Best Washington DC to Milwaukee Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 833 mile move from DC to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 36 Washington DC to Milwaukee moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington DC 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.

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Best Washington DC to Milwaukee Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
2Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
3Ap Pro Moving Llc9.439.39ActiveContact
4About Time Moving Systems LLC9.339.33Authorized For HHGContact
5Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Washington DC to Milwaukee

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 833 miles from Washington DC, DC to Milwaukee, WI will cost on average $2,490 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Washington DC to Milwaukee move is roughly $5,976. 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 SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,675300 ft³5.58
1 Bedroom$2,490450 ft³5.53
2 Bedrooms$4,112750 ft³5.48
3 Bedrooms$5,9761100 ft³5.43
4 Bedrooms$8,6121600 ft³5.38
5+ Bedrooms$9,5981800 ft³5.33
*Please note: These DC to Wisconsin moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from DC & Wisconsin. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed DC to WI mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to Washington DC guide.

Compare the 5 Best Washington DC to Milwaukee Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo

Ap Pro Moving Llc

Exceptional9.43/10
based on 361+ data points

5021 Seminary Rd # 822

Alexandria, VA, 22311

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
3
About Time Moving Systems LLC Logo

About Time Moving Systems LLC

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 2,396+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2525330 / 877057

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (2022)
View Full Review
4
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

Exceptional9.30/10
based on 2,029+ data points

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

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2627768 / 1031866

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved173,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison

When moving to a new city, getting to know your neighborhood is key to feeling at home. In this guide, we offer a comparison to help you familiarize yourself with Milwaukee, WI by comparing it to Washington DC, DC neighborhoods . This side-by-side look at comparable neighborhoods will ease your transition and help you find a new community that feels just right.

Washington DCMilwaukeeHow They're Similar
Dupont CircleEast SideVibrant, diverse community
GeorgetownHistoric Third WardHistoric, upscale living
Capitol HillBrewer's HillHistoric homes, community vibe
Logan CircleWalker's PointCreative, lively atmosphere
Navy YardBay ViewProgressive, by the waterfront
Adams MorganRiverwestEclectic, artsy neighborhood
ShawWashington HeightsDiverse, historic charm
Columbia HeightsWauwatosaFamily-friendly, suburban feel
Woodley ParkShorewoodSerene, residential area
PetworthGreenfieldUp-and-coming, community-oriented

Both Washington, DC, and Milwaukee, WI, offer neighborhoods that can cater to a wide range of lifestyles and preferences. For instance, if you're drawn to the historic charm and upscale boutiques of Georgetown, you'll likely find the Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee appealing. The area is known for its renovated industrial buildings now housing stylish shops, art galleries, and eateries like the Milwaukee Public Market. Similarly, Adams Morgan's eclectic and vibrant spirit finds a counterpart in Milwaukee's Riverwest neighborhood, celebrated for its diversity, local art scene, and community events such as the Riverwest 24-hour bike race. Whether you're seeking a family-friendly suburb or a dynamic urban environment, these neighborhood pairings ensure you won't have to compromise on the lifestyle and community you've grown to love in Washington, DC.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee

Moving from one city to another always comes with its share of changes. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Washington DC, DC to Milwaukee, WI. By contrasting the cons with the pros, and vice versa, we hope to offer a balanced view to help you make an informed decision about your move.

CONs
PROs
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • High crime rate
  • Political intensity
  • Hot, humid summers
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • More affordable housing
  • Easier commutes
  • Lower crime areas
  • Laid-back atmosphere
  • Cooler summers
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • Less diverse job opportunities
  • Fewer historical landmarks
  • More car dependency
  • Quieter nightlife
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • Diverse culture
  • Strong job market
  • Rich history
  • Extensive public transit
  • Vibrant nightlife

Moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee offers a chance to embrace a new lifestyle. Milwaukee is known for its friendly community and vibrant local culture. Areas like the Historic Third Ward offer unique shopping and dining experiences, with establishments like the Milwaukee Public Market offering a taste of local cuisine. Meanwhile, the Milwaukee RiverWalk presents a scenic route to explore the city by foot, enhancing your connection to this inviting city. While Milwaukee might have a quieter nightlife compared to DC, spots like The Pabst Theater provide quality entertainment. By moving, you're not just changing locations, but also stepping into a community rich in Midwestern charm, where every neighborhood, from Bay View to Riverwest, has its own unique flavors and sights to offer.

Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Food Guide

Comparing the local cuisine between Washington DC & Milwaukee offers a delicious glimpse into what makes each city special. Understanding the food scene is crucial as it's a significant aspect of local culture and daily life. This comparison aims to prepare you for the tasty experiences awaiting in your new city.

Washington DCMilwaukee
Most iconic local food itemHalf-smokeBratwurst
Most popular meat dishMumbo sauce with chicken wingsBeer-battered fish fry
Most popular street food itemJumbo slice pizzaCheese curds
Most popular vegan foodVegetable-forward dishesVegan cheese options
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Zaytinya
  • Mader's
  • Sanford Restaurant
  • Leon's Frozen Custard
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10)💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10)🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene (out of 10)🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly (out of 10)🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

As you transition from the historic and politically charged atmosphere of Washington DC to the hearty and homely vibe of Milwaukee, you'll find the food scene shifts significantly. In DC, the vibrant street food scene, including the jumbo slice pizza, contrasts with Milwaukee's love for cheese curds and bratwurst. Famous eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl in DC offer a taste of the city's heritage, whereas Milwaukee's Mader's introduces you to German cuisine with a local twist. Especially for vegans, both cities offer diverse options, but DC slightly leads with its vegetable-forward dishes. Whether exploring the Capitol Hill neighborhood in DC or the historic Third Ward in Milwaukee, you'll discover each city’s unique culinary identity.

Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison

Understanding that food plays a significant role in making a place feel like home, this comparison aims to ease your transition by finding your new go-to eateries in Milwaukee, using your familiar favorites from Washington DC as a guide to Milwaukee's culinary scene.

Washington DCMilwaukeeWhat You'll Love
Le DiplomateBartolotta's Lake Park BistroBoth offer classic French dining experiences.
Bad SaintMeat on the StreetFilipino favorites with a homely touch.
ZaytinyaOuzo CafeBoth share a passion for Mediterranean flavors.
RasikaBombay SweetsAuthentic Indian dishes that remind you of Rasika's flavors.
The DabneyArdentBoth are known for their innovative and locally sourced dishes.
Rose's LuxurySanfordCreative dishes that change with the seasons, similar in philosophy.
Ben's Chili BowlReal Chili RestaurantIconic, hearty chili dishes beloved by locals.
Fiola MareHarbor HouseBoth offer exquisite seafood with waterfront dining.
KomiSan Giorgio Pizzeria NapoletanaA different cuisine, but equally celebrated for their culinary excellence.
2 AmysZaffiro'sBoth are go-to spots for authentic pizza lovers.

For those who appreciate the intricacies of French cuisine, transitioning from Le Diplomate in Washington DC to Bartolotta's Lake Park Bistro in Milwaukee will be seamless, with both establishments offering a classic French dining experience. Similarly, if you've enjoyed the bold flavors of Bad Saint, you'll find a comforting touch of Filipino culinary excellence at Meat on the Street in Milwaukee. For those who can't go without their pizza fix, the transition from 2 Amys to Zaffiro's ensures you'll continue to enjoy authentic, mouth-watering pies. These Milwaukee eateries not only match up to your DC favorites in quality and taste but also in the dining experience—making your culinary transition as smooth as possible.

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Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal factor when considering a move. Understanding how the housing markets and lifestyle aspects in Washington DC and Milwaukee compare is crucial. This comparison aims to highlight these key differences to aid in your decision-making process.

ComparisonWashington DCMilwaukee
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and FederalGerman and Polish Influence, Cream City Brick
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Metro, Luxury FeaturesLake Views, Historical Features

Moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee, you'll notice a significant shift in housing costs and lifestyle. Washington DC boasts a more urban and walkable environment, favoring those who enjoy a fast-paced city life with easy access to public transportation. In contrast, Milwaukee offers a more affordable living situation, with a focus on its rich German and Polish architectural heritage and a slower-paced lifestyle. The difference in median home prices and rent reflects the cost of living adjustment you'll experience, potentially allowing for a more spacious living arrangement in Milwaukee, often with charming historical features or stunning lake views.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

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.

Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding how the weather compares is crucial. This comparison will guide you on what to expect climate-wise as you transition from Washington DC to Milwaukee, covering essentials like temperature, sunshine, and more.

Summer icon
87/71

Washington DC, DC

79/62

Milwaukee, WI

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
47/29

Washington DC, DC

30/18

Milwaukee, WI

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39.7

Washington DC, DC

34.5

Milwaukee, WI

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
15.5

Washington DC, DC

52.4

Milwaukee, WI

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonWashington DCMilwaukee
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersHurricanes, floodsSnowstorms, cold waves
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

Moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee means adapting to colder, longer winters and enjoying mildly cooler summers. Notably, Milwaukee experiences more snowfall, making winter activities prevalent. Its higher annual humidity can influence the perception of cold, making winters feel harsher. While both cities see a substantial number of sunny days, Milwaukee has slightly fewer, which could affect seasonal activities. Transitioning will require adjustments, particularly in winter gear and readiness for different natural disaster preparedness.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee

When planning a move from one city to another, understanding the financial landscape is critical. This guide compares essential money and finance metrics between Washington DC and Milwaukee to illuminate how cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities differ, assisting in a seamless transition.

ComparisonWashington DCMilwaukee
Avg. Household Income$90,088$46,637
Cost of Living Index140.1101.9
State Income Tax4.0 - 8.954.0 - 7.65
Avg. Property Tax0.562.17
Avg. Sales Tax6.05.0
Top 3 IndustriesGovernment, Education, TechnologyManufacturing, Healthcare, Education
AffluenceHighModerate
PovertyModerateHigh
HomelessnessSignificantConcerning

Despite the higher cost of living and property taxes in Washington DC, the average household income also significantly surpasses that of Milwaukee. However, Milwaukee offers a more affordable living scenario, ideal for those looking to stretch their budget further. Industries prevalent in Washington DC lean towards government, education, and technology, offering a diverse range of job opportunities, whereas Milwaukee is rooted more traditionally in manufacturing, healthcare, and education. Shifting from the high affluence levels of Washington DC to Milwaukee’s moderate affluence could involve adjustments, yet this move may also open up new, cost-effective living options and unique economic opportunities.

Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick glance at the differences in the political and religious landscapes you'll encounter when moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee. Focused on giving you a snapshot to better understand the politics and religion comparison between Washington DC & Milwaukee , this section aims to ease the cultural transition by highlighting these key aspects of local life.

Washington DCMilwaukee
Political Make-upLargely DemocraticLargely Democratic
Local PoliticsHighly active in national politicsFocus on local and state issues
ReligionVaried, with no single dominant faithChristianity, with a significant Catholic population

When moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee, you'll find both cities share a Democratic political makeup, yet the emphasis on politics differs. While DC residents are deeply involved in national politics, owing to the city's role as the nation's capital, Milwaukeeans tend to focus more on local and state matters. Religion-wise, while both cities embrace diverse faith communities, Milwaukee has a pronounced Catholic presence, reflecting its historical European immigrant roots. This transition may offer you an intriguing blend of political engagement and religious culture as you settle into your new home.

Washington DC vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Washington DC to Milwaukee means adapting to new ways of navigating daily commutes. This comparison between the traffic and transportation options in Washington DC & Milwaukee is designed to help you better understand what your daily commute and traffic experiences will be like in these cities.

ComparisonWashington DCMilwaukee
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)34.422.3
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without a car?YesMore challenging

While Washington DC boasts an extensive public transit system, allowing residents to easily get by without a car, Milwaukee's network, though reliable, is less comprehensive. This is reflected in the significantly lower average commute time in Milwaukee. However, the need to potentially rely on a car more in Milwaukee is offset by its lower traffic congestion levels. If you're moving from Washington DC, you'll find navigating Milwaukee different but manageable, with adjustments to how you plan your commute and utilize available transport options.

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