Best Milwaukee to San Diego Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Milwaukee to San Diego and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,179 mile move from Wisconsin to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 25 Milwaukee to San Diego 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 The Rock 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 Milwaukee compared to San Diego. 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 San Diego Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1The Rock Movers9.509.53Authorized For HHG
2Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.9.499.62Authorized For HHG
3About Time Moving Systems LLC9.339.33Authorized For HHG
4Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.9.319.31Authorized For Property, HHG
5The Go To Guys, LLC9.108.7Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,179 miles from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA will cost on average $3,634 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Milwaukee to San Diego move is roughly $8,774. 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$2,438300 ft³$8.13
1 Bedroom$3,634450 ft³$8.08
2 Bedrooms$6,020750 ft³$8.03
3 Bedrooms$8,7741100 ft³$7.98
4 Bedrooms$12,6821600 ft³$7.93
5+ Bedrooms$14,1771800 ft³$7.88
*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 San Diego to Milwaukee guide.

Compare the 5 Best Milwaukee to San Diego Movers

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

The Rock Movers Logo

The Rock Movers

Exceptional9.50/10
based on 2,100+ data points

7087 Camino Revueltos UNIT 306

San Diego, CA, 92111

About The Rock Movers

The Rock Movers is a San Diego County-based moving company offering professional and affordable moving services for local and long-distance relocations....

Services

  • Local Residential
  • Furniture Moving
  • Full Packing Service

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3653432 / 1541470

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2023)
View Full Review
1
Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. Logo

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Exceptional9.49/10
based on 421+ data points

2020 Camino De La Reina

San Diego, CA, 92108

About Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc.

Coast 2 Coast Moving, Inc. is a professional moving company based in San Diego, California. Founded by Donal and Jessica O'Neill,...

Services

  • Local Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3177184 / 1157114

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved200,000 (2024)
View Full Review
2
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
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
The Go To Guys, LLC Logo

The Go To Guys, LLC

Exceptional9.10/10
based on 258+ 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. San Diego Neighborhood Comparison

Preparing to transition from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA can be intriguing yet daunting. To ease this move, we've crafted a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Milwaukee, WI & San Diego, CA, aligning Milwaukee's top neighborhoods with their San Diego counterparts. This guide aims to familiarize you with your new city by leveraging what you know and love about your current one.

MilwaukeeSan DiegoHow They're Similar
Third WardGaslamp QuarterVibrant nightlife & arts
Bay ViewNorth ParkEclectic shops, craft beer
East SideHillcrestDiverse, LGBTQ+-friendly
Walker's PointLittle ItalyRich culinary scene
WauwatosaKensingtonFamily-friendly, historic homes
ShorewoodLa JollaUpscale, beachfront community
Historic Third WardOld TownCulture-rich, historic sites
West AllisClairemontSuburban, diverse dining options
Whitefish BayDel MarOceanfront living, family-friendly
Washington HeightsNorth ClairemontQuiet, community-focused

If you're captivated by the artistic and nightlife pulse of Milwaukee's Third Ward, you'll find a similar vibe in San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter, known for its lively entertainment scene and cultural events. Admirers of Bay View's unique blend of eclectic local shops and burgeoning craft beer spots will feel right at home in North Park, where indie boutiques and microbreweries abound. For those who cherish the diverse and inclusive atmosphere of the East Side, Hillcrest offers an LGBTQ+-friendly environment coupled with a rich array of dining options. Finally, if the historical and gastronomic allure of Walker's Point has been a staple of your Milwaukee experience, Little Italy in San Diego awaits with its vibrant culinary scene and cultural festivals, not forgetting the must-visit Mercato Farmers' Market.

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Things to Do in San Diego

  • Visit the San Diego Zoo
  • Tour the USS Midway Museum
  • Explore Balboa Park
  • Relax at Coronado Beach
  • Dine in Little Italy
  • Experience SeaWorld San Diego
  • Play golf at Torrey Pines

Ready to start your move?

Pros and Cons of Moving from Milwaukee to San Diego

Moving from one city to another can be life-changing. This comparison aims to provide an honest reflection of the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Milwaukee, WI to San Diego, CA. By weighing the cons against the pros, you'll get a clearer picture of what awaits in both cities, enabling you to make an informed decision.

CONs
PROs
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • Colder Winters
  • Smaller City Vibe
  • Less Diverse Cuisine
  • Fewer Beaches
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Milder Climate
  • Larger City Feel
  • Varied Dining Options
  • Beaches Everywhere
San Diego, CA iconSan Diego, CA
  • Higher Cost of Living
  • Fewer Festivals
  • Less Personal
  • Heavier Traffic
Milwaukee, WI iconMilwaukee, WI
  • More Affordable
  • Rich Cultural Festivals
  • Smaller Community
  • Easy Navigability

Moving to San Diego from Milwaukee introduces you to a vibrant lifestyle with milder climates and an expansive coastline offering numerous beaches such as La Jolla Shores and Coronado Beach. The dining scene in San Diego is notably diverse with spots like Cucina Urbana and Lolita's Mexican Food, showcasing a wider variety of cuisines than what's typically found in Milwaukee. However, the transition also comes with its set of challenges, including adapting to a higher cost of living and busier city life. While Milwaukee's community events like Summerfest provide a unique local flavor, San Diego counters with its own set of attractions like Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, offering a blend of cultural, historical, and recreational activities.

Milwaukee vs. San Diego Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Milwaukee & San Diego is essential for understanding the food scene that integrates deeply with local culture and the living experience in these cities. By examining culinary aspects, you'll be better informed about what to expect from your new home's food environment.

Milwaukee
San Diego
Most iconic local food item
Beer Brats
California Burrito
Most popular meat dish
Fried Cheese Curds
Carne Asada
Most popular street food item
Pretzels
Fish Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Chili
Jackfruit Tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Maderas Steak & Ribs
  • Lakefront Brewery
  • Sobelman's Pub & Grill
  • George's at the Cove
  • Las Cuatro Milpas
  • Phil's BBQ
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

When comparing the culinary scenes of Milwaukee and San Diego, you'll notice significant differences influenced by their cultural and geographical contexts. Milwaukee’s rich beer history is reflected in its love for beer brats, while San Diego’s coastal location makes fish tacos a common street food staple. In Milwaukee, vegan chili captures the essence of hearty, comforting meals even for those on a plant-based diet, whereas San Diego’s vegan scene leans into the rich flavors of Mexican cuisine with innovations like jackfruit tacos. Iconic restaurants such as Lakefront Brewery in Milwaukee offer a taste of the city’s brewing heritage, while George's at the Cove provides panoramic views and fresh seafood in San Diego. San Diego also scores higher in health conscientiousness and has a vibrant food truck scene, indicative of a city that values fresh, diverse, and innovative meals.

Milwaukee vs. San Diego Restaurant Comparison

When moving from Milwaukee, WI, to San Diego, CA, finding new favorite dining spots is crucial for feeling at home. This restaurant comparison between Milwaukee and San Diego will guide you in discovering your next go-to eateries, blending the familiar with the new.

MilwaukeeSan DiegoWhat You'll Love
Bartolotta’s Lake Park BistroCafé ChloeEuropean-inspired bistro with a similar ambiance and exquisite French cuisine
Sanford RestaurantJuniper & IvyHigh-end dining with innovative and meticulously prepared dishes
ArdentAddisonOffering a comparable gourmet experience with creative and seasonal tasting menus
La MerendaBracero CocinaFocus on international small plates and an inviting atmosphere
Leon's Frozen CustardBing HausKnown for their unique approach to frozen desserts and similar cult following for quality
Odd DuckKettner ExchangeCreative small plates and craft cocktails in a trendy setting
Honeypie CaféGreat MapleModern dinette serving high-quality comfort food with a whimsical twist
Zaffiro’s PizzaBuona ForchettaAuthentic, award-winning Neapolitan pizzas in a neighborhood setting
Three BrothersPomegranateEastern European flavors with a homey vibe, keeping traditional cooking alive
Conejito's PlaceLas Cuatro MilpasHomestyle Mexican eats that mirror Conejito’s authenticity and charm

When you find yourself missing Ardents' intimate dining experience and innovative cuisine, Addison in San Diego promises a similar escape through its seasonal tasting menus and luxury dining ambiance. Similarly, while the homey and internationally inspired small plates of La Merenda might be hard to leave behind, Bracero Cocina in San Diego offers a comparable vibe, focusing on craft and community through its diverse menu. And for those late-night cravings for Leon's Frozen Custard, Bing Haus steps up with its unique frozen treats, ensuring the sweet moments continue even after the move. These comparisons embody how familiar favorites can be re-discovered, weaving the culinary tapestries of Milwaukee and San Diego together in your dining adventures.

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Ready to start your move?

Milwaukee vs. San Diego Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate greatly influences the dynamics of relocating, hence understanding the comparative aspects of housing between Milwaukee and San Diego is crucial. This comparison sheds light on factors like cost, style, and livability, directly impacting your decision and lifestyle in your new city.

Milwaukee
San Diego
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian and Bungalow
Spanish Revival and Modern
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Large yards, Lake views
Ocean views, Outdoor living spaces

While Milwaukee offers more affordable housing, highlighted by its lower median home price and monthly rent, San Diego captivates with its higher urban lifestyle score, indicative of a vibrant city life. The typical architectural styles reflect each city's unique culture and history—Milwaukee with its cozy Victorian and Bungalow homes versus San Diego's breezy Spanish Revival and Modern designs. San Diego promises a slightly better walkability and bikeability, catering to those who prefer active and outdoor lifestyles, with a notable mention of outdoor living spaces in its real estate listings, a nod to the city's favorable climate. This contrast underlines the significant lifestyle adjustment when moving from the Midwest to the Pacific coast, encompassing differences in living costs, housing styles, and city vibes.

Pet-friendly neighborhoods background image

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in San Diego, CA

1. Ocean Beach : You'll find this laid-back community perfect for you and your pet, thanks to its dedicated Dog Beach and numerous pet-friendly establishments.

2. North Park : This vibrant neighborhood offers you plenty of parks and outdoor cafes where pets are always welcome, making it easy to enjoy the day with your furry friend.

3. Carmel Valley : With its abundance of trails and wide-open spaces, you and your pet can enjoy plenty of outdoor adventures in this family-friendly neighborhood.

Milwaukee vs. San Diego Weather Considerations

Moving from one city to another can bring significant changes, including to the weather you’ll experience. Comparing the climates of your current and future homes can greatly aid in your preparation. This chart aims to illustrate the weather contrasts between Milwaukee and San Diego, helping you understand what to expect year-round.

Milwaukee
San Diego
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Snowstorms, Cold Waves
Earthquakes, Wildfires
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

79°F / 61°F
76°F / 67°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

30°F / 18°F
66°F / 50°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

34.76"
10.34"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

46.9"
0"


When considering a move from Milwaukee to San Diego, you'll find a significant shift in weather patterns. San Diego offers a much milder and drier climate compared to Milwaukee’s cold winters and humid summers. With over 266 days of sunshine per year, San Diego invites outdoor activities nearly all year round. Additionally, while Milwaukee residents battle snowstorms, San Diego's major natural disaster concerns include earthquakes and wildfires. This contrast in seasonal weather brings a different set of preparations for each city, from wardrobe choices to emergency preparedness plans.

Ready to start your move?

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

When contemplating a move from one city to another, grasping the financial implications is crucial. This comparison aims to illuminate how Milwaukee's cost factors stack up against San Diego's, helping you to gauge what changes in expenses you might expect.

Milwaukee
San Diego
Avg. Household Income
$46,637
$93,042
Cost of Living Index
101.9
132.3
State Income Tax
~7.65
~9.3
Avg. Property Tax
~2.17
~0.76
Avg. Sales Tax
5.6
7.75
Top 3 Industries
Manufacturing, Healthcare, Financial Services
Defense/Military, Tourism, International Trade
Affluence
Modest
High
Poverty
Moderate
Lower
Homelessness
Noticeable
Significant

Moving from Milwaukee to San Diego, you'll face a different economic landscape. The average household income in San Diego is higher, but this is coupled with a significantly increased cost of living, driven in part by housing costs. Although California's state income tax is higher, San Diego benefits from a lower average property tax rate, potentially offsetting some of the increased living expenses. It's also important to factor in the shift in predominant industries, which may impact job opportunities aligned with your expertise. Understanding these dynamics can aid in making an informed decision for a smooth transition.

Milwaukee vs. San Diego Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Milwaukee, WI, to San Diego, CA? It's crucial to have a clear understanding of the community you'll be joining. This quick glance provides a comparison of the political and religious makeup between Milwaukee & San Diego , providing a snapshot of what the typical makeup of the population is like in each city.

Milwaukee
San Diego
Political Make-up
Leans Democratic
Leans Democratic
Local Politics
Strong Union Influence
Progressive Trends
Religion
Lutheran and Catholic
Catholic and Nonreligious

When you're moving from Milwaukee to San Diego, you'll find both cities share a Democratic-leaning political environment. However, the local political scene has its unique flavors; Milwaukee is known for its strong union influence reflecting its industrial history, while San Diego has progressive trends likely influenced by its diverse population and coastal location. Religion plays a significant role in the community life of both cities, with Milwaukee having a strong Lutheran and Catholic presence, and San Diego displaying a mix of Catholic believers and a considerably large nonreligious community. This diversity contributes to the rich, inclusive cultures of both cities, providing a vibrant backdrop to your new life.

Milwaukee vs. San Diego Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

Moving from Milwaukee, WI, to San Diego, CA, requires adapting to new daily commutes and understanding the traffic and transportation options in each city. This comparison will help you navigate the changes with ease.

Milwaukee
San Diego
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
22
26
Traffic Congestion
4 out of 10
7 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
6 out of 10
8 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Possible, but challenging
More feasible, especially in downtown areas

In Milwaukee, the average commute time is slightly shorter than in San Diego, reflecting less severe traffic congestion. However, San Diego offers a more robust public transit system, making it easier to get around without a car, particularly if you live and work in highly urbanized areas. San Diego's higher traffic congestion rating reflects its larger population and greater concentration of vehicles on the road, especially during peak hours. Adaptation might include planning for longer commutes and exploring various public transit options like the San Diego Trolley or buses, which can offer a more relaxed alternative to driving.

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