Moving from Chicago, IL to Milwaukee, WI
It is a 95 mi drive, roughly 2h 2m, between Chicago, IL and Milwaukee, WI. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
95 mi Β· 2h 2m by car Β· IL β WI
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | US 41, I 94, I 90 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 6.4% cheaper overall in Milwaukee than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
6.4% drop on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | β | 33.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 39.5 in of snowfall annually at Milwaukee.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.47 |
Milwaukee households earn about 6.4% less than Chicago at the median β $75,134 β $51,888 on 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 Illinois 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 β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% 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 β check 511wi.
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 β 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
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 6.4% lower than Chicago (96.937 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 30.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 95 mi and the route typically takes 2h 2m via US 41 and I 94. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 95 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 30.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Milwaukee, WI.