Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Warren, MI
It is a 380 mi drive, roughly 7h 19m, between Milwaukee, WI and Warren, MI. 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.
380 mi Β· 7h 19m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β MI
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β MI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 41 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Ann Arbor |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Warren | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 100.298 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 106.988 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 98.817 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 94.69 | 100.0 |
Milwaukee and Warren sit within 5% on the overall BEA RPP β the composite diff is small, but rent or groceries alone may move more.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Homes in Warren run about 3.5% cheaper β ZHVI $220,137 β $196,785 (2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Warren +2.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 29.9" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 50.5Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, DETROIT CITY AP, MI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Warren |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 138,128 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $63,741 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 37.9 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 13.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.55 |
Warren households earn about 3.5% more than Milwaukee at the median β $51,888 β $63,741 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Warren MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 224,810 | $45,600 |
| Production Occupations | 186,670 | $44,740 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 165,670 | $40,090 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 160,290 | $36,830 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,090 | $30,480 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Michigan
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Michigan'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.
- 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.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Warren compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $196,785 in Warren vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 10.6% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Warren?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 380 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Warren, MI from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 380 mi and the route typically takes 7h 19m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Warren more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Warren is 3.5% higher than Milwaukee (100.298 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Warren?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $63,741 in Warren vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 22.8% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Warren compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,950 in the Warren MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 1,900,180 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Warren, MI.