Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Toledo, OH
Moving from Milwaukee, WI to Toledo, OH covers 332 mi and about 6h 28m by car through 4 state(s). That is far enough that housing, cost-of-living, climate, and job market can all move meaningfully β the sections below pull current figures from BEA, Zillow, the Census Bureau, BLS, and NOAA to map exactly where the differences fall.
332 mi Β· 6h 28m by car Β· WI β IL β IN β OH
Distance & route
| Route through | WI β IL β IN β OH |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, I 80 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Milwaukee | Toledo | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 96.937 | 91.455 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 91.59 | 96.285 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 93.787 | 93.628 | 100.0 |
| Services | 97.111 | 67.317 | 100.0 |
Toledo is 5.7% cheaper than Milwaukee overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Toledo is 5.7% below Milwaukee β $220,137 vs $129,627 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Milwaukee +3.6%, Toledo +5.4%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Milwaukee | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48Β°F | 51Β°F |
| January avg low | 14Β°F | 20Β°F |
| July avg high | 83Β°F | 85Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | 39.5" | β |
| Annual precipitation | 33.8" | 32.4" |
Annual average temperatures in Milwaukee (48.3Β°F) and Toledo (51.4Β°F) stay within 5Β°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US, TOLEDO METCALF FLD, OH US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Milwaukee | Toledo |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 569,756 | 268,461 |
| Median household income | $51,888 | $47,532 |
| Median age | 32.2 | 35.7 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 17.2% | 13.7% |
| Avg household size | 2.47 | 2.27 |
Median household income in Toledo is 5.7% below Milwaukee ($51,888 β $47,532, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Toledo MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 33,160 | $39,900 |
| Production Occupations | 31,420 | $45,220 |
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 30,850 | $41,570 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 27,870 | $28,590 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 22,710 | $32,930 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Wisconsin and Ohio
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Ohio'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 far is Toledo, OH from Milwaukee, WI?
The driving distance is 332 mi and the route typically takes 6h 28m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Toledo compared to Milwaukee?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $129,627 in Toledo vs $220,137 in Milwaukee β a 41.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Toledo compare to Milwaukee?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $45,740 in the Toledo MSA vs $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA, on total employment of 290,070 and 814,950 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Milwaukee to Toledo?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 332 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
Is Toledo more expensive than Milwaukee?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Toledo is 5.7% lower than Milwaukee (91.455 vs 96.937, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does household income compare in Milwaukee vs Toledo?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $47,532 in Toledo vs $51,888 in Milwaukee β a 8.4% lower 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· Toledo, OH.