Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Cleveland, OH
It is a 435 mi drive, roughly 8h 19m, between Milwaukee, WI and Cleveland, OH. At mid-range distance you typically see real gaps open up on cost of living, home values, and climate β not just scenery. This page assembles the comparison from federal data sources and Zillow Research for a single-page view of the move.
435 mi Β· 8h 19m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 80, I 94 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Cleveland | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 93.923 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 95.967 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 79.434 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable β 96.937 vs 93.923 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 3.1% lower home prices β ZHVI goes from $220,137 to $115,537 moving to Cleveland.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Cleveland -1.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 24Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 81Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 33.3" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) and Cleveland (52.3Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, CLEVELAND BURKE AP, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Cleveland |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 367,523 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $39,187 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 36.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 12.5% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.18 |
Cleveland households earn about 3.1% less than Milwaukee at the median β $51,888 β $39,187 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Cleveland?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $39,187 in Cleveland vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 24.5% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How far is Cleveland, OH from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 435 mi and the route typically takes 8h 19m via I 90 and I 80. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Cleveland more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Cleveland is 3.1% lower than Milwaukee (93.923 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Cleveland?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 435 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Cleveland compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $115,537 in Cleveland vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 47.5% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Cleveland, OH.