Best Wisconsin to Michigan Movers and Practical Moving Guide

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WI to MI Moving Specialists

Moving from state to state is not just a journey, but a thrilling adventure into a new chapter of your life. Leaving behind Wisconsin's cheese-filled paradises for Michigan's Great Lakes and vibrant Motor City marks a significant transition. Recognizing the importance of this long-distance move is critical, and that's why we stress opting for trusted and reliable professional movers to help navigate this life-changing shift smoothly.

Wisconsin iconArrow iconMichigan icon

Best Wisconsin to Michigan Moving Companies

Company NameRating QuestionBBB RatingLicenseContact
Pro-Low Moving9.68A+Authorized For HHGContact
A Smooth Move, LLC9.59A+Authorized For HHGContact
Elite Movers9.58NRAuthorized For HHGContact
Madison Smooth Moves9.56A+Authorized For HHGContact
MACS Moving and Storage9.43A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery 9.06A+Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Michigan to Wisconsin guide.

6 Best WI to MI Moving Companies

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

Pro-Low Moving Logo
Exceptional9.68/10
based on 1,255+ data points

About Pro-Low Moving

Pro-Low Moving is a trusted moving company located in Holland, MI, with services available in Grand Haven and surrounding areas. Its license...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3508434 / 1160481

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved105,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
A Smooth Move, LLC Logo
Exceptional
claimed company icon
9.59/10
based on 1,293+ data points

About A Smooth Move, LLC

A Smooth Move is a family-owned and operated moving company that serves Wisconsin and beyond. It’s proud of its reputation as one of the mos...Read More >>

Services

  • Full-Service Moves
  • Packing, Loading, Delivering, Unloading, Unpacking
  • Business and Residential Relocation Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
2
Elite Movers Logo
Exceptional9.58/10
based on 788+ data points

About Elite Movers

Elite Movers is a professional moving service in Eau Claire that provides full-service moving solutions for local and long-distance relocati...Read More >>

Services

  • Full Service Move
  • Labor Only (Loading/Unloading Help)
  • Single Item Move

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3579816 / 1208798

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved45,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Madison Smooth Moves Logo
Exceptional9.56/10
based on 894+ data points

About Madison Smooth Moves

Founded in 2018, Madison Smooth Moves operates based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, preparation, and satisfaction. As a loc...Read More >>

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Local Moves
  • Long-distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3350934 / 1071302

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2022)
View Full Review
4
MACS Moving and Storage Logo
Exceptional9.43/10
based on 1,047+ data points

About MACS Moving and Storage

Lake Geneva-based MACS Moving and Storage is a full-service moving company that has served Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois for ...Read More >>

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long Distance Moves
  • Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 10/18/2024)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2386699 / 820142

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans13
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved216,309 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Handle With Care Moving & Delivery  Logo
Exceptional9.06/10
based on 898+ data points

About Handle With Care Moving & Delivery

Our company, Handle With Care Moving & Delivery, aims to provide you with professional, courteous, and helpful movers at an affordable r...Read More >>

Services

  • Cheap moving services
  • Local moving services
  • Long-distance moving services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

808976 / 359936

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans10
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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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.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Wisconsin to Michigan

Moving across state lines is never a straightforward decision. This guide is primed to offer an honest reflection of the good and bad attributes of relocating from Wisconsin to Michigan, aimed to help you weigh your options with clarity. Below, you'll find two charts designed to compare the pros and cons intricately linked to this significant life change.

CONs
PROs
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Colder winters
  • Higher taxes
  • Less urban
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Lesser sports teams
Michigan iconMichigan
  • More lakes
  • Lower property cost
  • More cities
  • Auto industry jobs
  • More sports teams
Michigan iconMichigan
  • Less dairy
  • Fewer festivals
  • Different sports scene
  • Higher living cost
  • Less green space
Wisconsin iconWisconsin
  • Rich dairy industry
  • Vibrant local festivals
  • Loyal sports culture
  • Lower living cost
  • Extensive park systems

While the charts above offer a glimpse into the pros and cons, it's the nuances that truly color your day-to-day experience. For instance, Michigan's plethora of lakes not only provide stunning backdrops but also a wide array of recreational activities - from boating on Lake Michigan to serene mornings at Lake Huron. Meanwhile, the urban expansion seen in cities like Detroit brings with it a flourish of job opportunities, particularly within the auto industry, alongside an evolving culinary and arts scene. On the flip side, while Wisconsin's vibrant local festivals like the EAA AirVenture in Oshkosh celebrate the community's spirit and ingenuity, you might find Michigan's festival scene, though active, offers a different flavor. Yet, cities like Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids boast a diverse array of eateries, from the historic Zingerman's Deli to the contemporary dining experience at San Chez Bistro, ensuring you're never far from a culinary adventure.

Wisconsin vs. Michigan Food Guide

Understanding local cuisine is pivotal in getting to know the essence of a place you're moving to. Through this comparison, we delve into the local cuisine between Wisconsin & Michigan , giving you insights into what culinary delights await. This guide will help you feel more acquainted with the food scene of your new home.

WisconsinMichigan
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsCherry Pie
Most popular meat dishBratwurstPasties
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsConey Dogs
Most popular vegan foodVegan Cheese PlatterVegan Pasties
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • L'Etoile
  • Mader's
  • The Old Fashioned
  • Zingerman's Delicatessen
  • Cliff Bell's
  • Rose's Fine Food
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Wisconsin, cheese is not just a food item; it's a way of life. From the creamy and squeaky cheese curds to the vast array of vegan cheese options, the state offers a unique take on dairy that's hard to find elsewhere. As you explore Madison, you'll find L'Etoile stands out for its local farm-to-table approach. Meanwhile, in Michigan, the cherry pie, made with locally harvested cherries, signifies the state’s rich agricultural roots. Pasties, which are a nod to the state's mining history, can be found in local eateries throughout the Upper Peninsula, offering a hearty meal option. Across both states, the presence of iconic restaurants and a burgeoning food truck scene reflect a deep appreciation for culinary diversity and innovation.

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Wisconsin vs. Michigan Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate significantly influences the decision-making process when considering a move. It's crucial to understand how Wisconsin and Michigan compare in terms of housing, affordability, and lifestyle . This guide will help illuminate these differences to aid your decision.

ComparisonWisconsinMichigan
Typical Architecture StylePrairie and BungalowColonial and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingLakes and natural beautyAccess to Great Lakes and historical areas

When diving deeper into housing comparisons between Wisconsin and Michigan, one can't help but notice the slight edge Michigan might have in terms of affordability and lifestyle. For instance, the median home price and monthly rent are lower in Michigan, which could be a notable factor for someone looking to maximize their budget. Additionally, Michigan's slightly higher walkability and bikeability scores reflect its cities' investments in becoming more pedestrian and cyclist friendly. This, combined with Michigan's emphasis on access to the Great Lakes and rich historical areas in real estate listings, points towards a potentially higher quality of urban lifestyle. Notably, for those drawn to specific architectural styles, Wisconsin's emphasis on Prairie and Bungalow homes contrasts with Michigan's preference for Colonial and Ranch designs, hinting at the unique cultural flavors found in each state.

Wisconsin vs. Michigan Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Wisconsin to Michigan, it's crucial to understand how the weather compares between your current and future home. This comparison will help you adjust to differences in climate, ensuring you're prepared for your new environment. The charts below break down key weather metrics, including average temperatures, sunlight, humidity, and precipitation for Wisconsin and Michigan, to provide a clear understanding of what to expect.

Summer icon
82/62

Wisconsin

81/61

Michigan

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
28/13

Wisconsin

31/17

Michigan

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
32

Wisconsin

34

Michigan

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
48

Wisconsin

60

Michigan

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWisconsinMichigan
Air QualityGoodGood
Natural DisastersBlizzards, TornadoesBlizzards, Tornadoes
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Both Wisconsin and Michigan experience four distinct seasons with cold, snowy winters and warm summers. However, Michigan tends to have slightly milder winters but compensates with more snowfall, likely due to its location surrounding the Great Lakes. This proximity to water also explains Michigan's higher average annual humidity and slightly fewer sunny days than Wisconsin. These differences can affect not just your day-to-day comfort but also your preparedness for seasonal activities and household maintenance such as snow removal or combating humidity. Notably, both states share similar risks for natural disasters like blizzards and tornadoes, underlining the importance of weather awareness when moving.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Wisconsin to Michigan

When planning a move from one state to another, it's crucial to understand how the cost of living, taxes , and overall financial environment between Wisconsin and Michigan will affect your wallet. This comparison aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect financially in your new home.

ComparisonWisconsinMichigan
Avg. Household Income$70,996$66,986
Cost of Living Index95.6591.2
State Income Tax3.54 to 7.654.25
Avg. Property Tax1.761.58
Avg. Sales Tax5.446
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Agriculture, HealthcareAutomotive, Technology, Agriculture
AffluenceModerateModerate
PovertyLowerHigher
HomelessnessLowerHigher

While the average household income in Wisconsin is slightly higher than in Michigan, the cost of living indexes are relatively similar, making both states affordable options. However, Michigan has a flat state income tax rate which might be more favorable depending on your income bracket. Property taxes are somewhat lower in Michigan as well, potentially offering savings for homeowners. The difference in sales tax is minimal but worth noting for those who are budget-conscious. Both states have rich industrial histories, with Wisconsin's economy traditionally centered around manufacturing and agriculture, while Michigan is world-renowned for its automotive industry. Considering these factors can help you make a more informed decision about your move.

Wisconsin vs. Michigan Political & Religious Comparison

This guide offers a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to help you understand the comparison of the politics and religious beliefs between Wisconsin & Michigan, two states with unique identities. Moving from one state to another comes with adjustments, and knowing the local demographic makeup can be incredibly revealing.

WisconsinMichigan
Political Make-upSwing state with a mix of conservative rural areas and liberal urban centersSwing state, historically labor-focused with a recent tilt towards more centrist policies
Local PoliticsMix of progressive strongholds like Madison and heavily conservative rural regionsDiverse, with Democratic strongholds in Detroit and Grand Rapids, and Republican in rural areas
ReligionChristianity predominates, with a significant Catholic populationChristianity predominates; diverse religious communities in urban areas

When you're moving from Wisconsin to Michigan, one of the first things you'll notice is the nuanced differences in political landscape and religious diversity. Despite both states being considered swing states, Michigan’s historical roots in the labor movement have fostered a slightly more centrist political climate compared to Wisconsin's clear urban-rural divide. The religious landscape in both states is predominantly Christian, but Michigan offers slightly more diversity in its urban centers, such as Detroit, which boasts a rich tapestry of faiths beyond its Christian majority. Understanding these differences can help you better integrate into your new community.

Education Guide When Moving from Wisconsin to Michigan

Moving from one state to another can be a challenging decision, particularly when it comes to education. This guide aims to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Wisconsin and Michigan, ensuring your family makes an informed choice.

WisconsinMichigan

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Wisconsin-Madison
Marquette University
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
University of Michigan
Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Swan School (Madison)
Elmwood Elementary (Elmwood)
Lake Shore Middle (Mequon)
Harlan Elementary (Birmingham)
Spring Mills Elementary (Highland)
Bingham Farms Elementary (Bingham Farms)

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School (Wauwatosa)
Pilgrim Park Middle School (Elm Grove)
Whitman Middle School (Wauwatosa)
West Middle School (Rochester Hills)
East Middle School (Farmington Hills)
Boulan Park Middle School (Troy)

Top 3 High School Schools

Brookfield East High School (Brookfield)
Whitefish Bay High (Whitefish Bay)
Eau Claire Memorial High (Eau Claire)
International Academy (Bloomfield Hills)
Troy High School (Troy)
Okemos High School (Okemos)

Top 3 private high schools

University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Marquette University High School (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

University School of Milwaukee (Milwaukee)
Brookfield Academy (Brookfield)
Prairie School (Racine)
Cranbrook Schools (Bloomfield Hills)
Detroit Country Day School (Beverly Hills)
Greenhills School (Ann Arbor)

Top 3 School Districts

Elmbrook School District
Whitefish Bay School District
Middleton-Cross Plains Area School District
Birmingham Public Schools
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Okemos Public Schools

While both Wisconsin and Michigan boast strong educational programs, there are notable differences worth considering. In Michigan, the focus is often on well-rounded educational experiences with schools like the International Academy and Detroit Country Day School offering comprehensive curriculums that are highly regarded nationally. Conversely, Wisconsin schools like the University School of Milwaukee and Brookfield Academy emphasize a strong community feel and individual attention. Furthermore, the top universities where seniors aspire to go continue to demonstrate each state's commitment to higher education, showcasing the strengths in both public and private sectors.

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