Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Dallas, TX
Relocating 1010 mi from Milwaukee to Dallas is a 18h 47m drive through 5 state(s). At long-haul distance the move touches nearly every household line item — rent or mortgage, utilities, tax withholding, climate load. This page sets the two cities side by side on each data layer.
1010 mi · 18h 47m by car · TX → OK → MO → IL → WI
Distance & route
| Route through | TX → OK → MO → IL → WI |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 44, US 69, I 55 |
| Major cities en route | Mesquite, Arlington, Irving, Grand Prairie, Garland |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Dallas | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 103.09 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 90.711 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 102.838 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 117.874 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.3% higher cost of living — rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.3% higher home prices — ZHVI goes from $220,137 to $309,421 moving to Dallas.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Dallas -3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Milwaukee | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 68°F |
| January avg low | 14°F | 38°F |
| July avg high | 83°F | 97°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | 1.7" |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 38.3" |
Expect 19.7°F warmer on average per year — plan for air conditioning and a summer-heavy wardrobe.
Dallas averages 1.7 in of snow a year on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a light winter by U.S. standards.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, DALLAS LOVE FLD, TX US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Dallas |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 1,299,553 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $67,760 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 33.4 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 22.9% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.46 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.3% — $51,888 → $67,760 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Dallas MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 523,660 | $44,430 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 412,270 | $39,950 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 368,400 | $36,710 |
| Management Occupations | 350,940 | $117,410 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 341,240 | $29,000 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Texas
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Texas'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% 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 — check 511wi.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Dallas average 97°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- You are moving to a noticeably warmer climate (19.7°F higher annual average). Keep summer clothing accessible and consider donating or storing heavy winter gear.
- Coastal Texas sees hurricanes June through November; inland areas face severe thunderstorms and occasional tornadoes in spring.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Texas after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How much do homes cost in Dallas compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $309,421 in Dallas vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 40.6% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Dallas, TX from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 1010 mi and the route typically takes 18h 47m via I 44 and US 69. The trip crosses 5 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Dallas?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $67,760 in Dallas vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 30.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How does the job market in Dallas compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,440 in the Dallas MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 3,966,500 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Dallas more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Dallas is 6.3% higher than Milwaukee (103.09 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Milwaukee and Dallas?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 68.0°F in Dallas vs 48.3°F in Milwaukee (19.7°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 1.7 in vs 39.5 in. Annual precipitation: 38.3 in vs 33.8 in.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Dallas?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1010 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Dallas, TX.