Best Seattle to Milwaukee Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Seattle to Milwaukee Movers

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.

Washington iconArrow iconWisconsin icon

Best Seattle to Milwaukee Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
John Volken Academy Movers9.34NRAuthorized For HHGContact
About Time Moving Systems LLC9.33A+Authorized For HHGContact
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.31A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
People Movers9.16NRAuthorized For PropertyContact
All Service Moving8.91B+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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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)

John Volken Academy Movers Logo
Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,571+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
1
About Time Moving Systems LLC Logo
Exceptional9.33/10
based on 2,396+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2525330 / 877057

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.31/10
based on 2,029+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
People Movers Logo
Exceptional9.16/10
based on 3,624+ data points

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2895681 / 1597195

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved25,000 (2023)
View Full Review
4
All Service Moving Logo
Superb8.91/10
based on 5,172+ data points

About All Service Moving

All Service Moving is a full-service moving company that performs a wide array of relocation services in Seattle, WA, and surrounding areas....Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Long Distance Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/14/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2083124 / 1398715

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans8
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved35,000 (2021)
View Full Review
5
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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.

SeattleMilwaukeeHow They're Similar
Capitol HillEast SideVibrant nightlife and diverse dining
BelltownWalker's PointTrendy eateries and active social scene
BallardBay ViewStrong sense of community and local shops
FremontRiverwestEclectic, artsy, and community-oriented
Queen AnneWashington HeightsHistoric homes and quiet streets
GreenwoodShorewoodFamily-friendly and well-maintained parks
West SeattleWauwatosaResidential, with a cozy downtown area
South Lake UnionThird WardThriving tech and innovation hub
Pioneer SquareHistoric Third WardRich history and vibrant arts scene
University DistrictEast TownYoung 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.

Things To Do background image

Things to Do in Milwaukee

  • Visit Milwaukee County Zoo
  • Explore Harley-Davidson Museum
  • Stroll along Lake Michigan
  • Shop at Milwaukee Public Market
  • Enjoy Summerfest music festival
  • Watch a Brewers game

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.

CONs
PROs
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, WA
  • High Living Costs
  • Frequent Rain
  • Traffic Congestion
  • Less Affordable Housing
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Lower Living Costs
  • Distinct Seasons
  • Smaller Population
  • More Affordable Housing
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Smaller Tech Scene
  • Lesser Music Scene
  • Limited Public Transit
  • Less Coffee Variety
Seattle, WA iconSeattle, 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.

SeattleMilwaukee
Most iconic local food itemSalmonCheese Curds
Most popular meat dishTeriyakiBratwurst
Most popular street food itemHot DogsPretzels
Most popular vegan foodVeggie PhoVegan Brats
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Canlis
  • Le Pichet
  • Salumi
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.

SeattleMilwaukeeWhat You'll Love
CanlisSanfordUpscale dining with innovative cuisine
The Pink DoorLa MerendaInternational tapas with a cozy ambience
Pike Place ChowderHarbor HouseFresh seafood with waterfront views
Ray's BoathouseMerriment SocialModern American cuisine with a waterfront vibe
Taylor Shellfish Oyster BarThird Coast ProvisionsDedicated oyster and seafood offerings
MamnoonCasablancaAuthentic Middle Eastern flavors in a vibrant setting
Din Tai FungDandanHigh-quality Chinese cuisine with a modern twist
Cafe BesaluBlue's EggHigh-end breakfast and brunch spot with exceptional pastries
Salumi Artisan Cured MeatsBavette La BoucherieCharcuterie and locally sourced meats spotlight
Skillet DinerComet CafeComfort 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.

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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.

ComparisonSeattleMilwaukee
Typical Architecture StyleModern and CraftsmanVictorian and Bungalow
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingWater views, Sustainability featuresHistoric 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 background image

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.

Summer icon
75°F / 55°F

Seattle, WA

81°F / 63°F

Milwaukee, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47°F / 37°F

Seattle, WA

30°F / 18°F

Milwaukee, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
37.49

Seattle, WA

34.76

Milwaukee, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
4.6

Seattle, WA

52

Milwaukee, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonSeattleMilwaukee
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersEarthquakes, VolcanoesSnowstorms, 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.

ComparisonSeattleMilwaukee
Avg. Household Income$110,781$46,637
Cost of Living Index121.4101.9
State Income Tax0Up to 7.65%
Avg. Property Tax0.99%2.17%
Avg. Sales Tax10.1%5.6%
Top 3 IndustriesTechnology, E-commerce, AerospaceManufacturing, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessSignificantModerate

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.

SeattleMilwaukee
Political Make-upLiberal/DemocratLiberal/Democrat
Local PoliticsProgressive policies, strong emphasis on environmental and social justice issuesDiverse political landscape with a history of socialist mayors, focus on civil rights and labor issues
ReligionMixed, with a higher number of non-religious residentsMixed, 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.

ComparisonSeattleMilwaukee
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2823
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?Possible but challengingMore 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.

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