Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Omaha, NE
It is 513 mi between Milwaukee and Omaha β roughly 9h 28m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
513 mi Β· 9h 28m by car Β· WI β IL β IA β NE
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IA β NE |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 88, IL 110 |
| Major cities en route | Rockford, Cedar Rapids, Des Moines |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Omaha | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 91.911 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 76.378 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 94.063 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 86.404 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL drop: 5.2% cheaper overall in Omaha than Milwaukee on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
5.2% jump on the typical home value β a meaningful shift in monthly mortgage math.
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Omaha +1.2%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 15Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | β |
No material annual-average temperature gap; seasonal extremes may still differ.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, OMAHA #1, NE US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Omaha |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 488,197 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $72,708 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.3 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 25.6% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.44 |
Omaha households earn about 5.2% more than Milwaukee at the median β $51,888 β $72,708 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Omaha MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 58,590 | $42,850 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 45,020 | $30,130 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 43,680 | $35,980 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 41,730 | $39,370 |
| Management Occupations | 37,950 | $104,990 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Nebraska
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Nebraska'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.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Tornado season peaks May through July β identify a safe room or interior space on day one.
- 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 Nebraska after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Omaha?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 513 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does the job market in Omaha compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $47,580 in the Omaha MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 483,970 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
Is Omaha more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Omaha is 5.2% lower than Milwaukee (91.911 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How far is Omaha, NE from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 513 mi and the route typically takes 9h 28m via I 80 and I 88. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Omaha?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $72,708 in Omaha vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 40.1% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
How much do homes cost in Omaha compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $294,189 in Omaha vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 33.6% higher 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· Omaha, NE.