Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Green Bay, WI

The 116 mi from Milwaukee to Green Bay translate to about 2h 15m behind the wheel through 1 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary — MSA, climate zone, or tax jurisdiction. The sections below set the two cities side by side on housing, income, cost of living, climate, and jobs.

116 mi · 2h 15m by car · WI

COL -4.0% Home values +26.3% Δ -3.6°F annual

Distance & route

Driving
116 mi
Drive time
2h 15m
States
1
Fuel (25 mpg)
5 gal
Route throughWI
Primary highwaysI 43, WI 57

Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.

Cost of living

MilwaukeeGreen BayU.S. avg
All items (RPP)96.93793.086100.0
Rents91.5990.041100.0
Goods93.78793.787100.0
Services97.11174.696100.0

Green Bay and Milwaukee are close on the overall BEA RPP (96.937 vs 93.086); rent and services often drive the real difference.

Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.

Housing prices

Milwaukee — typical home
$220,137
Green Bay — typical home
$278,024
Milwaukee — typical rent
$1,428/mo
Green Bay — typical rent
$1,039/mo

Housing gap is large: Green Bay typical home at $278,024 is 4.0% above Milwaukee at $220,137 (Zillow, 2026-03).

YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Green Bay +5.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.

Climate

1991–2020 normalsMilwaukeeGreen Bay
Annual avg temperature48°F45°F
January avg low14°F9°F
July avg high83°F80°F
Annual snowfall39.5"
Annual precipitation33.8"32.4"

Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 48.3°F vs 44.7°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.

Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, GREEN BAY BOTANICAL, WI US).

Demographics

ACS 5-year 2023MilwaukeeGreen Bay
Population569,756106,585
Median household income$51,888$62,546
Median age32.235.7
Bachelor's degree or higher17.2%18.4%
Avg household size2.472.42

Income gap is large: median household income climbs 4.0% between Milwaukee and Green Bay (ACS 2023).

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.

Jobs & wages

Milwaukee MSA — median wage
$48,460
Green Bay MSA — median wage
$47,410
Milwaukee MSA — employment
814,950
Green Bay MSA — employment
171,590

Top occupations in Green Bay MSA

OccupationEmploymentMedian wage
Office and Administrative Support Occupations 21,540 $44,720
Production Occupations 21,100 $46,550
Transportation and Material Moving Occupations 17,340 $44,580
Sales and Related Occupations 15,060 $36,480
Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations 14,500 $28,870

Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.

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.

Frequently asked

How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Green Bay?

Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $62,546 in Green Bay vs $51,888 in Milwaukee — a 20.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.

When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Green Bay?

Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 116 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.

Is Green Bay more expensive than Milwaukee?

Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Green Bay is 4.0% lower than Milwaukee (93.086 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.

How far is Green Bay, WI from Milwaukee, WI?

The driving distance is 116 mi and the route typically takes 2h 15m via I 43 and WI 57. The trip crosses 1 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.

How much do homes cost in Green Bay compared to Milwaukee?

Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $278,024 in Green Bay vs $220,137 in Milwaukee — a 26.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.

How does the job market in Green Bay compare to Milwaukee?

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,410 in the Green Bay MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 171,590 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.

Plan the move

Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.

City profiles: Milwaukee, WI · Green Bay, WI.