Moving from Warren, MI to Milwaukee, WI
It is a 380 mi drive, roughly 7h 19m, between Warren, MI and Milwaukee, WI. 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
| Warren | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 100.298 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 106.988 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 98.817 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 94.69 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
No material COL gap at the headline level β BEA RPP for both cities falls within 5% (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing comes in 3.4% above Warren β $196,785 β $220,137 on the latest ZHVI.
YoY change: Warren +2.3%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Warren | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 48Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 14Β°F |
| July avg high | 84Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 29.9" | 33.8" |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Heavy-snow city: expect 39.5 in of snowfall annually at Milwaukee.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: DETROIT CITY AP, MI US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Warren | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 138,128 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $63,741 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 37.9 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 13.5% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.55 | 2.47 |
Households in Milwaukee earn about 3.4% less at the median β ACS 5-year 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 Michigan 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.
- 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.
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 far is Milwaukee, WI from Warren, MI?
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.
How does household income compare in Warren vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $63,741 in Warren β a 18.6% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Warren?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $196,785 in Warren β a 11.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Warren to Milwaukee?
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 does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Warren?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $48,950 in the Warren MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 1,900,180 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Warren?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 3.4% lower than Warren (96.937 vs 100.298, 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 Warren.
City profiles: Warren, MI Β· Milwaukee, WI.