Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Chicago, IL
Straight-line distance: 86 miles.
| Home size | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1-bedroom | $524 – $796 |
| 2-3 bedroom | $1,643 – $2,485 |
| 4+ bedroom house | $3,065 – $4,628 |
Estimates based on typical per-mile and per-room moving-industry rates; actual quotes vary by mover, season, and access. Not a quote from any specific company.
How Chicago compares to Milwaukee
Milwaukee's median home value is $157,800 — 48% lower than Chicago's $304,500.
Median household income is $49,733 in Milwaukee versus $71,673 in Chicago.
Typical rent runs $982 in Milwaukee and $1,314 in Chicago.
On housing costs, Milwaukee, WI looks more affordable than Chicago, IL — lower median home value and rent. This reflects housing only, not total cost of living.
| Metric | Milwaukee, WI | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 573,299 | 2,721,914 |
| Median home value | $157,800 | $304,500 |
| Median household income | $49,733 | $71,673 |
| Median gross rent | $982 | $1,314 |
| Climate risk (FEMA) | Relatively High | Very High |
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey; FEMA National Risk Index
Data last updated July 2026.