Best San Jose to Milwaukee Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from San Jose to Milwaukee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,216 mile move from California to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 San Jose to Milwaukee 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 D&L Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $9,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in San Jose 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 San Jose to Milwaukee Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1D&L Movers9.359.36Active
2About Time Moving Systems LLC9.339.33Authorized For HHG
3Careful Movers9.318.63Authorized For HHG
4Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.319.31Authorized For Property, HHG
5Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC9.269.14Active
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from San Jose to Milwaukee?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,216 miles from San Jose, CA to Milwaukee, WI will cost on average $3,666 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom San Jose to Milwaukee move is roughly $8,851. 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$2,459300 ft³$8.20
1 Bedroom$3,666450 ft³$8.15
2 Bedrooms$6,072750 ft³$8.10
3 Bedrooms$8,8511100 ft³$8.05
4 Bedrooms$12,7941600 ft³$8.00
5+ Bedrooms$14,3031800 ft³$7.95
*Please note: These California to Wisconsin moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from California & 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 CA to WI mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to San Jose guide.

Compare the 5 Best San Jose to Milwaukee Movers

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

D&L Movers Logo

D&L Movers

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 1,583+ data points

1563 Bahama Way

Campbell, CA, 95008

About D&L Movers

Founded by Drew Sanchez and Leo Cervantes, D&L Movers is a local moving company that offers full-service relocations for homes and...

Services

  • Cheap moving
  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 7/23/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2706648 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved20,000 (2017)
View Full Review
1
About Time Moving Systems LLC Logo

About Time Moving Systems LLC

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 2,122+ 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
2
Careful Movers Logo

Careful Movers

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 4,143+ data points

3641 Haven Ave C

Menlo Park, CA, 94025

About Careful Movers

With almost two decades of expertise and experience in the moving industry, Menlo Park-based Careful Movers promises stress-free, on-time, and on-budget...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Office Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1464935 / 553377

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans14
Registered Drivers14
Total Annual Miles Moved90,000 (2022)
View Full Review
3
Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. Logo

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.

Exceptional9.31/10
based on 1,857+ 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
Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC Logo

Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,646+ data points

San Carlos, CA, 94070

About Joshua's Moving Packing & Storage LLC

Whether you're moving to the next street or city, Joshua's Moving, Packing & Storage offers worry-free relocation services within California. Located...

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/5/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3184868 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved250,000 (2022)
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.

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison

Moving to a new city can be daunting, but one way to ease the transition is by finding a neighborhood that feels like home. In this guide, we'll help you do just that with a comparison of the local neighborhoods between San Jose, CA & Milwaukee, WI . Whether you're drawn to bustling downtown areas or peaceful suburbs, we've matched top neighborhoods in San Jose with their Milwaukee counterparts to help you find your perfect new locale.

San JoseMilwaukeeHow They're Similar
Willow GlenBay ViewVibrant community, local shopping
Downtown San JoseEast TownUrban living, cultural attractions
Almaden ValleyWashington HeightsFamily-friendly, green spaces
Los GatosShorewoodUpscale, waterfront views
Rose GardenHistoric Third WardHistoric allure, chic lofts
JapantownWalker's PointDiverse dining, vibrant nightlife
EvergreenWauwatosaSuburban feel, amenities close by
Silver CreekBrookfieldQuiet, family-oriented
BerryessaWest AllisAffordable, community-focused
Cambrian ParkGreendaleSmall-town charm, social community

For those familiar with the quaint, yet vibrant atmosphere of Willow Glen, Milwaukee's Bay View neighborhood offers a similar charm with a strong sense of community and locally-owned businesses lining the streets. If you're coming from Downtown San Jose and love the urban lifestyle, East Town in Milwaukee provides an exciting downtown environment with an array of cultural attractions, much like San Jose's tech-savvy hub. Almaden Valley residents moving to Milwaukee will find Washington Heights captures that same family-friendly essence with abundant green spaces, perfect for weekend picnics or leisurely strolls. Lastly, Los Gatos aficionados will appreciate Shorewood's upscale vibe and scenic waterfront views, making it a seamless transition from the scenic beauty and sophistication of California to the picturesque landscapes of Wisconsin.

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee

Moving from one city to another comes with its set of challenges and rewards. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of San Jose, CA to Milwaukee, WI, highlighting the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision. Whether it's the cost of living, the climate, or the community vibe, understanding these factors is crucial for a smooth transition.

CONs
PROs
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • High cost of living
  • Dense traffic
  • Competitive job market
  • Less seasonal weather
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • More affordable housing
  • Less congested roads
  • Diverse job opportunities
  • Four distinct seasons
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Less tech presence
  • Colder, longer winters
  • Far from Silicon Valley
  • Smaller diverse communities
San Jose, CA iconSan Jose, CA
  • Tech industry hub
  • Mild winters
  • Access to Silicon Valley
  • Vibrant multicultural scene

Moving to Milwaukee from San Jose will bring significant changes to your lifestyle, especially in terms of cost and climate. The transition from the bustling, tech-oriented environment of Silicon Valley to Milwaukee's more laid-back yet culturally rich setting presents unique opportunities. In Milwaukee, neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward or the East Side offer a vibrant array of restaurants, such as Third Ward's renowned eateries and boutiques, alongside scenic views of the Milwaukee River. Transitioning from San Jose's mild winters to Milwaukee's snowy season allows for new experiences, such as ice skating at Red Arrow Park or exploring the winter wonderland at Lake Park. While you may miss the technological buzz and vast multicultural events of San Jose, Milwaukee's charm lies in its affordable living, community-focused atmosphere, and beautiful change of seasons, embodying a blend of urban living with a touch of nature's beauty.

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Food Guide

Understanding the culinary landscape is crucial when relocating. Food significantly reflects local culture and the essence of daily life. Therefore, we're embarking on a journey to compare the local cuisine between San Jose, CA & Milwaukee, WI . This comparison will provide insights into the diverse food scenes, enriching your moving experience.

San Jose
Milwaukee
Most iconic local food item
Pho
Beer brats
Most popular meat dish
Carne Asada
Fish Fry
Most popular street food item
Tacos
Bratwurst
Most popular vegan food
Vegetable Pho
Vegan Cheese Curds
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • San Tung
  • Original Joe's
  • Falafel's Drive-In
  • Mader's
  • Sobelman's
  • Safe House
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

Whether indulging in San Jose’s celebrated Pho or Milwaukee’s iconic Beer Brats, each city offers distinct flavors reflecting their diverse communities. San Jose's vibrant food trucks, like those around San Pedro Square, provide an eclectic mix of tacos and vegetarian options, showcasing the city’s innovative spirit. Conversely, Milwaukee boasts a rich culinary tradition with establishments such as Mader's and Safe House, presenting hearty meals with a Midwest twist. For vegan diners, both cities offer creative plant-based versions of their classic dishes, ensuring everyone can enjoy what San Jose and Milwaukee have to offer.

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison

Moving to a new city is an adventure, and finding your new favorite dining spots is a big part of feeling at home. This comparison between San Jose and Milwaukee's top restaurants aims to ease your transition by guiding you to places reminiscent of your old favorites. Whether you’re after a high-end dining experience, a casual meal, or a taste of local food culture, we’ve got you covered.

San JoseMilwaukeeWhat You'll Love
AdegaSanfordOffering a similarly refined dining experience.
Dia de PescaConejito's PlaceBoth specialize in authentic, casual Latin cuisine.
Original Joe's San JoseCarnevorFor a high-end steakhouse ambiance and quality.
Falafel's Drive-InOuzo CafeCasual eats with a focus on Mediterranean flavors.
ManresaArdentComparable in their dedication to fine dining and exquisite local ingredients.
La Foret RestaurantLake Park BistroBoth offer a romantic setting with a focus on French cuisine.
Firehouse No.1 GastropubGood City BrewingPerfect for casual pub fare with quality craft beers.
Back A YardMaxie’sSouthern comfort food with a lively atmosphere.
Smoking Pig BBQIron Grate BBQ Co.Both are known for their authentic, smoked meats and homey vibes.
Pizza Bocca LupoZaffiro’sCelebrated for their thin-crust pizza and a beloved local spot.

Embarking on your culinary journey in Milwaukee, you'll find that places like Sanford and Ardent mirror the elevated dining experiences of Adega and Manresa from San Jose, right down to the attentiveness of their service and the creativity of their dishes. Meanwhile, the homely, vibrant flavors of Back A Yard are echoed in Maxie’s, where the Southern hospitality and comfort food will make you feel right at ease. For those missing the casual yet delicious offerings of Falafel's Drive-In, Ouzo Cafe presents a blend of Mediterranean delights that will satisfy your cravings with every bite. This guide will not only help make Milwaukee feel like home but also introduce you to new favorites that might just surpass the old.

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Ready to start your move?

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a crucial part of planning a move, and understanding how the housing markets compare between San Jose, CA and Milwaukee, WI is key. This comparison aims to bring to light differences in cost, architecture, and lifestyle to better prepare you for your relocation.

San Jose
Milwaukee
Typical Architecture Style
Modern and Ranch
Craftsman and Bungalow
Walkability
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Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Near tech hubs, green spaces
Proximity to Lake Michigan, historical districts

When comparing the housing aspects of San Jose and Milwaukee, it's evident that Milwaukee offers a more affordable living situation with a median home price significantly less than San Jose's. However, San Jose boasts closer proximity to technology centers and green spaces, catering to those valuing a blend of urban and natural amenities. Milwaukee presents itself with greater walkability and a charming urban lifestyle, accentuated by its historic districts and the scenic Lake Michigan shoreline. Both cities showcase distinct architectural styles, with San Jose favoring modern designs and Milwaukee embracing its historic craftsman and bungalow roots, reflecting their unique cultural identities.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI

1. Bay View : You'll love Bay View for its abundance of dog-friendly parks and patios, making it easy to enjoy the outdoors with your pet.

2. East Side : The East Side is perfect for pet owners, with its walkable streets and proximity to pet services and local pet-friendly businesses.

3. Third Ward : In the Third Ward, you'll find numerous pet-friendly shops and cafes, creating a welcoming environment for you and your furry friend.

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations

When planning a move from San Jose, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, it's crucial to understand how the weather will change. This comparison highlights the key differences in climate and weather patterns between these two cities, helping you prepare for your new environment.

San Jose
Milwaukee
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Earthquakes
Blizzards, Floods
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

82°F / 57°F
79°F / 63°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

60°F / 42°F
30°F / 18°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

15.82
34.76
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

0.2
47


Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee, you'll experience significant weather changes, especially in winter. San Jose enjoys mild winters and a lot of sunshine, whereas Milwaukee's winters are harsh, with average lows dropping to 18°F. Additionally, the number of sunshine days in Milwaukee is notably lower. This might affect your outdoor activities and how you plan your day-to-day life. Preparing for more substantial seasonal transitions, including significantly more snowfall, will be key to adjusting successfully to Milwaukee's climate.

Ready to start your move?

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

Moving from one city to another can significantly affect your finances. It's crucial to understand how costs, such as living expenses and taxes, will change. This comparison focuses on the financial distinctions between San Jose, CA and Milwaukee, WI , essential for anyone considering this relocation.

San Jose
Milwaukee
Avg. Household Income
$126,377
$46,637
Cost of Living Index
156.1
101.9
State Income Tax
13.3
7.65
Avg. Property Tax
0.78
1.76
Avg. Sales Tax
9.25
5.6
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Healthcare, Retail
Manufacturing, Healthcare, Finance
Affluence
High
Moderate
Poverty
Low
High
Homelessness
Moderate
High

While San Jose boasts a significantly higher average household income and lower poverty rates, these factors come with a higher cost of living and higher state income and sales taxes. Moving to Milwaukee, you'll find a friendlier cost of living and lower taxes. However, it’s important to note that this comes alongside a lower average household income and a different economic structure, with Milwaukee having a strong manufacturing base. Thus, while your day-to-day expenses might decrease, understand how these changes align with your income and profession.

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison

When planning your move from San Jose, CA, to Milwaukee, WI, it's essential to grasp the community you'll be joining. This comparison gives you a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political and religious makeup of the residents between San Jose & Milwaukee. Understanding these aspects can help you anticipate the cultural atmosphere of your new home.

San Jose
Milwaukee
Political Make-up
Liberal/Democratic
Liberal/Democratic
Local Politics
Strong focus on technology and innovation policies
Focus on manufacturing, education, and social equity
Religion
Variety, with a significant portion identifying as non-religious
Diverse, with a stronger presence of Christian denominations

In comparing San Jose with Milwaukee, it's clear that both cities lean liberal/Democratic in their political makeup, signaling a potential ease in transition for you if your views align. However, the focus of local politics differs significantly, reflecting the industrial and cultural priorities of each city. San Jose's emphasis on technology and innovation reflects its Silicon Valley roots, while Milwaukee's focus on manufacturing and social equity reflects its history as a blue-collar city with a strong sense of community. Religion in Milwaukee tends to have a stronger Christian presence compared to San Jose, which boasts a more religiously diverse population. These aspects contribute to the unique cultural fabric of each city, promising you a varied experience as you make your move.

San Jose vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This is a comparison of the traffic and transportation options between San Jose & Milwaukee, aiming to give you a better understanding of what the daily commute and traffic are like. Moving from one city to another can significantly impact your daily routine, especially in how you navigate your new surroundings.

San Jose
Milwaukee
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
30
22
Traffic Congestion
7 out of 10
4 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible, but challenging
More challenging

Moving from San Jose to Milwaukee, you'll notice a significant difference in your daily commute. The average commute time in Milwaukee is about 8 minutes shorter than in San Jose, potentially giving you more time in your day for activities or rest. While both cities experience their share of traffic congestion, Milwaukee is less congested compared to San Jose. However, public transit options in Milwaukee might feel more limited if you're accustomed to the variety available in San Jose. Although it's possible to get by without a car in both cities, doing so might be more challenging in Milwaukee depending on your exact location and lifestyle needs.

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