Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Naperville, IL
Relocating between Milwaukee, WI and Naperville, IL is a 109 mi drive β 2h 18m on open road, longer with stops. A move of this length usually shifts more than the commute: BEA RPP, Zillow ZHVI, and Census household stats can all diverge. This comparison assembles them from the current federal releases.
109 mi Β· 2h 18m by car Β· WI β IL
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 294, I 88 |
| Major cities en route | Chicago, Elgin, Joliet, Aurora |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Naperville | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 103.595 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 83.581 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 107.258 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 112.01 | 100.0 |
Expect roughly 6.9% higher cost of living β rent and services usually drive most of a gap this size.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect roughly 6.9% higher home prices β ZHVI goes from $220,137 to $610,454 moving to Naperville.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Naperville +5.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 49Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 84Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 40.2" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) and Naperville (49.2Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, LISLE-MORTON ARBORETUM, IL US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Naperville |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 149,424 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $150,937 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 40.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 38.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.75 |
Expect median household income to rise 6.9% β $51,888 β $150,937 per ACS 5-year estimates (2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Naperville MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 519,810 | $46,540 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 497,550 | $41,020 |
| Management Occupations | 405,130 | $125,280 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 386,070 | $38,490 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 368,000 | $33,540 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Illinois
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Illinois'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 the job market in Naperville compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $49,790 in the Naperville MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 4,506,800 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Naperville, IL from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 109 mi and the route typically takes 2h 18m via I 94 and I 294. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Naperville compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $610,454 in Naperville vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 177.3% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Naperville?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 109 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Naperville more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Naperville is 6.9% higher than Milwaukee (103.595 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Naperville?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $150,937 in Naperville vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 190.9% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Milwaukee.
City profiles: Milwaukee, WI Β· Naperville, IL.