Moving from Milwaukee, WI to St. Paul, MN
Relocating between Milwaukee, WI and St. Paul, MN is a 327 mi drive β 6h on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
327 mi Β· 6h by car Β· WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, WI 175 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, Minneapolis |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | St. Paul | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 8.1% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, St. Paul β. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 47Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 9Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 29.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) and St. Paul (46.5Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | St. Paul |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 307,762 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $73,055 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 33.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 25.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.5 |
Expect median household income to rise 8.1% β $51,888 β $73,055 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in St. Paul MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does the job market in St. Paul compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the St. Paul MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs St. Paul?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $73,055 in St. Paul vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 40.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to St. Paul?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 327 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is St. Paul more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in St. Paul is 8.1% higher than Milwaukee (104.822 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is St. Paul, MN from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 327 mi and the route typically takes 6h via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· St. Paul, MN.