Best Milwaukee to San Francisco Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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Milwaukee to San Francisco Movers

Moving from Milwaukee, the City of Festivals, to San Francisco, the Golden City, is an adventure that promises new beginnings and exciting opportunities. Leaving behind Milwaukee's vibrant summer festivals and embracing San Francisco's iconic Golden Gate Bridge and tech-savvy culture symbolizes a significant life change. To ensure this long-distance move is smooth and stress-free, it's crucial to hire trusted and professional movers. With Great Guys Moving, you can rest assured knowing we rank the best movers in the country using an unbiased algorithm, helping you make an informed decision for your big move.

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Best Milwaukee to San Francisco Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
OCD Moving Services LLC9.66A+Authorized For HHGContact
About Time Moving Systems LLC9.33A+Authorized For HHGContact
Bay - L.A. Express Moving9.32DAuthorized For HHGContact
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.30A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
The Go To Guys, LLC9.07A+Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from San Francisco to Milwaukee guide.

5 Best Milwaukee to San Francisco Moving Companies

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo
Exceptional9.66/10
based on 3,273+ data points

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation services...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/17/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
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 12/17/2024)

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
B
Exceptional9.32/10
based on 634+ data points

About Bay - L.A. Express Moving

Bay-L.A. Express Moving is a professional moving company that serves Los Angeles, San Francisco, and the entire Bay Area. Specializing in mo...Read More >>

Services

  • Long-distance moving
  • Small relocation
  • Full packing services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/10/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1396171 / 530464

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved60,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo
Exceptional9.30/10
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 12/17/2024)

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
4
The Go To Guys, LLC Logo
Exceptional9.07/10
based on 275+ data points

About The Go To Guys, LLC

The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the United States, the firm is well-e...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 12/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3760134 / 1338262

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2024)
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.

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Neighborhood Comparison

Moving cities can be a daunting task, especially when the familiarity of your local neighborhood is left behind. To ease this transition, understanding your new city through the lens of your old one can be incredibly helpful. In this guide, we aim to compare Milwaukee, WI & San Francisco, CA neighborhoods so you can find a new locale that feels like home.

MilwaukeeSan FranciscoHow They're Similar
Third WardMission Districtvibrant arts scene and dining
Bay ViewOuter Sunsetlaid-back with a strong community feel
East SideNorth Beachhistoric with a vibrant nightlife
Walker's PointSOMAdiverse with a rich history and modern attractions
WauwatosaNoe Valleyfamily-friendly with a small-town vibe
Historic Third WardHaight-Ashburyhistoric with a lively cultural scene
RiverwestThe Castrodynamic and community-centric
ShorewoodPresidio Heightsupscale and peaceful
Washington HeightsBernal Heightsfriendly neighborhood with a cozy feel
Historic Mitchell StreetChinatownbustling and full of history

For those familiar with the artistic vibrancy and dynamic nightlife of Milwaukee’s East Side, San Francisco’s North Beach offers a similar feel, with historic landmarks like Coit Tower and renowned eateries such as Tony’s Pizza Napoletana. Meanwhile, Bay View’s community-oriented vibe is mirrored by Outer Sunset, where spots like Outer Sunset Farmers Market foster neighborhood gatherings. For a sense of history combined with modern convenience, Walker’s Point residents might find SOMA's mix of tradition and innovation, including attractions like the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, an easy transition. These comparisons show that each San Francisco neighborhood retains a unique charm, capable of echoing the comfort of your Milwaukee locale while introducing the distinct West Coast lifestyle.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to San Francisco

Moving from one city to another is an adventure filled with both excitement and challenges. This guide aims to shed light on both sides of relocating from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA, providing an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of this significant change. Understanding the benefits and drawbacks can help you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller tech market
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Lower cost of living
  • Less cultural arts
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Milder climate
  • Larger tech industry
  • World-class dining
  • Higher living expenses
  • Rich cultural scene
San Francisco, CA iconSan Francisco, CA
  • Expensive housing
  • Dense urban living
  • Fast-paced lifestyle
  • Costly nightlife
  • Tough parking
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Lower living costs
  • Accessible nature
  • Friendly Midwestern vibe
  • Strong beer culture
  • Easy commuting

Relocating from Milwaukee to San Francisco offers a vibrant shift in lifestyle. You'll swap chilly winters for San Francisco's famously mild climate, where you can comfortably explore outdoor gems like Crissy Field and the iconic Golden Gate Bridge year-round. San Francisco's dynamic tech scene contrasts with Milwaukee's smaller market, presenting abundant career opportunities in Silicon Valley. While the cost of living is notably higher in San Francisco, the city's world-class dining scene, featuring renowned restaurants like Flour + Water, and rich cultural arts accessible in neighborhoods such as the Mission District and SoMa, add value to everyday life. In contrast, Milwaukee's lower living costs, easy commuting, and the friendly Midwestern vibe constitute the trade-offs to consider. The transitions involve adjustments but embody the essence of embracing new experiences.

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Food Guide

This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & San Francisco to provide insights into the food scene for those considering a move. Food is a vital aspect of local culture and living experience, and understanding what culinary delights await can help you feel more at home in your new city.

MilwaukeeSan Francisco
Most iconic local food itemBeer BratsSourdough Bread
Most popular meat dishFried Cheese CurdsCioppino
Most popular street food itemPretzelsMission Burrito
Most popular vegan foodVegan BratwurstVegan Ramen
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Mader's
  • Sobelman’s
  • Lakefront Brewery
  • Tartine Bakery
  • Swan Oyster Depot
  • Zuni Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Milwaukee, the local cuisine reflects its rich German heritage with items like beer brats and fried cheese curds dominating the scene, often enjoyed in traditional eateries such as Mader’s or the vibrant environment of Lakefront Brewery. In contrast, San Francisco’s culinary landscape is diverse but unified by a penchant for fresh, organic ingredients. The city's iconic sourdough bread and the Mission Burrito are must-tries for any food enthusiast. Particularly noteworthy are Tartine Bakery, known for its exceptional pastries, and Zuni Café, which offers a quintessentially San Franciscan dining experience. San Francisco’s higher scores in fitness/health conscientiousness and vegan-friendly options reflect the city's overall focus on wellness and plant-based eating, promising a satisfying experience for health-conscious diners and vegans alike.

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Restaurant Comparison

When relocating, finding new favorite eateries where you can feel at home is crucial. This restaurant comparison from Milwaukee to San Francisco will guide you in discovering spots that resonate with your culinary preferences, ensuring a smoother transition.

MilwaukeeSan FranciscoWhat You'll Love
SanfordQuinceBoth offer exquisite fine dining experiences with attention to detail in every dish.
ArdentState Bird ProvisionsUnique, innovative dishes that push the boundaries of cuisine.
Odd DuckNopaCommunity-focused restaurants with a creative twist on local ingredients.
HoneypieBrenda's French Soul FoodBoth have a homely vibe, serving hearty, comforting food.
Bavette La BoucherieThe Butcher's SonWhile one is traditional and the other vegan, both are celebrated for their high-quality, sustainable meat and alternatives.
La MerendaFior d'ItaliaAuthentic global and Italian flavors, emphasizing fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Conejito's PlaceLa TaqueriaOffers a casual dining experience with a focus on simple, delicious flavors in their respective cuisines.
Kopp's Frozen CustardBi-Rite CreameryIconic to their cities for frozen treats, showcasing local ingredients and classic flavors.
Blue's EggMama's on Washington SquareRenowned brunch spots, famous for their generous portions and inviting atmosphere.
Speed Queen BBQ4505 Burgers & BBQBoth are beloved for their smoked meats and traditional BBQ, providing a taste of local culinary traditions.

Delving deeper into the culinary scene, San Francisco offers experiences akin to those found in Milwaukee, with each restaurant adding its unique flair. At State Bird Provisions, the emphasis on innovation and a rotating menu finds a parallel in Ardent's creative approach to cuisine, reflecting the dynamic nature of both cities' food scenes. Meanwhile, the transition from Honeypie’s hearty, comforting meals to the soulful flavors of Brenda's French Soul Food represents not just a change in location but also an expansion of gastronomic horizons. San Francisco's ability to match Milwaukee's diverse culinary offerings ensures that even far from the familiar shores of Lake Michigan, your palate will find a way to feel right at home.

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Ready to start your move?

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate plays a crucial role in the decision to move. Understanding how housing options in Milwaukee and San Francisco compare is key to making an informed choice. This guide provides a snapshot of each city’s real estate landscape, including cost, architecture, and lifestyle.

ComparisonMilwaukeeSan Francisco
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and BungalowVictorian and Modern
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSpacious backyards, proximity to parksViews, eco-friendly features

While Milwaukee offers a mix of Victorian and bungalow-style homes at a more affordable price, San Francisco's housing market is significantly more expensive, with a greater emphasis on Victorian and modern architecture. This financial disparity is mirrored in the rental market as well. San Francisco boasts a higher walkability score, resonating with those who prefer an urban lifestyle without the need for a vehicle. Both cities have their architectural charms and lifestyle benefits, but San Francisco's emphasis on views and sustainability in real estate listings points to its residents’ values in environmental awareness and lifestyle quality.

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Weather Considerations

Understanding the weather changes when moving from one city to another is essential for a smooth transition. Knowing how the climate shifts from Milwaukee to San Francisco can help you prepare for what’s ahead. This comparison highlights the key differences to expect and make your move more comfortable.

Summer icon
79/61

Milwaukee, WI

68/55

San Francisco, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30/16

Milwaukee, WI

58/46

San Francisco, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34.76

Milwaukee, WI

25.27

San Francisco, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
46.9

Milwaukee, WI

0

San Francisco, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMilwaukeeSan Francisco
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold frontsEarthquakes, Fog
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Milwaukee to San Francisco signifies a prominent change in weather, especially considering the moderate winters and cool summers of the Bay Area compared to Milwaukee's more extreme seasonal shifts. The significant reduction in snowfall in San Francisco offers a stark contrast to Milwaukee's snowy winters. Moreover, San Francisco's higher number of sunshine days and its relatively stable yet cool summer temperatures create a pleasant year-round climate, which might come as a welcome change if you're moving from Milwaukee's colder, more variable weather. Additionally, with San Francisco's air quality being moderate due to its proximity to the ocean and intensive urbanization, it's something to keep in mind for those sensitive to air quality changes.

Ready to start your move?

Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Milwaukee to San Francisco

Moving between cities can significantly impact your finances. Comparing the cost of living and income between your current city and destination is crucial. This comparison specifically looks at the financial aspects of relocating from Milwaukee to San Francisco, highlighting differences in income, taxes, and industry influence that could affect your relocation decision.

ComparisonMilwaukeeSan Francisco
Avg. Household Income$46,637$121,826
Cost of Living Index101.9164
State Income Tax7.65 (max)13.3 (max)
Avg. Property Tax2.170.67
Avg. Sales Tax5.68.5
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Healthcare, EducationTechnology, Finance, Tourism
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessConcerningSevere

Understanding the financial landscape of your prospective city is vital. San Francisco offers higher average household incomes compared to Milwaukee, reflecting its booming tech and finance sectors. However, this comes with a much higher cost of living, nearly double that of Milwaukee. Taxes in California are also higher, with a notably higher state income tax rate. Property taxes, on the other hand, are lower in San Francisco, but the city's housing market is one of the most expensive in the U.S. While San Francisco is seen as more affluent, it's important to consider how these factors will affect your budget and lifestyle.

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Political & Religious Comparison

This comparison covers the politics between Milwaukee & San Francisco, providing a glimpse into how the residents of these cities differ significantly in terms of political and religious outlooks, offering a quick look at the local life you're moving into.

MilwaukeeSan Francisco
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsFocus on manufacturing and economic developmentEmphasizes technology, environment, and inclusivity
ReligionDiverse; includes Christianity, Islam, and JudaismHighly diverse; includes Christianity, Buddhism, and other faiths

Moving from Milwaukee to San Francisco, you'll be transitioning from a city with a strong Democratic lean to one that is a bastion of progressive politics. The emphasis in San Francisco on technology, environmental sustainability, and inclusivity reflects its global reputation as a forward-thinking city. Whereas Milwaukee's local politics may revolve around manufacturing and economic concerns, San Francisco's political landscape is vibrant with initiatives aimed at promoting social equity and addressing climate change. You'll also find that both cities boast diverse religious communities, though San Francisco is particularly noted for its wide range of practices including a significant Buddhist population, adding to its rich cultural tapestry.

Milwaukee vs. San Francisco Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Milwaukee, WI to San Francisco, CA calls for an understanding of the differences in daily commute and traffic. This comparison of traffic and transportation options between Milwaukee & San Francisco aims to prepare you for the transitions you'll face on the roads and with public transit in your new city.

ComparisonMilwaukeeSan Francisco
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2234
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?Possible but challengingYes, easier

Moving to San Francisco from Milwaukee significantly changes your commuting experience. San Francisco offers a more robust public transit system, rated 9 out of 10, thanks to services like BART and MUNI, making it easier to navigate the city without a car. The average commute time is longer, however, reflecting both the greater distances and heavier traffic congestion rated at 7 out of 10. Despite these challenges, the accessibility and convenience of public transit in San Francisco considerably ease the transition for those accustomed to Milwaukee's less congested roads and its more modest public transit offerings.

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