee, the variance in median home prices and monthly rents stands out significantly, reflecting the lower cost of living in Milwaukee. However, Chicago's higher urban lifestyle score, accentuated by its extensive transit systems and cultural amenities, presents a trade-off. Each city showcases its unique architectural flair—Chicago with its storied brick bungalows and greystones, and Milwaukee with its charming Craftsman and bungalow homes. These distinctions contribute to each city's unique character and living experience, underlining the importance of aligning your housing choice with your lifestyle preferences and budget.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI
1. Bay View: Known for its community feel, you'll find an abundance of pet-friendly cafes and a popular dog park, ensuring your furry friend will always feel welcome.
2. Third Ward: This neighborhood boasts stylish pet-friendly apartments and several boutiques like Third Ward Dog, where you can pamper your pooch with the latest trends.
3. Wauwatosa: Offering numerous parks and green spaces, such as the spacious Hart Park, it's a paradise for pets who love the outdoors, making walks and playdates a part of your daily routine.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI, understanding the weather differences between these two cities can significantly impact how you prepare. Whether it's packing the right clothes or knowing the best time to move, this comparison will help you adjust to your new home seamlessly.
Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Chicago, IL
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
| Natural Disasters | Blizzards, Floods | Blizzards, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
While both Chicago and Milwaukee experience similar climate patterns due to their proximity to Lake Michigan, there are subtle differences worth noting. Milwaukee tends to have slightly colder winters and enjoy more days of sunshine per year, albeit by a small margin. Another key difference is the higher annual snowfall in Milwaukee, which could affect winter driving conditions and outdoor activities. Despite these differences, both cities experience a similar mix of natural disasters and have comparable air quality and average annual UV indexes. Adjusting to the slight variations in weather patterns will be an essential part of your move.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee
Considering a move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI? It's vital to know how the cost of living and financial climate in Chicago compares to Milwaukee. This guide will help you understand the differences in economy, taxation, and overall financial health between these two vibrant cities.
| Comparison | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $66,576 | $46,637 |
| Cost of Living Index | 116.9 | 101.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95 | 4.65 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.10 | 2.68 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.25 | 5.60 |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Manufacturing, Information Technology | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Moderately affluent | Less affluent |
| Poverty | Noticeable | Significant |
| Homelessness | Conspicuous | Less conspicuous |
Moving from Chicago to Milwaukee, you'll find yourself in a city with a considerably lower cost of living. This is reflected in both the Cost of Living Index and average household income, suggesting your money might stretch further in Milwaukee, despite the slightly lower income levels. Although Milwaukee has a higher average property tax rate, its significantly lower sales tax can offset those costs. It's also worth noting the difference in top industries, as job opportunities could vary greatly between the cities based on your sector. Keep in mind the economic backdrop, as Milwaukee presents a less affluent environment with higher signs of poverty, though it deals with homelessness differently than Chicago.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison
Moving from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI presents an opportunity to explore new communities. It's essential to understand how these cities compare, especially in terms of political and religious makeup between Chicago & Milwaukee . This quick snapshot will help you grasp the local ambiance you're transitioning into.
| Chicago | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Democratic Majority | Democratic Majority |
| Local Politics | Progressive leanings | Progressive with a strong union presence |
| Religion | Varied, with a significant Catholic presence (Archdiocese of Chicago) | Diverse, majorly Catholic and Lutheran (Archdiocese of Milwaukee) |
While both Chicago and Milwaukee share a democratic majority, the nuances in local politics and religious landscapes offer distinct community vibes. Chicago's progressive leanings are mirrored in Milwaukee, yet the latter has a notable union presence that influences its political scene. The religious makeup in both cities is diverse; however, Milwaukee touts a significant Lutheran community alongside its Catholic majority, adding another layer to its cultural fabric. Understanding these differences and similarities can ease your transition and help you connect with your new home.
Chicago vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
When planning a move from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI, it's crucial to compare the traffic and transportation options between Chicago & Milwaukee to better understand what your daily commute and traffic experience might be like. This guide provides insights into the differences you'll encounter and helps you prepare for the transition.
| Comparison | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Yes, with some planning | Yes, but it's more challenging |
In Chicago, the average commute time is significantly longer compared to Milwaukee, highlighting the city's bustling nature and larger size. While traffic congestion is also higher in Chicago, the availability of public transit is among the best in the country, making it possible to navigate the city without a car, albeit with careful planning. In Milwaukee, though the traffic congestion is less severe and the average commute time is shorter, the city's public transit system isn't as extensive. This means living without a car is doable but might require more effort and reliance on other transportation methods such as biking or rideshare services. Regardless of your choice, understanding these dynamics will help you adjust to your new city more smoothly.
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