Best Seattle to Milwaukee Movers and Practical Moving Guide
Get a Quote Now!
Trusted. Licensed. Insured.
Moving from the Emerald City to the Cream City is not just a relocation; it's an exciting adventure that promises a vibrant change in scenery and lifestyle. On one hand, you're saying goodbye to Seattle's iconic Space Needle and coffee culture, and on the other, you’re embracing Milwaukee's rich history, beer gardens, and lakefront beauty. Given the distance and logistics involved, it's crucial to ensure you hire trusted and reliable professional movers, and that's where we come in, offering an unbiased ranking algorithm to help you find the best team for your long-distance move.
Best Seattle to Milwaukee Moving Companies
| Company Name | Rating  | BBB Rating | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Moves & More | 9.54 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| John Volken Academy Movers | 9.33 | NR | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.33 | A+ | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | A+ | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| People Movers | 9.16 | NR | Authorized For Property | Contact |
(800) 787-5428
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to Seattle guide.
5 Best Seattle to Milwaukee Moving Companies
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
About Seattle Moves & More
Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its exceptional services...Read More >>
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Long-Distance Relocation
- Furniture Packing and Unpacking
About John Volken Academy Movers
John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local busin...Read More >>
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Residential Moving
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
About People Movers
People Movers is a fully licensed moving company in Bothell, WA. It has relocated hundreds of happy customers in Greater Seattle since it op...Read More >>
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
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.
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be daunting, especially to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've created a guide that compares Seattle, WA & Milwaukee, WI neighborhoods. This comparison will help you find Milwaukee equivalents to your favorite Seattle spots, making you feel right at home in no time.
| Seattle | Milwaukee | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill | East Side | Vibrant nightlife and diverse dining |
| Belltown | Walker's Point | Trendy eateries and active social scene |
| Ballard | Bay View | Strong sense of community and local shops |
| Fremont | Riverwest | Eclectic, artsy, and community-oriented |
| Queen Anne | Washington Heights | Historic homes and quiet streets |
| Greenwood | Shorewood | Family-friendly and well-maintained parks |
| West Seattle | Wauwatosa | Residential, with a cozy downtown area |
| South Lake Union | Third Ward | Thriving tech and innovation hub |
| Pioneer Square | Historic Third Ward | Rich history and vibrant arts scene |
| University District | East Town | Young demographics and educational institutions |
Exploring these Milwaukee neighborhoods, you'll find gems similar to those in Seattle. For example, the East Side's community vibe will remind you of Capitol Hill, complete with a buzzing nightlife centered around North Avenue and a diverse dining scene from casual eats at BelAir Cantina to upscale options like Black Sheep. In Bay View, akin to Seattle's Ballard, the emphasis on local commerce shines through charming boutiques and specialty stores, fostering a strong sense of community. Meanwhile, Wauwatosa provides a leafy, residential atmosphere reminiscent of West Seattle, offering both a serene lifestyle and a unique downtown area filled with cozy cafes like Le Rêve Patisserie & Café. These neighborhoods in Milwaukee not only offer a touch of the familiar for those moving from Seattle but also promise new adventures and places to call home.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to Milwaukee
Moving from Seattle, WA to Milwaukee, WI is a significant life event that merits a careful comparison of the two cities. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of this relocation, contrasting Seattle with Milwaukee to help make your decision easier. We've compiled detailed charts that pit the cons of staying against the pros of moving, and vice versa, so you have a comprehensive overview of what to expect.
Seattle, WA- High Living Costs
- Frequent Rain
- Traffic Congestion
- Less Affordable Housing
Milwaukee, WI- Lower Living Costs
- Distinct Seasons
- Smaller Population
- More Affordable Housing
Milwaukee, WI- Smaller Tech Scene
- Lesser Music Scene
- Limited Public Transit
- Less Coffee Variety
Seattle, WA- Lively Tech Scene
- Vibrant Music Culture
- Extensive Public Transit
- Rich Coffee Culture
Moving from Seattle to Milwaukee introduces you to a city with a starkly different vibe, yet full of its unique charms. For those wary of Seattle's high living costs, Milwaukee offers a welcome reprieve with its more affordable housing market, allowing you to perhaps own a spacious home near Lake Michigan's shores. While Milwaukee might have a smaller tech scene and less musical diversity than Seattle, it compensates with a strong communal vibe and a thriving craft beer culture highlighted by places like Lakefront Brewery. Milwaukee's distinct seasons offer varied activities, from summer festivals along the lakefront to winter sports across Wisconsin's picturesque landscapes. Though Milwaukee's public transit system isn't as comprehensive as Seattle's, the city's smaller size makes it more navigable and retains a close-knit feeling, with neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward offering vibrant dining, shopping, and cultural experiences.
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Food Guide
Understanding local cuisine is essential to immerse yourself into a new city's culture. In this guide, we've highlighted a comparison of the local cuisine between Seattle & Milwaukee to help you adapt and enjoy the diverse food scene awaiting you. Whether you're a food lover or simply curious about your new home's culinary offerings, this comparison will provide a tasty glimpse into what each city has to offer.
| Seattle | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Salmon | Cheese Curds |
| Most popular meat dish | Teriyaki | Bratwurst |
| Most popular street food item | Hot Dogs | Pretzels |
| Most popular vegan food | Veggie Pho | Vegan Brats |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
| |
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Moving from Seattle to Milwaukee, you'll transition from the seafood and Asian influences prevalent in Pacific Northwest cuisine to a heartier, Midwestern fare embodied by Milwaukee's renowned cheese curds and bratwurst. Seattle's love for teriyaki and salmon finds a counterpart in Milwaukee's affection for all things dairy and meat. However, both cities offer robust vegan options, showcasing an increasing trend towards plant-based diets. Noteworthy, Seattle's renowned food scene, characterized by a plethora of food trucks and a high fitness/health consciousness, contrasts with Milwaukee's traditional, yet evolving culinary landscape, marked by iconic eateries like Mader's and Kopp's Frozen Custard. Whether exploring the historic Third Ward in Milwaukee or sampling the latest vegan brats, your taste buds are set for an exciting adventure in your new city.
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison
Food plays a key role in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison will assist in finding your new go-to eateries in Milwaukee by drawing parallels with Seattle's dining scene. Enjoy exploring these culinary gems, swiftly turning the unknown into familiar comforts. Seattle to Milwaukee restaurant comparison helps find equivalent dining experiences.
| Seattle | Milwaukee | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Canlis | Sanford | Upscale dining with innovative cuisine |
| The Pink Door | La Merenda | International tapas with a cozy ambience |
| Pike Place Chowder | Harbor House | Fresh seafood with waterfront views |
| Ray's Boathouse | Merriment Social | Modern American cuisine with a waterfront vibe |
| Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar | Third Coast Provisions | Dedicated oyster and seafood offerings |
| Mamnoon | Casablanca | Authentic Middle Eastern flavors in a vibrant setting |
| Din Tai Fung | Dandan | High-quality Chinese cuisine with a modern twist |
| Cafe Besalu | Blue's Egg | High-end breakfast and brunch spot with exceptional pastries |
| Salumi Artisan Cured Meats | Bavette La Boucherie | Charcuterie and locally sourced meats spotlight |
| Skillet Diner | Comet Cafe | Comfort food with a Milwaukee twist |
Exploring Milwaukee's dining scene can lead you to comforting similarities with Seattle, but also delightful new experiences. Sanford's elegant dining and innovative dishes provide a reminiscent yet distinctive alternative to Canlis' high-end Seattle experience. On the casual side, La Merenda's global tapas echo The Pink Door's eclectic, approachable cuisine, promoting social dining with a flair. For seafood lovers, Third Coast Provisions offers an exquisite oyster bar, mirroring Taylor Shellfish Oyster Bar's focus on fresh ocean fare. Meanwhile, Dandan injects a playful modernity into Chinese cuisine, akin to Din Tai Fung's famed dumplings, allowing for an exploration of familiar flavors with a twist. Each Milwaukee counterpart not only parallels Seattle's diverse culinary landscape but also showcases its unique Midwestern charm.
Ready to start your move?
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts
When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape is crucial for a smooth transition. This guide compares the Seattle, WA and Milwaukee, WI housing markets to assist you in making an informed decision.
| Comparison | Seattle | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Craftsman | Victorian and Bungalow |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Water views, Sustainability features | Historic details, Proximity to breweries |
In comparison, Seattle offers a more expensive but highly walkable urban experience with a good mix of modern and Craftsman homes, often highlighted for their water views and sustainability features. Milwaukee, while offering more affordable housing, boasts Victorian and Bungalow-style homes with historical charm. Its real estate market often highlights historic details and the city's infamous proximity to a variety of breweries. This difference in architecture and urban lifestyle offers potential residents a choice between Seattle’s higher cost of living and denser urban environment, and Milwaukee’s historic charm and more affordable living options.
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.
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Seattle, WA, to Milwaukee, WI, understanding the weather differences is crucial for a smoother transition. This comparison will highlight how the weather in Seattle and Milwaukee varies, helping you prepare for what's ahead.
Seattle, WA
Milwaukee, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
Milwaukee, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Seattle, WA
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Seattle, WA
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Seattle | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes, Volcanoes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from the mild, wet climate of Seattle to Milwaukee's more varied continental climate means preparing for hotter summers and significantly colder winters. Milwaukee enjoys more sunny days a year, which can be a pleasant change, especially in summer. However, the winter months in Milwaukee can be quite chilly, with substantial snowfall that Seattle residents may not be accustomed to. Moreover, both cities experience their own types of natural disasters, with Seattle facing risks from earthquakes and volcanoes, while Milwaukee is more prone to snowstorms and tornadoes. Understanding these nuances can greatly assist in your transition and ensure you're well-prepared for the weather-related changes.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Seattle to Milwaukee
When planning a move from Seattle, WA to Milwaukee, WI, understanding the financial implications and the cost of living in these cities is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate the Seattle versus Milwaukee financial landscape to aid in your decision-making process.
| Comparison | Seattle | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $110,781 | $46,637 |
| Cost of Living Index | 121.4 | 101.9 |
| State Income Tax | 0 | Up to 7.65% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.99% | 2.17% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 10.1% | 5.6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, E-commerce, Aerospace | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Significant | Moderate |
Both Seattle and Milwaukee offer unique financial environments reflected in their average household incomes, with Seattle almost doubling that of Milwaukee. This is partly due to Seattle's booming tech and aerospace industries which attract higher-paying jobs. Despite this, Seattle's cost of living is significantly higher, which is especially evident in its housing and sales tax rates. Milwaukee's more modest cost of living might offer newcomers a different sort of financial relief, despite having a higher state income tax and property tax rate. Choosing between the high-income, high-cost landscape of Seattle and the more moderate economic environment of Milwaukee depends on one's career path, financial goals, and lifestyle preferences.
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison
Preparing for your move from Seattle to Milwaukee? Here’s a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to familiarize you with the political and religious makeup of the residents in your current city, Seattle, WA, and your future home, Milwaukee, WI. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of the local communities you'll be transitioning between.
| Seattle | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democrat | Liberal/Democrat |
| Local Politics | Progressive policies, strong emphasis on environmental and social justice issues | Diverse political landscape with a history of socialist mayors, focus on civil rights and labor issues |
| Religion | Mixed, with a higher number of non-religious residents | Mixed, with a significant Catholic population Archdiocese of Milwaukee |
While both Seattle and Milwaukee lean liberal/Democrat, their local political focuses reflect their unique histories and community values. Seattle, known for its progressive stance on environmental and social justice issues, contrasts with Milwaukee's diverse political landscape shaped by socialist roots and a strong emphasis on civil rights and labor issues. Additionally, religious participation varies between the two, with Seattle hosting a larger portion of non-religious residents and Milwaukee having a significant presence of Catholic communities, supported by institutions like the Archdiocese of Milwaukee. This gives you a glimpse into the social fabric of each city beyond just political affiliations.
Seattle vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Seattle, WA to Milwaukee, WI? This guide will help you better understand the daily commute and traffic is like, offering a side-by-side comparison of traffic and transportation options between Seattle & Milwaukee. Whether you're wondering about commute times, congestion, or the public transit system, we've got you covered.
| Comparison | Seattle | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 28 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible but challenging | More difficult |
When considering your move from Seattle to Milwaukee, it's important to note the differences in daily commutes. Seattle, with its larger population and more expansive urban area, typically sees longer commute times and higher traffic congestion compared to Milwaukee. However, Seattle also offers a more developed public transit system, making it somewhat easier to get by without a car, especially if you live and work within the city limits or in areas well-served by transit routes like the Sound Transit. Milwaukee, while having a slightly lower score in public transit accessibility, presents a less congested traffic scenario, making the city more navigable during peak hours. Thus, while you might find Milwaukee's public transit options slightly limiting, the reduced commute time and lower traffic congestion levels can contribute to a smoother daily travel experience.
Popular Moving Routes
Nearby Moving Routes
