Moving from Green Bay, WI to Milwaukee, WI
The 116 mi from Green Bay to Milwaukee translate to about 2h 15m behind the wheel through 1 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.
116 mi · 2h 15m by car · WI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 43, WI 57 |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Green Bay | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 93.086 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 90.041 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 74.696 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Milwaukee and Green Bay are close on the overall BEA RPP (93.086 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 4.1% under Green Bay at $278,024 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Green Bay +5.9%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Green Bay | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 9°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | — | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 32.4" | 33.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 44.7°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: GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Green Bay | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 106,585 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $62,546 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 18.4% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.42 | 2.47 |
Income steps down 4.1%: $62,546 in Green Bay vs $51,888 in Milwaukee.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently asked
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Green Bay?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 4.1% higher than Green Bay (96.937 vs 93.086, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Green Bay vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $62,546 in Green Bay — a 17.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Green Bay?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 171,590 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Green Bay, WI?
The driving distance is 116 mi and the route typically takes 2h 15m via I 43 and WI 57. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Green Bay?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $278,024 in Green Bay — a 20.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Green Bay 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 116 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 Green Bay.
City profiles: Green Bay, WI · Milwaukee, WI.