Moving from Rochester, MN to Milwaukee, WI
The 276 mi from Rochester to Milwaukee translate to about 5h 3m behind the wheel through 2 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.
276 mi · 5h 3m by car · WI → MN
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → MN |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 90, I 94, US 52 |
| Major cities en route | Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Rochester | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 90.821 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 87.389 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 95.433 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 78.628 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 6.7% pricier overall in Milwaukee than Rochester on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Milwaukee typical home at $220,137 is 6.7% under Rochester at $339,455 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Rochester +3.9%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Rochester | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 45°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 7°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 53.1" | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 34.7" | 33.8" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean — 44.8°F vs 48.3°F per NOAA 1991–2020 normals.
Significant snow at the destination: Milwaukee sees 39.5 in a year on NOAA normals — budget for winter gear and plowing.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: ROCHESTER INTL AP, MN US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Rochester | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 121,638 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $87,767 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 36.4 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 27.7% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 6.7% between Rochester and Milwaukee (ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Milwaukee MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 96,990 | $45,330 |
| Production Occupations | 76,240 | $46,700 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 72,420 | $39,810 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 71,930 | $38,320 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 66,240 | $29,690 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Minnesota and Wisconsin
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Wisconsin'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 — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
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.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms — check MnDOT 511.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Milwaukee averages 39.5 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- 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 Wisconsin after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Rochester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 6.7% higher than Rochester (96.937 vs 90.821, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
How does the job market in Milwaukee compare to Rochester?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $48,460 in the Milwaukee MSA vs $55,970 in the Rochester MSA, on total employment of 814,950 and 119,430 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Rochester, MN?
The driving distance is 276 mi and the route typically takes 5h 3m via I 90 and I 94. The trip crosses 2 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
What is the climate difference between Rochester and Milwaukee?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.3°F in Milwaukee vs 44.8°F in Rochester (3.5°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 39.5 in vs 53.1 in. Annual precipitation: 33.8 in vs 34.7 in.
How does household income compare in Rochester vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $87,767 in Rochester — a 40.9% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
When is the best time to move from Rochester to Milwaukee?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 276 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Rochester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $339,455 in Rochester — a 35.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Rochester.
City profiles: Rochester, MN · Milwaukee, WI.