Moving from Minneapolis, MN to Milwaukee, WI
The 336 mi from Minneapolis to Milwaukee translate to about 6h 11m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
336 mi Β· 6h 11m 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, St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Minneapolis | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 104.822 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 93.493 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 103.065 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 111.838 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Milwaukee is 7.5% cheaper than Minneapolis overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Milwaukee is 7.5% below Minneapolis β $330,882 vs $220,137 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Minneapolis +1.4%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Minneapolis | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 46Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 8Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.4" | 33.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Minneapolis (45.8Β°F) and Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Milwaukee averages 39.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991β2020 normals β a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Minneapolis | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 426,845 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $80,269 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 33 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 32.7% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.26 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 7.5% between Minneapolis and Milwaukee (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 Minnesota 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.
- 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.
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
How does household income compare in Minneapolis vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $80,269 in Minneapolis β a 35.4% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Minneapolis?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $330,882 in Minneapolis β a 33.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Minneapolis?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 7.5% lower than Minneapolis (96.937 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Minneapolis, MN?
The driving distance is 336 mi and the route typically takes 6h 11m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Minneapolis?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 1,911,030 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Minneapolis to Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β 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 Minneapolis.
City profiles: Minneapolis, MN Β· Milwaukee, WI.