Best Milwaukee to Riverside Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Milwaukee to Riverside and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,085 mile move from Wisconsin to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 28 Milwaukee to Riverside 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 Pure Moving), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $8,500 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Milwaukee compared to Riverside. 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 Milwaukee to Riverside Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Pure Moving9.649.49Authorized For HHGContact
2Terry Moving & Storage9.369.2Authorized For HHGContact
3About Time Moving Systems LLC9.329.33Authorized For HHGContact
4Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.309.31Authorized For Property, HHGContact
5The Go To Guys, LLC9.078.7Authorized For HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Milwaukee to Riverside

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,085 miles from Milwaukee, WI to Riverside, CA will cost on average $3,554 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Milwaukee to Riverside move is roughly $8,578. 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$2,385300 ft³7.95
1 Bedroom$3,554450 ft³7.90
2 Bedrooms$5,886750 ft³7.85
3 Bedrooms$8,5781100 ft³7.80
4 Bedrooms$12,3971600 ft³7.75
5+ Bedrooms$13,8571800 ft³7.70
*Please note: These Wisconsin to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Wisconsin & California. 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 WI to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Riverside to Milwaukee guide.

Compare the 5 Best Milwaukee to Riverside Movers

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

Pure Moving Logo

Pure Moving

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 8,688+ data points

1450 2nd St ste 225

Santa Monica, CA, 90401

About Pure Moving

Pure Moving has six locations across California, including an office in Los Angeles. This locally operated business moves over 10,000 clients...

Services

  • Residential moving
  • Commercial moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3207734 / 1115049

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers1
Total Annual Miles Moved100,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Terry Moving & Storage Logo

Terry Moving & Storage

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 2,308+ data points

25958 Commercentre Dr

Lake Forest, CA, 92630

About Terry Moving & Storage

Terry Moving & Storage offers full-service moves locally and throughout the 11 Western States. This Lake Forest-based business has helped thousands...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Interstate Move
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

649215 / 306297

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans11
Registered Drivers11
Total Annual Miles Moved315,000 (2022)
View Full Review
2
About Time Moving Systems LLC Logo

About Time Moving Systems LLC

Exceptional9.32/10
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
3
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
4
The Go To Guys, LLC Logo

The Go To Guys, LLC

Exceptional9.07/10
based on 275+ data points

Bayside, WI, 53217

About The Go To Guys, LLC

The Go To Guys, LLC is a seasoned moving company with 30 years of experience in the industry. Based in the...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/11/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3760134 / 1338262

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers3
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2024)
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.

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Neighborhood Comparison

Moving can be daunting, especially when you're not familiar with your new city. To ease the transition, we've created a comparison of local neighborhoods between Milwaukee, WI & Riverside, CA . This guide aims to help you find a new neighborhood that feels like home by using what you already love about your current one as a baseline. Let's find your new Riverside neighborhood.

MilwaukeeRiversideHow They're Similar
Third WardDowntown RiversideVibrant arts and culture
Bay ViewWood StreetsTrendy with a strong sense of community
East SideCanyon CrestDiverse with natural beauty
Walker's PointArlington HeightsHistoric with a modern twist
WauwatosaLa SierraFamily-friendly with local amenities
Historic Third WardGrandTrendy shopping and eateries
RiverwestOrangecrestCommunity-focused with outdoor activities
ShorewoodHawarden HillsUpscale and quiet residential area
Washington HeightsAlessandro HeightsArchitecturally diverse with green spaces
Brewer's HillVictoriaHistoric charm, great for families

If you're drawn to the vibrant arts scene and cultural richness of Milwaukee's Third Ward, you'll feel right at home in Downtown Riverside. Here, you can explore the Riverside Art Museum or catch a show at the Fox Performing Arts Center. Those who appreciate the trendy, community-oriented vibe of Bay View will find a similar spirit in the Wood Streets area, known for its charming homes and tight-knit community. There's a natural comparability between the welcoming family atmosphere of Wauwatosa and La Sierra, where local parks and schools form the heart of the neighborhood. For outdoor enthusiasts drawn to Riverwest's active lifestyle, Orangecrest offers plenty of green spaces and community events to keep you engaged and connected with your neighbors.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to Riverside

Moving from one city to another is a big decision, full of complexities. This guide aims to give you an honest reflection of Milwaukee, WI to Riverside, CA relocation, breaking down the pros and cons. By comparing these aspects, it becomes easier to visualize your new life and make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Colder winters
  • Smaller city
  • Less diverse cuisine
  • Higher property taxes
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Warmer climate
  • Larger population
  • Varied food options
  • Lower property taxes
Riverside, CA iconRiverside, CA
  • Less historic
  • No Great Lakes
  • Higher living cost
  • More traffic
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Rich cultural heritage
  • Lakeside beauty
  • Affordable housing
  • Friendly community

Moving from Milwaukee's fresh, breezy summers to Riverside's year-round sunny climate means swapping your winter coat for a sunhat. Despite Riverside missing out on the Great Lakes' grandeur, the local parks, like the beautiful Fairmount Park, offer serene lakeside views and numerous outdoor activities. While you may find Riverside's cost of living higher, the diverse food scene, including spots like Tio's Rancho Cafe and Simple Simon's for some of the best local bites, makes it an epicurean's delight. One potential downside is increased traffic; however, Riverside's larger population comes with more neighborhood options and amenities, balancing out the scales.

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape of a city is crucial as food is an important part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. With this in mind, we have prepared a comparison to bring you closer to the food scene in your new city. This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & Riverside, offering insights into what delights await you in your culinary adventures ahead.

MilwaukeeRiverside
Most iconic local food itemCheese CurdsCalifornia Citrus Salad
Most popular meat dishBratwurstCarne Asada
Most popular street food itemFried Cheese CurdsStreet Tacos
Most popular vegan foodVegan BratwurstAvocado Toast
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Mader's
  • Sobelman's
  • Safe House
  • Mission Inn Restaurant
  • Tio's Tacos
  • Market Broiler
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Exploring Milwaukee, you'll discover its love for cheese curds and bratwurst, representative of its rich German heritage. You can find these delicacies at local favorites like Mader's or the bustling streets during various festivals. Moving to Riverside introduces you to a contrasting culinary scene, deeply influenced by Mexican culture and California’s abundant agriculture. You’ll find Riverside's streets lined with food trucks offering everything from authentic street tacos at Tio's Tacos to vibrant California Citrus Salads. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients is unmatched, making Riverside a haven for anyone with a vegan lifestyle or an appreciation for health-conscious eating.

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Restaurant Comparison

Food plays a pivotal role in our lives, not just for nourishment, but also in making a place feel like home. This restaurant comparison aims to bridge the gap between Milwaukee, WI, and Riverside, CA, guiding you in finding your new favorite eateries based on Milwaukee's top dining spots, ensuring a seamless transition to your new neighborhood.

MilwaukeeRiversideWhat You'll Love
Bavette La BoucherieSimple Simon'sArtisanal sandwiches with a local touch
ArdentMario's PlaceContemporary fine dining with a twist
SanfordThe Salted PigGastropub fare with an innovative menu
Honey PieThe Pie HoleHandmade pies with a cozy vibe
Odd DuckCitrus & SaltCreative dishes in a quirky setting
La MerendaLas CampanasAuthentic global flavors in an intimate space
Blue's EggBenedict's CaféBreakfast classics with a modern twist
Speed Queen Bar-B-QSmokeshackSouthern barbecue with high-quality meats
Leon's Frozen CustardRiverside Food LabVariety of dessert options, including artisanal ice cream
Comet CafeAugie's CoffeeComfort food with a space for community gathering

When you settle into Riverside, you'll find that Mario's Place offers an elegant dining experience comparable to Ardent, but with a Californian twist on fine dining. It's the perfect spot for a sophisticated night out. For those missing the unique vibes and creative plates of Odd Duck, Citrus & Salt provides an inventive menu that's sure to delight your palate with its quirky and fresh dining experience. On a more casual note, Blue's Egg enthusiasts will feel right at home at Benedict's Café, where breakfast is reimagined with inventive dishes that will start your day on a high note. These establishments don't just replicate the flavors of Milwaukee; they infuse them with the local culture and flair of Riverside, creating a dining experience that is both familiar and exciting.

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Ready to start your move?

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning a move, understanding the real estate landscape of your new city is crucial. This comparison between Milwaukee, WI and Riverside, CA highlights key housing aspects to consider, making your decision well-informed.

ComparisonMilwaukeeRiverside
Typical Architecture StyleVictorian and CraftsmanSpanish and Ranch
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingProximity to Lake Michigan, Lively neighborhoodsViews of the mountain, Large backyards

While both cities offer their unique charms, the notable difference in median home prices and rents between Milwaukee and Riverside can significantly impact your budget. Milwaukee's architecture often features Victorian and Craftsman styles, lending an old-world charm to many neighborhoods. On the other hand, Riverside boasts Spanish and Ranch-style homes, reflecting its warmer climate and cultural influences. Though both cities have a relatively urban lifestyle, Milwaukee edges out slightly in terms of walkability and bikeability, making it easier to explore the city without a car. The real estate listings in Milwaukee frequently highlight its proximity to Lake Michigan and its vibrant communities, whereas Riverside's listings often boast about the stunning mountain views and spacious backyards, appealing to those who value outdoor space and scenic vistas.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Riverside, CA

1. Downtown Riverside: Known for its welcoming environment, Downtown Riverside boasts multiple dog-friendly establishments like Lakeside to Brambles, a specialized pet spa that offers grooming, therapy, and consultation services for your furry friends.

2. Wood Streets: This neighborhood is perfect for those who love to take regular strolls with their pets, thanks to its peaceful streets, beautiful architecture, and Wood Streets Green Team's community garden that includes dog-friendly spaces.

3. Canyon Crest: Canyon Crest stands out with its City of Riverside parks and recreational facilities such as Sycamore Canyon Wilderness Park, known for pet-friendly walking paths and trails where you can enjoy outdoor activities with your pets.

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Weather Considerations

When planning a move from Milwaukee, WI to Riverside, CA, understanding the differences in weather conditions is essential. This comparison sheds light on how day-to-day and seasonal weather varies significantly between Milwaukee and Riverside , preparing you for what to expect in your new home.

Summer icon
79/60

Milwaukee, WI

95/64

Riverside, CA

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
30/18

Milwaukee, WI

68/43

Riverside, CA

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
34.76

Milwaukee, WI

10.71

Riverside, CA

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
46.9

Milwaukee, WI

0

Riverside, CA

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonMilwaukeeRiverside
Air QualityGoodModerate
Natural DisastersSnowstorms, Cold wavesEarthquakes, Wildfires
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In moving from Milwaukee to Riverside, you'll experience a significant increase in sunshine and warmer temperatures throughout the year. Winters in Riverside are notably milder, offering an escape from the heavy snowfalls of Milwaukee. This makes outdoor activities and lifestyle remarkably different, with opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. However, Riverside's higher average UV index and lower annual rainfall are critical factors to consider, especially in personal health and garden maintenance. Adjusting to the dramatic change in humidity levels will also influence your daily comfort and may require changes in your home's heating and cooling systems.

Ready to start your move?

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

When planning a move from one city to another, it’s crucial to grasp how your finances might be impacted. This comparison aims to shed light on how your cost of living, taxes, and general economic milieu could change. Milwaukee, WI to Riverside, CA - Cost of Living & Financial Comparison: this chart is designed to help you make an informed decision about your relocation.

ComparisonMilwaukeeRiverside
Avg. Household Income$46,637$76,558
Cost of Living Index101.9112.5
State Income Tax7.659.3
Avg. Property Tax2.170.77
Avg. Sales Tax5.68.75
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Health Care, EducationHealthcare, Transportation, Education
AffluenceModerateHigher
PovertySignificantModerate
HomelessnessNotableConcerning

While the average household income in Riverside is significantly greater than in Milwaukee, this increase is accompanied by a higher cost of living, notably in terms of housing and sales tax rates. It’s important to note that while moving to Riverside might mean a higher salary, the state and sales taxes are also notably steeper, which could impact your overall financial well-being. That said, the potential for a higher standard of living and the presence of burgeoning industries offer substantial opportunities for career and personal growth. Understanding these financial implications will ensure a smoother transition to your new home in Riverside.

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Political & Religious Comparison

If you're contemplating a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Riverside, CA, understanding the local demographics can greatly ease the transition. This quick comparison focuses on the political and religious makeup of the residents between Milwaukee & Riverside , offering a glimpse into the cultural landscape you'll be entering.

MilwaukeeRiverside
Political Make-upLean DemocraticLean Democratic
Local PoliticsUnion influenced, diverse representationCommunity engagement, environmental focus
ReligionChristian majority, significant Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communitiesChristian majority, growing Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities

When considering the move, it's important to note that both Milwaukee and Riverside share a Democratic leaning, reflecting potentially similar values and priorities politically. However, the specific nuances of local politics vary; Milwaukee's political landscape is notably shaped by union influence and includes a diverse representation of communities. On the other hand, Riverside places a strong emphasis on community engagement and environmental issues, indicative of a more grass-roots political culture. Religion-wise, while both cities boast a Christian majority, Milwaukee has significant Jewish, Muslim, and Buddhist communities, whereas Riverside is seeing growth in Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim communities, reflecting California's broader diversity. This mix of similarities and differences can provide both comfort and new opportunities as you make your transition.

Milwaukee vs. Riverside Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Understanding the differences in traffic and daily commuting options between Milwaukee & Riverside will better prepare you for what to expect in terms of getting around. This comparison aims to give you a clear idea of how daily travel might change with your move.

ComparisonMilwaukeeRiverside
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)2231
Traffic Congestion 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦
Availability of Public Transit 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇
Can you get by without car?It's challengingDifficult

In Milwaukee, you'll find that commuting times are generally shorter compared to Riverside, reflecting less traffic congestion. However, the availability of public transit in Milwaukee scores slightly higher, which could be vital if you're aiming to reduce your reliance on personal vehicles. Unlike Milwaukee, Riverside presents more of a challenge when it comes to getting around without a car, primarily due to its sprawling layout and less developed public transit system. Thus, adapting to Riverside might require adjusting to longer commute times and a heavier reliance on personal transportation.

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