Best Milwaukee to Columbus Movers + Moving Guide
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If you're moving from Milwaukee to Columbus and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 457 mile move from Wisconsin to Ohio go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 33 Milwaukee to Columbus 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 Blue Men Moving LLC), 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 Milwaukee compared to Columbus. 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 Milwaukee to Columbus Moving Companies
| Rank | Company Name | Rating  | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Blue Men Moving LLC | 9.56 | 9.71 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 2 | About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.32 | 9.33 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 3 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
| 4 | Manifest Shipping Llc | 9.18 | 9.35 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
| 5 | The Go To Guys, LLC | 9.07 | 8.7 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
(800) 787-5428Cost to Move from Milwaukee to Columbus
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 457 miles from Milwaukee, WI to Columbus, OH will cost on average $2,170 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Milwaukee to Columbus move is roughly $5,194. 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 | $1,462 | 300 ft³ | 4.87 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,170 | 450 ft³ | 4.82 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,579 | 750 ft³ | 4.77 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,194 | 1100 ft³ | 4.72 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $7,475 | 1600 ft³ | 4.67 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $8,319 | 1800 ft³ | 4.62 |
Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Columbus to Milwaukee guide.
Compare the 5 Best Milwaukee to Columbus Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)
Blue Men Moving LLC
10445 Blacklick-Eastern Rd NW
Pickerington, OH, 43147
About Blue Men Moving LLC
With locations in Seville and Akron, Blue Men Moving started its operations in 2011 with a mission of providing a superior...
Services
- Local moving services
- Long-distance moving services
- Cross-country moving services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3544037 / 1184394 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
| Registered Drivers | 4 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 78,500 (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) |
Manifest Shipping Llc
501 Southwick Pl
Trenton, OH, 45067
About Manifest Shipping Llc
Manifest Shipping LLC, based in Trenton, Ohio, is a trusted residential and commercial moving company founded in 2017. Serving central and...
Services
- Local Moving
- Commercial Moving
- Long Distance Moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3050908 / 49758 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 8 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 46,740 (2022) |
The Go To Guys, LLC
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
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3760134 / 1338262 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
| Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
| Registered Drivers | 3 |
| Total Annual Miles Moved | 1 (2024) |
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.
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Neighborhood Comparison
Exploring a new city can be daunting, but understanding your new surroundings through a familiar lens makes the transition smoother. This guide serves as a bridge in your relocation journey, focusing on a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Milwaukee, WI & Columbus, OH . By matching up Milwaukee's top neighborhoods with their Columbus counterparts, we aim to help you find your new favorite spot in a city that feels like home.
| Milwaukee | Columbus | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Third Ward | Short North | Artsy vibe, upscale boutiques |
| Bay View | Clintonville | Lively, community-oriented atmosphere |
| East Side | German Village | Historic homes, local eateries |
| Walker’s Point | Italian Village | Mix of modern & industrial |
| Historic Third Ward | Victorian Village | Charming, historic architecture |
| Wauwatosa | Grandview Heights | Family-friendly, walkable |
| Riverwest | Franklinton | Artsy, with a sense of community |
| Shorewood | Bexley | Upscale, great schools |
| Brady Street | Brewery District | Nightlife, historic charm |
| Washington Heights | Harrison West | Residential with urban convenience |
In Milwaukee, the Historic Third Ward is known for its irresistible charm, with cobbled streets, boutiques, and an eclectic arts scene mirrored in Columbus's Victorian Village. Here, the appeal lies in the beautiful, historic homes and a tight-knit community that fosters a sense of belonging. Similarly, if you're captivated by the artsy and industrial blend offered by Walker's Point, the Italian Village in Columbus provides a similar experience with its modern lofts and historic buildings against the backdrop of innovative food spots like Fox in the Snow Cafe and cultural hubs. For a family-friendly environment akin to Wauwatosa, Grandview Heights offers that comfortable, small-town feel within a bustling city, complete with walkable streets and parks such as Pierce Field, making it perfect for family outings and leisure.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to Columbus
Moving from one city to another can be a significant life event filled with both excitement and apprehension. To help you weigh your decision, we've created charts that provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Milwaukee, WI to Columbus, OH . These comparisons will give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of lifestyle changes, climate differences, and opportunities.
Milwaukee, WI- Harsher winters
- Fewer job opportunities
- Smaller city vibe
- Less diverse cuisine
Columbus, OH- Milder winters
- More job growth
- Larger city feel
- Wider food variety
Columbus, OH- Less historical depth
- Fewer breweries
- No large body of water
- More traffic issues
Milwaukee, WI- Rich cultural heritage
- Strong beer scene
- Access to Lake Michigan
- Less congested traffic
When considering your relocation from Milwaukee, WI, to Columbus, OH, it's important to gauge both the tangible and intangible qualities each city has to offer. Milwaukee’s rich cultural heritage is highlighted by its renowned museums like the Milwaukee Art Museum and its vibrant German festivals that salute the city's historical roots. Columbus, on the other hand, is making strides with its innovative urban development projects aimed at enhancing neighborhood parks and communal spaces, making areas like the Scioto Mile popular for both residents and tourists. Foodies moving to Columbus will delight in the diversity of cuisines, notably in burgeoning areas like the Short North and German Village. What Milwaukee offers in its scenic views of Lake Michigan and a lesser congested lifestyle, Columbus counters with its dynamic job market and a broader palette of cultural and recreational activities.
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Food Guide
This is a comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & Columbus to give you a sense of the food scene and how it reflects the local culture in your new home. Understanding the culinary landscape is vital when relocating, as it significantly affects your lifestyle and everyday choices.
| Milwaukee | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Cheese Curds | Buckeye Candy |
| Most popular meat dish | Bratwurst | Shredded Chicken Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Beer Battered Fish | Taco Trucks Tacos |
| Most popular vegan food | Vegan Cheese Curds | Seitan Wings |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Milwaukee, the food scene is rich with traditional German influences and a clear nod to the state's dairy fame, as seen in local favorites like cheese curds and bratwurst. The city's breweries and beer gardens also offer a unique culinary experience. Conversely, Columbus prides itself on a diverse culinary scene, with the Buckeye Candy representing Ohio's most loved sweet treat and a variety of taco trucks showcasing the city's street food culture. The iconic restaurants in Columbus, such as Schmidt's Sausage Haus and Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams, indicate a blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you're exploring the Historic Third Ward in Milwaukee or wandering through the Short North in Columbus, you'll find each city's food scene offers a distinct taste of local culture and community.
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Restaurant Comparison
Food is a vital component in transforming a new city into a home. This comparison offers a glimpse into how Milwaukee's dining scene aligns with Columbus's, guiding you in finding your next favorite dining spots. This restaurant comparison will help someone moving from Milwaukee, WI to Columbus, OH discover eateries where they can relish in familiar flavors or explore new ones.
| Milwaukee | Columbus | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Sanford | Veritas | Offers a similar upscale dining experience with innovative dishes. |
| HoneyPie Cafe | Fox in the Snow Cafe | Known for homey vibes and excellent pastries. |
| Odd Duck | The Guild House | Both offer creative, locally-sourced plates in a chic setting. |
| La Merenda | Barcelona Restaurant | A spot for exquisite European-inspired dishes with a cozy atmosphere. |
| Ardent | Service Bar | Delivers a high-end dining experience focusing on quality and creativity. |
| Conejito's Place | Los Guachos Taqueria | Both are celebrated for their authentic, affordable Mexican cuisine. |
| Bavette La Boucherie | The Refectory | Offers both divine dishes and a special dining environment, albeit with a French twist. |
| Blue's Egg | Katalina's | Both are famous for brunch, offering innovative and hearty dishes. |
| Leon's Frozen Custard | Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams | Both iconic in their cities for sweet treats that cool you down. |
| Zaffiro's Pizza | Harvest Pizzeria | Recognized for their dedication to quality ingredients and great pizzas. |
For those who savor innovation and quality in their dining experiences, Service Bar in Columbus mirrors Milwaukee's Ardent, both priding themselves on their imaginative dishes and emphasis on top-notch ingredients. Similarly, if you appreciate the cozy, communal atmosphere of HoneyPie Cafe in Milwaukee, you'll find solace in Columbus's Fox in the Snow Cafe, known for its similarly homey vibes and exceptional homemade pastries. Understanding these parallels allows for an easier transition, providing a taste of the familiar while inviting the excitement of exploring new gastronomic territories, ensuring that your move comes with delightful culinary discoveries.
Ready to start your move?
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Real Estate & Living Facts
When considering a move, understanding the real estate differences is crucial. This comparison aims to provide a clear picture of what to expect in your potential new home city. By examining key aspects such as housing costs, styles, and livability between Milwaukee and Columbus, you'll be better equipped to make an informed decision.
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Craftsman, Bungalow | Colonial, Ranch |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, Spacious backyards | Open concept layouts, Modern amenities |
When dissecting the differences between Milwaukee and Columbus from a housing perspective, several factors stand out. Milwaukee, with its more affordable median home price, typically features Craftsman and Bungalow style homes that appeal to those fond of classic American architecture. The city's moderate walkability and bikeability scores reflect a balanced urban lifestyle, supported by homes often boasting hardwood floors and spacious backyards. On the other hand, Columbus, though slightly less walkable, offers a better biking experience and a more modern urban environment, reflected in its higher urban lifestyle score and popular real estate features like open concept layouts and modern amenities. These distinctions provide a snapshot into the differing lifestyles and housing preferences between these two cities.
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Weather Considerations
When planning your move from Milwaukee, WI to Columbus, OH, understanding how the weather differs between your current home and your future one is crucial. This comparison will highlight what changes in climate you can expect, ensuring you're well-prepared for your relocation.
Milwaukee, WI
Columbus, OH
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Milwaukee, WI
Columbus, OH
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Milwaukee, WI
Columbus, OH
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Milwaukee, WI
Columbus, OH
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
| Natural Disasters | Snowstorms, Cold Waves | Tornadoes, Thunderstorms |
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Comparing Milwaukee and Columbus, you'll find that both cities offer a mix of cold winters and warm summers, but with key differences. Columbus experiences warmer summers and milder winters than Milwaukee. Additionally, Milwaukee sees more days of sunshine annually despite its higher snowfall. When preparing for your move, consider that Columbus tends to have more frequent thunderstorms and a higher risk of tornadoes, which could affect your choice of housing and emergency preparedness. Both cities experience their fair share of seasonal allergies, but the predominant allergens differ, so you might notice a change in your symptoms after relocating.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Milwaukee to Columbus
When planning a move, it's crucial to compare the financial landscape of your current city to your new one. This comparison will help you understand what to expect in terms of expenses and economic opportunities. Milwaukee, WI to Columbus, OH, Cost of Living offers a detailed look at crucial monetary factors affecting your day-to-day life and long-term plans.
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $46,637 | $58,202 |
| Cost of Living Index | 101.9 | 92 |
| State Income Tax | 6.27 | 4.797 |
| Avg. Property Tax | 2.17 | 1.56 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 5.6 | 7.5 |
| Top 3 Industries | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Retail | Education, Healthcare, Finance |
| Affluence | Moderate | High |
| Poverty | Significant | Moderate |
| Homelessness | Concerning | Notable |
When comparing Milwaukee and Columbus, it's important to keep in mind that while the average household income is higher in Columbus, the cost of living index also sees a proportional increase. Though this might suggest a merely nominal gain in day-to-day financial comfort, Columbus offers a lower state income tax rate, providing a subtle advantage in disposable income. The variation in property and sales tax between the two cities further complicates direct cost comparisons, as does the difference in dominant industries, which could affect job opportunities directly relevant to your career path. Columbus, with its emphasis on education, healthcare, and finance, might offer more in terms of opportunity for certain professionals. However, it's also vital to consider the social factors affected by, and contributing to, economic well-being such as affluence, poverty levels, and homelessness to get the full picture.
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Political & Religious Comparison
If you're contemplating a move from Milwaukee, WI, to Columbus, OH, it's essential to consider not just the physical but also the cultural transition. Getting a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between Milwaukee & Columbus can provide valuable insights into the community vibe and values you're moving into.
| Milwaukee | Columbus | |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
| Local Politics | Dominantly Democratic | Dominantly Democratic |
| Religion | Christianity (majorly), diverse religious communities | Christianity (majorly), diverse religious communities including Islamic Society and Jewish communities |
When you dive into the details, both Milwaukee and Columbus boast a predominantly liberal and Democratic local political landscape, which might ease your cultural transition. Religion plays an integral role in both cities, with Christianity being the major religion. However, Columbus is noted for its particularly vibrant and diverse religious communities, including well-established Islamic and Jewish communities, enriched with respective social and cultural organizations such as the Islamic Society of Columbus and Jewish Columbus. These insights will help you gauge the cultural ambiance and community engagement opportunities awaiting you in your new city.
Milwaukee vs. Columbus Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
In this guide, we delve into a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Milwaukee & Columbus, aiming to give you a clearer picture of what to expect in terms of daily commute times and traffic conditions. This will help you better prepare for moving and settling into your new city.
| Comparison | Milwaukee | Columbus |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 23 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Possible but challenging | More challenging |
While the average commute times in Milwaukee and Columbus are relatively similar, the slight difference in traffic congestion could impact your daily routine. Milwaukee benefits from a slightly higher rating for public transit availability. Though it's possible to get by without a car in both cities, doing so in Columbus might present more of a challenge due to its lower public transit score. However, both cities have been making strides in enhancing their transit systems and cycling infrastructure, providing alternative options for commuting. This comparison highlights the importance of considering your commute and transportation needs when transitioning between the two cities.
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