Best Des Moines to Milwaukee Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 373 mile move from Iowa to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 21 Des Moines 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 Adamantine Spine Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $5,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Des Moines 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 Des Moines to Milwaukee Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Adamantine Spine Moving | 9.53 | 9.4 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.33 | 9.33 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Best Move Inc | 9.23 | 9.19 | Authorized For Property | Contact |
| 5 | Hemmen Moving | 9.10 | 9.47 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Des Moines to Milwaukee
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 373 miles from Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI will cost on average $2,098 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Des Moines to Milwaukee move is roughly $5,019. 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 | $1,414 | 300 ft³ | 4.71 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,098 | 450 ft³ | 4.66 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,460 | 750 ft³ | 4.61 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,019 | 1100 ft³ | 4.56 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,221 | 1600 ft³ | 4.51 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,034 | 1800 ft³ | 4.46 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to Des Moines guide.
Compare the 5 Best Des Moines to Milwaukee Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Adamantine Spine Moving
2815 36th St
Des Moines, IA, 50310
About Adamantine Spine Moving
With multiple locations in Iowa, Adamantine Spine Moving has excellent coverage of the entire state with its reliable and convenient moving...
Services
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Apartment/Condo Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 1471037 / 556716 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 37 |
| Registered Drivers | 40 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 393,823 (2022) |
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) |
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) |
Best Move Inc
Burlington, IA, 52601
About Best Move Inc
Best Move, Inc. prides itself on being one of the most preferred and recommended moving companies in Fort Madison, IA. Its...
Services
- Material Packing
- Local Moving
- Long-Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 749231 / 376435 Authorized For Property Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 2 |
| Registered Drivers | 2 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 20,976 (2022) |
Hemmen Moving
1293 W Ave
Ames, IA, 50014
About Hemmen Moving
For over 25 years, Hemmen Moving has served the Ames area with full-service moving solutions. It provides services for residential and...
Services
- Local moving
- Long distance moving
- Small moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 608245 / 292343 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 6 |
| Registered Drivers | 6 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 604,536 (2023) |
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.
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison
Moving can be a daunting task, especially when you're heading to an unfamiliar city. To ease the transition, we've developed a guide comparing local neighborhoods between Des Moines, IA & Milwaukee, WI, offering you a familiar baseline as you familiarize yourself with your new surroundings. This comparison will help you find a neighborhood in Milwaukee that echoes the vibe of your favorite Des Moines locality.
| Des Moines | Milwaukee | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Beaverdale | Bay View | Vibrant, community-focused |
| East Village | Third Ward | Artsy, with unique shops |
| Waveland Park | Washington Heights | Residential, historic homes |
| Drake | Marquette | University campus area |
| South of Grand | Historic Third Ward | Upscale, historic |
| Sherman Hill | Avenues West | Historic, architectural beauty |
| Highland Park | Riverwest | Diverse, tight-knit community |
| Gray's Lake | Lake Park | Natural beauty, recreational |
| Ingersoll Area | Walker's Point | Trendy eateries, nightlife |
| Waterbury | Shorewood | Quiet, family-friendly |
Exploring these neighborhoods, you'll find that places like Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee share similarities with Des Moines's South of Grand, both offering a luxurious living experience amid historical surroundings. For those who appreciate the vibrant, community atmosphere of Beaverdale, Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood is your new home base, brimming with local eateries such as Honeypie Café and community events that foster a strong neighborhood spirit. Lastly, if the unique and creative shops of the East Village drew you in, you'll find a new haven in Milwaukee's Third Ward, where boutique shopping, art galleries, and artisan coffee shops like Colectivo Coffee line the streets, offering a similarly eclectic vibe.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee
Moving from one city to another allows you to redefine your lifestyle and environment. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad aspects of relocating from Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI . Through these charts, we will weigh the pros against the cons and vice versa, helping you make an informed decision.
Des Moines, IA- Smaller City
- Fewer Cultural Venues
- Less Diverse Cuisine
- Lower Employment Opport.
Milwaukee, WI- Larger City
- Rich Cultural Scene
- Diverse Dining Options
- Better Job Market
Milwaukee, WI- Higher Cost of Living
- Noisier Environment
- More Traffic
- Less Personal
Des Moines, IA- Low Cost of Living
- Quiet Neighborhoods
- Less Traffic
- Close-knit Community
Moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee presents an exciting opportunity to immerse oneself in a more vibrant cultural scene. In Milwaukee, you can explore the Milwaukee Art Museum, a landmark with stunning architecture and a vast collection of artworks. Food enthusiasts will appreciate the diverse dining options available, including the bustling Milwaukee Public Market, where vendors serve a wide array of cuisines. Milwaukee's thriving job market in sectors like healthcare and technology presents new career opportunities. However, this move comes with trade-offs, such as adjusting to a higher cost of living and a busier, more urban lifestyle. Despite these challenges, Milwaukee's unique neighborhoods, like the Historic Third Ward and Bay View, offer a dynamic urban experience with their range of parks, restaurants, and sights, making the transition an enriching journey.
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Food Guide
Food is an essential aspect of local culture and what it’s like to live in an area. Understanding the culinary scene can greatly influence your moving experience. This guide aims to compare the local cuisine between Des Moines, IA & Milwaukee, WI to help you better understand the food scene where you are relocating.
| Des Moines | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Pork Tenderloin Sandwich | Beer Brats |
| Most popular meat dish | Iowa Chop | Polish Sausage |
| Most popular street food item | Tacos | Pretzels |
| Most popular vegan food | Quinoa Salad | Vegan Cheese Curds |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
When you move to Milwaukee, you'll quickly notice its deeply-rooted brewing culture, reflected in its most iconic food item, beer brats, often enjoyed at tailgates or local pubs. Enthusiasts of vegan cuisine will find Milwaukee surprisingly accommodating, thanks to innovative dishes like vegan cheese curds making rounds at local festivals and eateries. For those eager to dive into Milwaukee’s dining scene, starting with landmarks such as Mader's, known for its German cuisine, and the Lakefront Brewery, offering tours paired with locavore snacks, is essential. Each neighborhood, from the Historic Third Ward to East Side, showcases unique food experiences that represent Milwaukee’s rich and diverse culinary landscape.
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison
Making a new place feel like home often starts with finding your favorite spots to dine. This comparison of restaurants will assist you in discovering new favorite eateries in Milwaukee by using your Des Moines favorites as a guide. By exploring these culinary parallels, you'll seamlessly transition your palates affiliations from Des Moines to Milwaukee.
| Des Moines | Milwaukee | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| A dong | Bamboo | Authentic Asian cuisine with a focus on fresh ingredients. |
| Centro | San Giorgio Pizzeria Napoletana | Neapolitan pizzas and Italian classics in an upscale, yet casual setting. |
| Fong's Pizza | Fixture Pizza Pub | Creative pizzas in a fun vibe, with a nod to unique toppings and combinations. |
| Jethro's BBQ | Smoke Shack | Southern comfort barbecue, focusing on slow-cooked meats and homestyle sides. |
| Zombie Burger | Oscar's Pub & Grill | Famous for their big, juicy burgers and a great selection of beers. |
| 801 Chophouse | Milwaukee ChopHouse | A premier steakhouse with an emphasis on quality cuts and an extensive wine list. |
| Tasty Tacos | BelAir Cantina | Modern and traditional Mexican fare, known for its tacos and vibrant atmosphere. |
| La Mie Bakery | Amilinda | Offers a cozy ambiance with locally-sourced ingredients, highlighting artisanal bakery goods and European influences. |
| Django Restaurant | Odd Duck | Known for its small plates, this place has a quirky, eclectic menu that borrows from multiple cuisines. |
| Machine Shed Restaurant | Engine Company No. 3 | A unique dining experience in a renovated firehouse, focusing on farm-to-table American breakfast and brunch. |
Whether you're craving the innovative pizzas from Fong's Pizza in Des Moines or the adventurous toppings at Fixture Pizza Pub in Milwaukee, you'll find comfort in these familiar yet fresh experiences. Likewise, the transition from the beloved BBQ at Jethro's to the southern flavors of Smoke Shack in Milwaukee ensures your taste for smoky, tender meats is well catered to. And when you seek an upscale dining adventure, Milwaukee ChopHouse offers an elegance and quality reminiscent of 801 Chophouse, promising a seamless transition for your sophisticated dining expectations. Each of these Milwaukee restaurants captures the essence of your Des Moines favorites, providing a culinary bridge to help settle into your new city.
Ready to start your move?
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is one of the most important aspects of a move. It's essential to understand how the housing market in Des Moines, IA compares with Milwaukee, WI. Whether you're considering the cost of living, walkability, or the local architecture, this side-by-side comparison aims to highlight what you can expect in each city.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Ranch | Craftsman |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Large backyards, proximity to schools | Lakefront views, hardwood floors |
Moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee could mean a shift in housing expectations and lifestyle. Milwaukee offers a denser, more walkable environment which is perfect if you enjoy an urban lifestyle and the convenience of being closer to work, entertainment, and shopping. The typical Craftsman-style homes in Milwaukee, often with lakefront views and desirable hardwood floors, contrast with the spacious Ranch-style homes prevalent in Des Moines. Despite the higher median rent in Milwaukee, its vibrant city life and better bikeability score might offer you a richer urban living experience.
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.
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations
When planning a move from Des Moines, IA, to Milwaukee, WI, it’s crucial to understand how the weather will impact your lifestyle. Comparing the climate can prepare you for Des Moines' and Milwaukee's seasonal changes, ensuring a smoother transition. The following chart and detailed assessment aim to highlight key weather differences to consider.
Des Moines, IA
Milwaukee, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Milwaukee, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Des Moines, IA
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Des Moines, IA
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Des Moines | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Tornadoes, floods | Snowstorms, rare tornadoes |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee, you might find the summers a bit milder and winters slightly colder by the lake. While both cities enjoy a similar annual humidity, Milwaukee experiences more snowfall—meaning more snow-related activities but also potentially more shoveling. Interestingly, both locations have the same top seasonal allergy (tree pollen), but Milwaukee residents also frequently deal with mold. If you're relocating, anticipate adjusting to fewer days of sunshine but also enjoying Milwaukee's lake-effect beauty during winter months.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Des Moines to Milwaukee
When planning your move from Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI, it's crucial to grasp how the cost of living, taxes, and economic opportunities in your new city will impact your finances. This comparison aims to clarify the financial differences and similarities between Des Moines and Milwaukee to help you prepare for your relocation.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $60,693 | $46,637 |
| Cost of Living Index | 90.9 | 101.9 |
| State Income Tax | Up to 8.53% | Up to 7.65% |
| Avg. Property Tax | 1.5% | 2.17% |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6% | 5.6% |
| Top 3 Industries | Finance, Insurance, Manufacturing | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
| Affluence | Moderate | Lower |
| Poverty | Lower | Higher |
| Homelessness | Moderate | Concerning |
While Des Moines boasts a higher average household income and a slightly lower cost of living index than Milwaukee, it's imperative to note the higher property tax in Milwaukee. This could affect your decision if you're planning to buy a home. Additionally, Milwaukee's poverty and homelessness rates are described as higher and concerning, respectively, hinting at broader socio-economic challenges in the city. On the brighter side, Milwaukee has a slightly lower state income tax and sales tax, which could marginally benefit your finances depending on your income bracket and spending habits.
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison
This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot to compare the political and religious makeup between Des Moines & Milwaukee , as you consider moving. Understanding these aspects will give you a sense of the communities you're moving from and to.
| Des Moines | Milwaukee | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Leans Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Moderately active civic engagement | Highly active civic engagement |
| Religion | Christian majority with diverse religious communities | Christian majority; higher percentage of Catholic residents |
In both Des Moines and Milwaukee, you'll find that the political atmosphere leans Democratic, though Milwaukee exhibits a stronger inclination towards Democratic values and shows a higher level of civic engagement. This indicates a community in Milwaukee that might be more vocal and participatory in local politics and social issues. The religious landscape is predominantly Christian in both cities, with Milwaukee having a notably higher percentage of Catholic residents. If you're moving from Des Moines, you might find Milwaukee's stronger religious and political engagement both refreshing and different, offering new avenues for community involvement and cultural experiences.
Des Moines vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Des Moines, IA, to Milwaukee, WI? It's crucial to compare the traffic and transportation options between Des Moines & Milwaukee to better understand what your daily commute and traffic will be like. This guide aims to give you a clearer picture of what to expect on the roads and public transit systems in both cities.
| Comparison | Des Moines | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 20.1 | 22.3 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Feasible |
In Des Moines, the average commute time tends to be slightly shorter than in Milwaukee, indicating less time spent on the roads. However, Milwaukee boasts a higher score in public transit availability, making it more viable for residents to navigate the city without a car. While traffic congestion in Milwaukee is rated higher, the effective public transit system - including buses and the hop streetcar - helps to mitigate the impact for daily commuters. Living in Milwaukee can offer you the flexibility of getting around without reliance on a car, a stark contrast to Des Moines, where having a vehicle is almost a necessity. This distinction between the two cities could profoundly influence your daily life and needs to be considered when making your move.
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