Moving from Ann Arbor, MI to Milwaukee, WI
The 333 mi from Ann Arbor to Milwaukee translate to about 6h 27m behind the wheel through 4 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.
333 mi · 6h 27m by car · WI → IL → IN → MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL → IN → MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 41 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Dearborn |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Ann Arbor | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.88 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 98.184 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.711 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 125.3 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Milwaukee and Ann Arbor are close on the overall BEA RPP (100.88 vs 96.937); rent and services often drive the real difference.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Milwaukee typical home at $220,137 is 3.9% under Ann Arbor at $523,391 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Ann Arbor +3.2%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Ann Arbor | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 16°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 84°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 59.3" | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 37.9" | 33.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.2°F vs 48.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Milwaukee sees 39.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ANN ARBOR SE, MI US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Ann Arbor | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,179 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $81,089 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 27.7 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 30.5% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.43 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 3.9% between Ann Arbor and Milwaukee (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Milwaukee MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 96,990 | $45,330 |
| Production Occupations | 76,240 | $46,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 72,420 | $39,810 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 71,930 | $38,320 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 66,240 | $29,690 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Michigan and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin — check 511wi.
- Lake-effect snow bands across the western Upper Peninsula can require chains on US-2.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Milwaukee averages 39.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Wisconsin after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
What is the climate difference between Ann Arbor and Milwaukee?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.3°F in Milwaukee vs 48.2°F in Ann Arbor (0.1°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 39.5 in vs 59.3 in. Annual precipitation: 33.8 in vs 37.9 in.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Ann Arbor?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $523,391 in Ann Arbor — a 57.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Ann Arbor?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 3.9% lower than Ann Arbor (96.937 vs 100.88, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Ann Arbor, MI?
The driving distance is 333 mi and the route typically takes 6h 27m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Ann Arbor vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $81,089 in Ann Arbor — a 36.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Ann Arbor?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $49,690 in the Ann Arbor MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 215,300 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Ann Arbor to Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 333 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Ann Arbor.
City profiles: Ann Arbor, MI · Milwaukee, WI.