Moving from Worcester, MA to Milwaukee, WI
The drive from Worcester, MA to Milwaukee, WI runs 1047 mi — about 19h 52m on interstate, longer with stops. Long-range relocations typically bring real shifts in cost of living, housing prices, climate, and job market. Below, each of those layers is pulled from its source (BEA, Census, Zillow, BLS, NOAA) for a direct comparison.
1047 mi · 19h 52m by car · WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA
Distance & route
| Route through | WI → IL → IN → OH → PA → NY → CT → MA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 90, I 84 |
| Major cities en route | Elgin, Naperville, Chicago, South Bend, Toledo |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Worcester | Milwaukee | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 102.523 | 96.937 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 155.206 | 91.59 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 97.015 | 93.787 | 100.0 |
| Services | 113.001 | 97.111 | 100.0 |
Milwaukee is 5.4% cheaper than Worcester overall, per BEA Regional Price Parities (2024).
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Typical home value in Milwaukee is 5.4% below Worcester — $430,112 vs $220,137 per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Worcester +1.0%, Milwaukee +3.6%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Worcester | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 48°F | 48°F |
| January avg low | 17°F | 14°F |
| July avg high | 80°F | 83°F |
| Annual snowfall | 72.9" | 39.5" |
| Annual precipitation | 48.3" | 33.8" |
Annual average temperatures in Worcester (48.1°F) and Milwaukee (48.3°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Milwaukee averages 39.5 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: WORCESTER RGNL AP, MA US, MT MARY COLLEGE, WI US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Worcester | Milwaukee |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 205,501 | 569,756 |
| Median household income | $67,544 | $51,888 |
| Median age | 34.1 | 32.2 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 20.1% | 17.2% |
| Avg household size | 2.6 | 2.47 |
Income gap is large: median household income drops 5.4% between Worcester 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 Massachusetts 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.
- The Pennsylvania Turnpike between Pittsburgh and Harrisburg can see chain requirements in heavy winter storms.
- Lake-effect off Lake Ontario can shut down I-81 and I-90 for hours in winter — check 511NY.
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
How much do homes cost in Milwaukee compared to Worcester?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $220,137 in Milwaukee vs $430,112 in Worcester — a 48.8% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How far is Milwaukee, WI from Worcester, MA?
The driving distance is 1047 mi and the route typically takes 19h 52m via I 80 and I 90. The trip crosses 8 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Is Milwaukee more expensive than Worcester?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Milwaukee is 5.4% lower than Worcester (96.937 vs 102.523, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Worcester 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 1047 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How does household income compare in Worcester vs Milwaukee?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $51,888 in Milwaukee vs $67,544 in Worcester — a 23.2% lower figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
What is the climate difference between Worcester and Milwaukee?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 48.3°F in Milwaukee vs 48.1°F in Worcester (0.2°F warmer). Annual snowfall: 39.5 in vs 72.9 in. Annual precipitation: 33.8 in vs 48.3 in.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Worcester.
City profiles: Worcester, MA · Milwaukee, WI.