Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
It is a 95 mi drive, roughly 2h 2m, between Milwaukee, WI and Chicago, IL. 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
| Milwaukee | Chicago | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Chicago runs about 6.9% more expensive overall than Milwaukee β RPP 96.937 β 103.595.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI climbs from $220,137 in Milwaukee to $317,283 in Chicago, a 6.9% increase on the typical home value.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Chicago +2.8%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | β |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 50.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 2,707,648 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $75,134 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 24.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.36 |
Chicago households earn about 6.9% more than Milwaukee at the median β $51,888 β $75,134 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Chicago MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Chicago?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $75,134 in Chicago vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 44.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Chicago, IL from Milwaukee, WI?
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 Milwaukee to Chicago?
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 much do homes cost in Chicago compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $317,283 in Chicago vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 44.1% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Chicago compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Chicago MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Chicago more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Chicago is 6.9% higher than Milwaukee (103.595 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Chicago, IL.