Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Minneapolis, MN
The 336 mi from Milwaukee to Minneapolis translate to about 6h 11m behind the wheel through 2 state(s). Mid-range moves tend to cross at least one meaningful boundary β 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.
336 mi Β· 6h 11m by car Β· WI β MN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, WI 175 |
| Major cities en route | Madison, St Paul |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Minneapolis | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 104.822 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 93.493 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 103.065 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 111.838 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 8.1% pricier overall in Minneapolis than Milwaukee on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Minneapolis typical home at $330,882 is 8.1% above Milwaukee at $220,137 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Minneapolis +1.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 46Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 8Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 83Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 34.4" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 48.3Β°F vs 45.8Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, LOWER ST ANTHONY FALLS, MN US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Minneapolis |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 426,845 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $80,269 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 33 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 32.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.26 |
Income gap is large: median household income climbs 8.1% between Milwaukee and Minneapolis (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Minneapolis MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 233,400 | $49,210 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 158,540 | $40,720 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 154,580 | $81,780 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 153,950 | $31,400 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 144,720 | $46,500 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Minnesota
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Minnesota'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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Frequently asked
How far is Minneapolis, MN from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 336 mi and the route typically takes 6h 11m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Minneapolis?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 336 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Minneapolis more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Minneapolis is 8.1% higher than Milwaukee (104.822 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Minneapolis?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $80,269 in Minneapolis vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 54.7% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Minneapolis compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $330,882 in Minneapolis vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 50.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Minneapolis compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $54,850 in the Minneapolis MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 1,911,030 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 Β· Minneapolis, MN.