Moving from Naperville, IL to Milwaukee, WI
Relocating between Naperville, IL and Milwaukee, WI is a 109 mi drive β 2h 18m 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.
109 mi Β· 2h 18m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 294, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Elgin, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Naperville | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Overall cost of living drops 6.4% moving from Naperville to Milwaukee β meaningful on rent but closer to parity on groceries.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Zillow ZHVI drops from $610,454 in Naperville to $220,137 in Milwaukee, a 6.4% decrease on the typical home value.
YoY change: Naperville +5.2%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Naperville | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 49Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 15Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 40.2" | 33.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 49.2Β°F vs 48.3Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Milwaukee sees 39.5 in a year on NOAA normals β budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Naperville | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 149,424 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $150,937 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 40.1 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 38.8% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.75 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 6.4% β $150,937 β $51,888 per ACS 5-year estimates (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 Illinois 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.
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
When is the best time to move from Naperville to Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 109 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Naperville, IL?
The driving distance is 109 mi and the route typically takes 2h 18m via I 94 and I 294. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Naperville?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $49,790 in the Naperville MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Naperville?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $610,454 in Naperville β a 63.9% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does household income compare in Naperville vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $150,937 in Naperville β a 65.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Naperville?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 6.4% lower than Naperville (96.937 vs 103.595, 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 Naperville.
City profiles: Naperville, IL Β· Milwaukee, WI.