Medium Distance

Moving from Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI

309 miles · 6h 30m drive · Estimated cost $1,726–$2,712 for a 2-bedroom move

309 miles

6h 30m drive

Cost Index: 0.88 → 0.91

Cost Estimate: Des Moines to Milwaukee

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$2,214

Range: $1,726 – $2,712

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$1,565

Range: $1,261 – $1,877

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$1,332

Range: $871 – $1,859

Truck rental + gas + equipment
No labor costs — you do the lifting
Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Des Moines to Milwaukee move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Des Moines, IA → Milwaukee, WI · 309 miles

Low

$1,726

Estimated

$2,214

High

$2,712

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom medium distance from Des Moines to Milwaukee.

Total$2,215

Labor(21.8%)

$423 – $544

Transportation(48.8%)

$860 – $1,302

Packing(23.4%)

$360 – $675

Insurance(3.8%)

$50 – $126

Tips(2.2%)

$34 – $65

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Des Moines to Milwaukee vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

CheapestModerateExpensive

Origin

Des Moines

Iowa

Destination

Milwaukee

Wisconsin

Cost of Living Index

Average Rent (1BR)

$950

$1,050

Average Rent (2BR)

$1,150

$1,300

You'll spend ~12% more on housing

Average rent in Milwaukee is $1,175/mo vs $1,050/mo in Des Moines

Top Neighborhoods

Milwaukee

Third Ward
Bay View
East Side
Walker's Point
Shorewood

Medium-Distance Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 309-mile move from Des Moines to Milwaukee.

Book 4–6 weeks ahead

Medium-distance moves from Des Moines to Milwaukee require more logistics. Early booking locks in better rates and your preferred date.

Consider a hybrid move

Pack your own boxes but hire movers for the heavy lifting and driving. This partial-service approach typically saves 30–40%.

Use wardrobe boxes

For a multi-hundred-mile move, wardrobe boxes keep clothing organized and wrinkle-free without the hassle of folding everything.

Plan your route

The drive from Des Moines to Milwaukee may take several hours. Plan rest stops and fuel stations, especially if driving a rental truck.

Protect your valuables

Transport important documents, jewelry, and electronics in your personal vehicle rather than the moving truck.

Check your insurance

Basic carrier liability covers only $0.60/lb. For a medium-distance move, consider full-value protection for your belongings.

Top Moving Companies for Des Moines to Milwaukee

These nationally recognized movers service the Des Moines to Milwaukee route. Compare their rates and read reviews before choosing.

United Van Lines

$$$

4.3

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationInternational

Extensive nationwide agent network for reliable coverage
Offers a comprehensive online tracking and shipment management system
Strong reputation with decades of industry experience

Get a Free Quote

Allied Van Lines

$$$

4.2

Long DistanceMilitaryCorporate Relocation

Wide range of service options including packing and unpacking
Transparent online quote process with detailed estimates
Strong military and government relocation program

Get a Free Quote

Mayflower

$$$

4.1

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationStorage

Offers flexible moving and storage bundles
Provides detailed shipment tracking throughout the move
Well-established claims process for damaged items

Get a Free Quote

North American Van Lines

$$$

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationGovernment

Assigned personal move coordinator for each customer
ProMover certified with strong safety track record

Get a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Des Moines to Milwaukee?

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Des Moines, IA to Milwaukee, WI ranges from $1,726 to $2,712, with a typical cost around $2,214. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $1,332. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Des Moines to Milwaukee take?

The distance from Des Moines to Milwaukee is approximately 309 miles. The estimated driving time is 6h 30m, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 1–2 days to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Des Moines to Milwaukee?

January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

For a 309-mile move, both options have merit. A DIY move saves money but requires significant effort over several hours of driving. Partial service (you pack, movers drive) offers a good balance. Compare your DIY cost of ~$1,332 vs. full-service at ~$2,214 to decide.

How far is Des Moines from Milwaukee?

Des Moines, IA is approximately 309 miles from Milwaukee, WI. This is classified as a medium distance and the drive takes roughly 6h 30m.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Des Moines to Milwaukee?

For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.