Best San Jose to Milwaukee Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from San Jose to Milwaukee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,216 mile move from California to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 San Jose to Milwaukee moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is D&L Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Jose compared to Milwaukee. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.
Best San Jose to Milwaukee Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | D&L Movers | 9.34 | 9.36 | Active | Contact |
| 2 | About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.32 | 9.33 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Careful Movers | 9.31 | 8.63 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 5 | Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC | 9.24 | 9.14 | Active | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from San Jose to Milwaukee
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,216 miles from San Jose, CA to Milwaukee, WI will cost on average $3,666 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to Milwaukee move is roughly $8,851. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
| Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $2,459 | 300 ft³ | 8.20 |
| 1 Bedroom | $3,666 | 450 ft³ | 8.15 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $6,072 | 750 ft³ | 8.10 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $8,851 | 1100 ft³ | 8.05 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $12,794 | 1600 ft³ | 8.00 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $14,303 | 1800 ft³ | 7.95 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to San Jose guide.
Compare the 5 Best San Jose to Milwaukee Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
D&L Movers
1563 Bahama Way
Campbell, CA, 95008
About D&L Movers
Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...
Services
- Cheap moving
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2706648 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,000 (2017) |
About Time Moving Systems LLC
4909 8th Ave
Kenosha, WI, 53140
About About Time Moving Systems LLC
This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation services. About Time...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2525330 / 877057 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2022) |
Careful Movers
3641 Haven Ave C
Menlo Park, CA, 94025
About Careful Movers
With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Office Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1464935 / 553377 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 14 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 90,000 (2022) |
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
310 Progress Way Suite 140
Sun Prairie, WI, 53590
About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2627768 / 1031866 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
| Registered Drivers | 14 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 173,000 (2023) |
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC
San Carlos, CA, 94070
About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC
Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within California. Located...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3184868 / - Active Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
| Registered Drivers | 5 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 250,000 (2022) |
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison
Moving to a new city can be daunting, but one way to ease the transition is by finding a neighborhood that feels like home. In this guide, we'll help you do just that with a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Milwaukee, WI . Whether you're drawn to bustling downtown areas or peaceful suburbs, we've matched top neighborhoods in San Jose with their Milwaukee counterparts to help you find your perfect new locale.
| San Jose | Milwaukee | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Willow Glen | Bay View | Vibrant community, local shopping |
| Downtown San Jose | East Town | Urban living, cultural attractions |
| Almaden Valley | Washington Heights | Family-friendly, green spaces |
| Los Gatos | Shorewood | Upscale, waterfront views |
| Rose Garden | Historic Third Ward | Historic allure, chic lofts |
| Japantown | Walker's Point | Diverse dining, vibrant nightlife |
| Evergreen | Wauwatosa | Suburban feel, amenities close by |
| Silver Creek | Brookfield | Quiet, family-oriented |
| Berryessa | West Allis | Affordable, community-focused |
| Cambrian Park | Greendale | Small-town charm, social community |
For those familiar with the quaint, yet vibrant atmosphere of Willow Glen, Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood offers a similar charm with a strong sense of community and locally-owned businesses lining the streets. If you're coming from Downtown San Jose and love the urban lifestyle, East Town in Milwaukee provides an exciting downtown environment with an array of cultural attractions, much like San Jose's tech-savvy hub. Almaden Valley residents moving to Milwaukee will find Washington Heights captures that same family-friendly essence with abundant green spaces, perfect for weekend picnics or leisurely strolls. Lastly, Los Gatos aficionados will appreciate Shorewood's upscale vibe and scenic waterfront views, making it a seamless transition from the scenic beauty and sophistication of California to the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee
Moving from one city to another comes with its set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of San Jose, CA to Milwaukee, WI, highlighting the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether it's the cost of living, the climate, or the community vibe, understanding these factors is crucial for a smooth transition.
San Jose, CA- High cost of living
- Dense traffic
- Competitive job market
- Less seasonal weather
Milwaukee, WI- More affordable housing
- Less congested roads
- Diverse job opportunities
- Four distinct seasons
Milwaukee, WI- Less tech presence
- Colder, longer winters
- Far from Silicon Valley
- Smaller diverse communities
San Jose, CA- Tech industry hub
- Mild winters
- Access to Silicon Valley
- Vibrant multicultural scene
Moving to Milwaukee from San Jose will bring significant changes to your lifestyle, especially in terms of cost and climate. The transition from the bustling, tech-oriented environment of Silicon Valley to Milwaukee's more laid-back yet culturally rich setting presents unique opportunities. In Milwaukee, neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward or the East Side offer a vibrant array of restaurants, such as Third Ward's renowned eateries and boutiques, alongside scenic views of the Milwaukee River. Transitioning from San Jose's mild winters to Milwaukee's snowy season allows for new experiences, such as ice skating at Red Arrow Park or exploring the winter wonderland at Lake Park. While you may miss the technological buzz and vast multicultural events of San Jose, Milwaukee's charm lies in its affordable living, community-focused atmosphere, and beautiful change of seasons, embodying a blend of urban living with a touch of nature's beauty.
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Food Guide
Understanding the culinary landscape is crucial when relocating. Food significantly reflects local culture and the essence of daily life. Therefore, we're embarking on a journey to compare the local cuisine between San Jose, CA & Milwaukee, WI . This comparison will provide insights into the diverse food scenes, enriching your moving experience.
| San Jose | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pho | Beer brats |
| Most popular meat dish | Carne Asada | Fish Fry |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Bratwurst |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegetable Pho | Vegan Cheese Curds |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
Whether indulging in San Jose’s celebrated Pho or Milwaukee’s iconic Beer Brats, each city offers distinct flavors reflecting their diverse communities. San Jose's vibrant food trucks, like those around San Pedro Square, provide an eclectic mix of tacos and vegetarian options, showcasing the city’s innovative spirit. Conversely, Milwaukee boasts a rich culinary tradition with establishments such as Mader's and Safe House, presenting hearty meals with a Midwest twist. For vegan diners, both cities offer creative plant-based versions of their classic dishes, ensuring everyone can enjoy what San Jose and Milwaukee have to offer.
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison
Moving to a new city is an adventure, and finding your new favorite dining spots is a big part of feeling at home. This comparison between San Jose and Milwaukee's top restaurants aims to ease your transition by guiding you to places reminiscent of your old favorites. Whether you’re after a high-end dining experience, a casual meal, or a taste of local food culture, we’ve got you covered.
| San Jose | Milwaukee | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Adega | Sanford | Offering a similarly refined dining experience. |
| Dia de Pesca | Conejito's Place | Both specialize in authentic, casual Latin cuisine. |
| Original Joe's San Jose | Carnevor | For a high-end steakhouse ambiance and quality. |
| Falafel's Drive-In | Ouzo Cafe | Casual eats with a focus on Mediterranean flavors. |
| Manresa | Ardent | Comparable in their dedication to fine dining and exquisite local ingredients. |
| La Foret Restaurant | Lake Park Bistro | Both offer a romantic setting with a focus on French cuisine. |
| Firehouse No.1 Gastropub | Good City Brewing | Perfect for casual pub fare with quality craft beers. |
| Back A Yard | Maxie’s | Southern comfort food with a lively atmosphere. |
| Smoking Pig BBQ | Iron Grate BBQ Co. | Both are known for their authentic, smoked meats and homey vibes. |
| Pizza Bocca Lupo | Zaffiro’s | Celebrated for their thin-crust pizza and a beloved local spot. |
Embarking on your culinary journey in Milwaukee, you'll find that places like Sanford and Ardent mirror the elevated dining experiences of Adega and Manresa from San Jose, right down to the attentiveness of their service and the creativity of their dishes. Meanwhile, the homely, vibrant flavors of Back A Yard are echoed in Maxie’s, where the Southern hospitality and comfort food will make you feel right at ease. For those missing the casual yet delicious offerings of Falafel's Drive-In, Ouzo Cafe presents a blend of Mediterranean delights that will satisfy your cravings with every bite. This guide will not only help make Milwaukee feel like home but also introduce you to new favorites that might just surpass the old.
Ready to start your move?
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a crucial part of planning a move, and understanding how the housing markets compare between San Jose, CA and Milwaukee, WI is key. This comparison aims to bring to light differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle to better prepare you for your relocation.
| Comparison | San Jose | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Modern and Ranch | Craftsman and Bungalow |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Near tech hubs, green spaces | Proximity to Lake Michigan, historical districts |
When comparing the housing aspects of San Jose and Milwaukee, it's evident that Milwaukee offers a more affordable living situation with a median home price significantly less than San Jose's. However, San Jose boasts closer proximity to technology centers and green spaces, catering to those valuing a blend of urban and natural amenities. Milwaukee presents itself with greater walkability and a charming urban lifestyle, accentuated by its historic districts and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline. Both cities showcase distinct architectural styles, with San Jose favoring modern designs and Milwaukee embracing its historic craftsman and bungalow roots, reflecting their unique cultural identities.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI
1. Bay View: Known for its community feel, you'll find an abundance of pet-friendly cafes and a popular dog park, ensuring your furry friend will always feel welcome.
2. Third Ward: This neighborhood boasts stylish pet-friendly apartments and several boutiques like Third Ward Dog, where you can pamper your pooch with the latest trends.
3. Wauwatosa: Offering numerous parks and green spaces, such as the spacious Hart Park, it's a paradise for pets who love the outdoors, making walks and playdates a part of your daily routine.
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations
When planning a move from San Jose, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, it's crucial to understand how the weather will change. This comparison highlights the key differences in climate and weather patterns between these two cities, helping you prepare for your new environment.
San Jose, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
San Jose, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
San Jose, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
San Jose, CA
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | San Jose | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Earthquakes | Blizzards, Floods |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee, you'll experience significant weather changes, especially in winter. San Jose enjoys mild winters and a lot of sunshine, whereas Milwaukee's winters are harsh, with average lows dropping to 18°F. Additionally, the number of sunshine days in Milwaukee is notably lower. This might affect your outdoor activities and how you plan your day-to-day life. Preparing for more substantial seasonal transitions, including significantly more snowfall, will be key to adjusting successfully to Milwaukee's climate.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee
Moving from one city to another can significantly affect your finances. It's crucial to understand how costs, such as living expenses and taxes, will change. This comparison focuses on the financial distinctions between San Jose, CA and Milwaukee, WI , essential for anyone considering this relocation.
| Comparison | San Jose | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $126,377 | $46,637 |
| Cost of Living Index | 156.1 | 101.9 |
| State Income Tax | 13.3 | 7.65 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.78 | 1.76 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 9.25 | 5.6 |
| Top 3 Industries | Technology, Healthcare, Retail | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Low | High |
| Homelessness | Moderate | High |
While San Jose boasts a significantly higher average household income and lower poverty rates, these factors come with a higher cost of living and higher state income and sales taxes. Moving to Milwaukee, you'll find a friendlier cost of living and lower taxes. However, it’s important to note that this comes alongside a lower average household income and a different economic structure, with Milwaukee having a strong manufacturing base. Thus, while your day-to-day expenses might decrease, understand how these changes align with your income and profession.
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison
When planning your move from San Jose, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, it's essential to grasp the community you'll be joining. This comparison gives you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Jose & Milwaukee. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural atmosphere of your new home.
| San Jose | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal/Democratic | Liberal/Democratic |
| Local Politics | Strong focus on technology and innovation policies | Focus on manufacturing, education, and social equity |
| Religion | Variety, with a significant portion identifying as non-religious | Diverse, with a stronger presence of Christian denominations |
In comparing San Jose with Milwaukee, it's clear that both cities lean liberal/Democratic in their political makeup, signaling a potential ease in transition for you if your views align. However, the focus of local politics differs significantly, reflecting the industrial and cultural priorities of each city. San Jose's emphasis on technology and innovation reflects its Silicon Valley roots, while Milwaukee's focus on manufacturing and social equity reflects its history as a blue-collar city with a strong sense of community. Religion in Milwaukee tends to have a stronger Christian presence compared to San Jose, which boasts a more religiously diverse population. These aspects contribute to the unique cultural fabric of each city, promising you a varied experience as you make your move.
San Jose vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & Milwaukee, aiming to give you a better understanding of what the daily commute and traffic are like. Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your daily routine, especially in how you navigate your new surroundings.
| Comparison | San Jose | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 30 | 22 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Possible, but challenging | More challenging |
Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee, you'll notice a significant difference in your daily commute. The average commute time in Milwaukee is about 8 minutes shorter than in San Jose, potentially giving you more time in your day for activities or rest. While both cities experience their share of traffic congestion, Milwaukee is less congested compared to San Jose. However, public transit options in Milwaukee might feel more limited if you're accustomed to the variety available in San Jose. Although it's possible to get by without a car in both cities, doing so might be more challenging in Milwaukee depending on your exact location and lifestyle needs.
Additional Resources
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