Best Durham to Milwaukee Movers + Moving Guide
Want help with the heavy lifting?
If you're moving from Durham to Milwaukee and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 873 mile move from North Carolina to Wisconsin go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 31 Durham to Milwaukee moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Raleigh Moving Company), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Durham compared to Milwaukee. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

Best Durham to Milwaukee Moving Companies
Rank | Company Name | Rating | Affordability Index | License | Contact |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Raleigh Moving Company | 9.42 | 9.6 | Active | Contact |
2 | Athens Moving Experts | 9.34 | 9.49 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
3 | About Time Moving Systems LLC | 9.33 | 9.33 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
4 | Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc. | 9.30 | 9.31 | Authorized For Property, HHG | Contact |
5 | Capital Moving & Storage | 9.26 | 9.47 | Authorized For HHG | Contact |
Cost to Move from Durham to Milwaukee
Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 873 miles from Durham, NC to Milwaukee, WI will cost on average $2,524 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Durham to Milwaukee move is roughly $6,059. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup and dropoff as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve movers, the better your pricing and options will be.
Home Size | Moving Cost | Volume of Packed Items (ft³) | $/ft³ |
---|---|---|---|
Studio | $1,697 | 300 ft³ | 5.66 |
1 Bedroom | $2,524 | 450 ft³ | 5.61 |
2 Bedrooms | $4,169 | 750 ft³ | 5.56 |
3 Bedrooms | $6,059 | 1100 ft³ | 5.51 |
4 Bedrooms | $8,733 | 1600 ft³ | 5.46 |
5+ Bedrooms | $9,734 | 1800 ft³ | 5.41 |


Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Milwaukee to Durham guide.
Compare the 5 Best Durham to Milwaukee Movers
These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Raleigh Moving Company
Raleigh Moving Company is a locally owned and operated moving company offering residential and commercial services for local and long-distance moves...
Services
- Free estimates
- Full Value Protection (FVP)
- Fully licensed and insured
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3344628 / - Active Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 1 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | - |

Athens Moving Experts

6601 Hillsborough St # 111
Raleigh, NC, 27606
About Athens Moving Experts
Since 2015, Athens Moving Experts has helped Raleigh, Chapel Hill, Holly Springs, and communities across North Carolina with their residential and...
Services
- Local Moving Services
- Long Distance Moving Services
- Commercial Moving Services
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3205320 / 204920 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 5 |
Registered Drivers | 5 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 25,000 (2021) |

About Time Moving Systems LLC
4909 8th Ave
Kenosha, WI, 53140
About About Time Moving Systems LLC
This locally owned and operated moving company serves the Milwaukee, WI, area with high-quality residential and commercial relocation services. About Time...
Services
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2525330 / 877057 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 4 |
Registered Drivers | 2 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 50,000 (2022) |

Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
310 Progress Way Suite 140
Sun Prairie, WI, 53590
About Gorilla Movers Of Wisconsin Inc.
As a locally owned and operated moving company, Gorilla Movers has over 20 years of experience performing high-quality residential and commercial...
Services
- Residential moves
- Commercial moves
- Local/statewide moving
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 2627768 / 1031866 Authorized For Property, HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 7 |
Registered Drivers | 14 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 173,000 (2023) |

Capital Moving & Storage
3450 Bush St Suite 245
Raleigh, NC, 27609
About Capital Moving & Storage
Capital Moving & Storage, a family-owned company based in Raleigh, NC, has been providing high-quality moving services for over 20 years....
Services
- Residential & Commercial Moving
- Local & Long Distance Moving
- Packing
Interstate Moving License
USDOT / MC Status Entity Type | 3623752 / 1238777 Authorized For HHG Carrier |
Registered Trucks/Vans | 3 |
Registered Drivers | 4 |
Total Annual Miles Moved | 120,504 (2023) |

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!
Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:
- No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
- Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.
Durham vs. Milwaukee Neighborhood Comparison
Embarking on a move can feel like stepping into the unknown, but understanding how your new city compares to your current one can ease the transition. This guide is designed to help you familiarize yourself with Milwaukee by drawing comparisons with Durham. We’ll compare neighborhoods between Durham, NC & Milwaukee, WI to help you find a new community that feels like home.
Durham | Milwaukee | How They're Similar |
---|---|---|
Trinity Park | Historic Third Ward | Vibrant arts scene, historic buildings |
American Tobacco District | Walker's Point | Repurposed industrial spaces, lively nightlife |
Brightleaf Square | East Town | Bustling shopping and dining, cultural landmarks |
Duke Park | Riverwest | Diverse community, eclectic local shops |
Old West Durham | Bay View | Strong sense of community, historic homes |
Rockwood | Washington Heights | Architectural charm, family-friendly vibe |
Forest Hills | Shorewood | Upscale homes, walkable shopping districts |
Woodcroft | Wauwatosa | Green spaces, charming neighborhoods |
Hope Valley | Elm Grove | Quiet, luxurious living, sprawling estates |
Ninth Street | Brady Street | Eclectic eateries, unique boutiques |
The essence of a neighborhood goes beyond its name; it's about the culture, community, and the unique local spots that give it its vibrancy. For instance, Trinity Park's rich artsy ambiance finds a parallel in Milwaukee's Historic Third Ward, where the renovated warehouses now house an impressive array of studios and galleries. If you're fond of the lively entertainment and urban renewal characteristic of Durham's American Tobacco District, Walker's Point in Milwaukee will captivate you with its innovative repurposing of industrial spaces into bustling spots for nightlife and dining. Similarly, the cozy cafes and unique shops of Ninth Street bear a resemblance to the lively atmosphere of Brady Street in Milwaukee, where each establishment tells a part of the neighborhood's eclectic story. Whether it’s enjoying a meal at a trendy restaurant like DanDan in the Third Ward or catching a local band at Cactus Club in Bay View, Milwaukee offers a rich tapestry of communities akin to the cherished local haunts of Durham.
Ready to start your move?
Pros and Cons of Moving from Durham to Milwaukee
Moving can be a daunting yet exciting decision, specifically if you're considering relocating from Durham, NC to Milwaukee, WI. This guide offers an honest reflection of the attributes associated with this move. Understanding the pros and cons in detail will aid in making an informed decision.
- Hotter summers
- Less diverse food scene
- Smaller arts scene
- Fewer water activities
- Cooler summers
- Rich culinary variety
- Vibrant arts community
- Lakeside lifestyle
- Smaller tech scene
- Harsher winters
- Slower population growth
- Fewer college sports events
- Thriving tech hub
- Lush green spaces
- Rapid city growth
- Lively college sports
Milwaukee, with its vibrant arts community, shores along Lake Michigan, and rich diversity of cuisines, entices many. Renowned establishments like Milwaukee Art Museum and historical brewers embody the city's cultural and gastronomical richness. Conversely, Durham is celebrated for its booming tech scene, epitomized by the Research Triangle Park, and extensive green spaces like the Sarah P. Duke Gardens. However, Milwaukee’s allure with its renowned festivals like Summerfest and the ethnic culinary scene in neighborhoods like the Historic Third Ward tips the balance for many. The transition from Durham's warmth to Milwaukee's cooler summers and lakeside lifestyle introduces a refreshing change, albeit with a trade-off of experiencing harsher winters.
Durham vs. Milwaukee Food Guide
This comparison of the local cuisine between Durham & Milwaukee highlights how food is an integral part of each city's culture and everyday life. Understanding these culinary landscapes will offer you a richer perspective on what living in your new city will be like.
Durham | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Most iconic local food item | Carolina-style BBQ | Beer Brats |
Most popular meat dish | Pulled Pork | Beer Brats |
Most popular street food item | Tacos | Pretzels |
Most popular vegan food | BBQ Jackfruit | Vegetarian Chili |
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness (out of 10) | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
Abundance of Food Trucks (out of 10) | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
Foodie Scene (out of 10) | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
Vegan Friendly (out of 10) | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
In Durham, the food scene is markedly influenced by its Southern roots, with Carolina-style BBQ leading as the most iconic local food item. Notably, the Pulled Pork at places like Backyard BBQ Pit and the vegan BBQ Jackfruit options across the city reflect Durham's ability to both honor traditions and embrace inclusivity. Milwaukee, on the other hand, is renowned for its German influence, notably through its Beer Brats and the historic Mader's restaurant. This city also celebrates its rich brewing history, which is intertwined with its culinary scene. Both cities have bustling food truck scenes and a growing interest in health and fitness, though Durham slightly edges out with its vegan options and overall foodie scene. Whether you're moving to Durham, with its vibrant street food scene and health-conscious options, or Milwaukee, where traditional dishes and a love for beer define the locale, you're in for a delightful culinary adventure.
Durham vs. Milwaukee Restaurant Comparison
When moving to a new city, finding your next go-to spots for dining out is crucial for feeling at home. This restaurant comparison aims to ease the transition from Durham, NC, to Milwaukee, WI , by suggesting similar dining experiences in your new city. Whether you’re seeking upscale dining, casual eateries, or unique culinary adventures, we’ve got you covered.
Durham | Milwaukee | What You'll Love |
---|---|---|
NanaSteak | Carnevor | Both offer a stylish, upscale steakhouse experience with a focus on prime cuts and fine wines. |
Pizzeria Toro | Zaffiro's Pizza | Known for their thin-crust pizza, providing a similar artisan approach to pizza making. |
Mateo Bar de Tapas | Amilinda | Offering a cozy atmosphere with a focus on Spanish-inspired dishes, echoing Mateo's tapas experience. |
Dame's Chicken & Waffles | Maxie's | Their Southern-inspired comfort food, especially the chicken and waffles, makes it a close match. |
Mothers & Sons Trattoria | Ristorante Bartolotta | Both specialize in authentic Italian dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients. |
Guasaca | Café Corazón | While Guasaca focuses on Venezuelan arepas, Café Corazón offers a Latin twist with fresh, local ingredients, capturing a similar spirit of innovation. |
Joe Van Gogh | Colectivo Coffee | Both are local coffee shop chains with a strong emphasis on community and high-quality, artisanal coffee. |
Elmo's Diner | Blue's Egg | Both offer a classic American diner experience with a modern twist, focusing on breakfast and brunch. |
Saltbox Seafood Joint | St. Paul Fish Company | Offering fresh, high-quality seafood dishes in a laid-back setting, mirroring Saltbox's focus on coastal flavors. |
Vin Rouge | La Merenda | Both restaurants emphasize a farm-to-table approach, offering a fine dining experience with a focus on local and seasonal ingredients. |
Among the gems on this list, Carnevor in Milwaukee stands out for its dedication to serving meticulously sourced steaks, much like Durham's NanaSteak, making it a paradise for meat lovers. For those who can't resist the charm of a good thin-crust pizza, Zaffiro's Pizza in Milwaukee will not disappoint, offering a taste reminiscent of Pizzeria Toro's celebrated pies. Transitioning from the vibrant tapas scene in Durham with a visit to Mateo Bar de Tapas, Milwaukee's Amilinda offers a similarly warming and inviting environment, with a menu that pays homage to the rich flavors of Spain. This guide not only points you towards familiar dining experiences but also invites you to discover the unique culinary character of Milwaukee.

Ready to start your move?
Durham vs. Milwaukee Real Estate & Living Facts
Real estate is a pivotal factor when planning a move. It's crucial for you to understand how Durham, NC and Milwaukee, WI stack up in terms of housing costs, architectural styles, walkability, and urban lifestyle. This comparison will assist in making an informed decision.
Comparison | Durham | Milwaukee |
---|---|---|
Typical Architecture Style | Colonial Revival | Craftsman |
Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Hardwood floors, open floor plans | Hardwood floors, spacious yards |
When considering a move from Durham to Milwaukee, the real estate market shows significant differences. Median home prices in Milwaukee are more affordable, making it an attractive option for homebuyers. While the median monthly rent is lower in Milwaukee, both cities offer a comparable urban lifestyle score, indicating a vibrant city life. Milwaukee edges out Durham slightly in terms of bikeability, which reflects in the city's infrastructure and support for cyclists. Architecture styles also vary between the two, with Milwaukee’s Craftsman style offering a distinct character compared to Durham’s Colonial Revival homes. This diversity in housing and lifestyle offerings makes each city unique and appealing in its own right.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Milwaukee, WI
1. Bay View: Known for its community feel, you'll find an abundance of pet-friendly cafes and a popular dog park, ensuring your furry friend will always feel welcome.
2. Third Ward: This neighborhood boasts stylish pet-friendly apartments and several boutiques like Third Ward Dog, where you can pamper your pooch with the latest trends.
3. Wauwatosa: Offering numerous parks and green spaces, such as the spacious Hart Park, it's a paradise for pets who love the outdoors, making walks and playdates a part of your daily routine.
Durham vs. Milwaukee Weather Considerations
When relocating, understanding the change in weather you'll experience is crucial. Weather comparisons between Durham and Milwaukee inform you of what to anticipate climate-wise. Adjusting your lifestyle and preparations for the move become easier when you grasp these differences.
Durham, NC
Milwaukee, WI
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Average Summer High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Milwaukee, WI
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Average Winter High/Low (°F)
Durham, NC
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Annual Rainfall (Inches)
Durham, NC
Milwaukee, WI
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Annual Snowfall (Inches)
Comparison | Durham | Milwaukee |
---|---|---|
Air Quality | Good | Moderate |
Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Tornadoes | Snowstorms, Tornadoes |
Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
Moving from Durham to Milwaukee, you'll experience a notable change in winter temperatures and snowfall. Milwaukee's winters are significantly colder with more snow, a stark contrast to Durham's milder cold season. This may necessitate investing in winter gear and possibly a car that handles well in snow. Another point of interest is the summer climate; Milwaukee offers cooler summers, which might be a pleasant change from Durham's hotter, more humid summers. Awareness of these variations can help you plan better for your relocation, ensuring a smoother transition to your new home.
Ready to start your move?
Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Durham to Milwaukee
When planning your move from Durham, NC to Milwaukee, WI, understanding the financial implications, the cost of living, and how other money-related matters will affect you is crucial. By comparing these two cities, you'll grasp what to expect in terms of expenses and economic environment.
Comparison | Durham | Milwaukee |
---|---|---|
Avg. Household Income | $71,343 | $46,637 |
Cost of Living Index | 96.6 | 101.9 |
State Income Tax | 5.25 | 7.65 |
Avg. Property Tax | 0.86 | 2.17 |
Avg. Sales Tax | 7.5 | 5.6 |
Top 3 Industries | Education, Healthcare, Technology | Manufacturing, Healthcare, Education |
Affluence | Moderate | Lower-moderate |
Poverty | Lower | Higher |
Homelessness | Moderate | Moderate to high |
The financial landscape significantly differs between Durham and Milwaukee. In Durham, the average household income is notably higher, which aligns with a somewhat higher cost of living index. Despite this, Milwaukee presents a lower cost of living advantage, though it is paired with a higher state income tax rate that might offset some savings. Additionally, potential homeowners should consider Milwaukee's substantially higher average property tax rate. The top industries in both cities suggest diverse economic opportunities, though Durham leans more towards tech and academia, whereas Milwaukee has a strong manufacturing base. Understanding these nuances can help you prepare financially for your move.
Durham vs. Milwaukee Political & Religious Comparison
When contemplating a move from Durham, NC to Milwaukee, WI, understanding the local ambience is crucial. Specifically, this quick glimpse focuses on a comparison of the politics between Durham & Milwaukee , alongside the religious landscape, offering a neat insight into what to expect from your new neighborhood.
Durham | Milwaukee | |
---|---|---|
Political Make-up | Liberal | Liberal |
Local Politics | Diverse representation, progressive policies | Historical labor roots, progressive with strong Democratic presence |
Religion | Varied, with a strong presence of Christian churches Durham Churches | Diverse, including Lutheran and Catholic majorities Milwaukee Churches |
Moving from Durham to Milwaukee, you'll find both cities share a liberal political makeup, which might make the transition smoother for you. Durham and Milwaukee also both boast a diverse religious landscape; however, Milwaukee has a significant presence of Lutheran and Catholic communities, reflecting its European immigrant roots. Local politics in Milwaukee has been shaped by its historical labor movement which might differ from Durham's more recent progressive wave. Exploring these facets will help you feel right at home in Milwaukee's vibrant community.
Durham vs. Milwaukee Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
Moving from Durham, NC, to Milwaukee, WI, presents a unique set of changes, not least in how you'll navigate daily commutes. This comparison of the traffic and transportation options between Durham & Milwaukee is designed to help you quickly adapt to your new environment, understanding differences in commute times, traffic congestion, and public transit availability.
Comparison | Durham | Milwaukee |
---|---|---|
Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 22 | 23 |
Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
Can you get by without car? | Challenging | Feasible |
In Durham, your daily commute might feel slightly easier in terms of traffic compared to Milwaukee, with a slightly lower average commute time and congestion rating. However, Milwaukee offers better public transit options, making it easier for you to get around without a car. This is a significant difference if you're looking to reduce your reliance on a vehicle. While Durham’s public transit score suggests that living without a car can be challenging, Milwaukee's higher score indicates a more robust public transit system, including buses and a streetcar system, potentially making your transition to a car-less lifestyle smoother.



Additional Resources
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Popular Durham to Wisconsin Routes
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