Moving from St. Paul, MN to Milwaukee, WI
Relocating between St. Paul, MN and Milwaukee, WI 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
| St. Paul | 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 |
Overall cost of living drops 7.5% moving from St. Paul 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
YoY change: St. Paul β, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | St. Paul | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 47Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 9Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.2" | 33.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 46.5Β°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: ST PAUL DOWNTOWN AP, MN US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | St. Paul | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 307,762 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $73,055 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 33.5 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 25.2% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.5 | 2.47 |
Expect median household income to fall 7.5% β $73,055 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 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 St. Paul vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $73,055 in St. Paul β a 29.0% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than St. Paul?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 7.5% lower than St. Paul (96.937 vs 104.822, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from St. Paul, MN?
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.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to St. Paul?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $54,850 in the St. Paul 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 St. Paul to Milwaukee?
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.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from St. Paul.
City profiles: St. Paul, MN Β· Milwaukee, WI.