($1,259) Moving from Chicago to Seattle
Quick answer: A move from Chicago to Seattle costs $1,299 to $7,235 and takes six-seventeen days. The main factors that determine the cost and time are how much you’re moving, your move date, and whether you hire a company or do the 2,064-mile move yourself.
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Hiring a long-distance moving company from Chicago will be more expensive, while renting a truck or using a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Moving from Seattle to Chicago guide.
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The best Chicago to Seattle moving companies
Hiring an interstate moving company to go from Chicago to Seattle is a big deal. There are more than 8,000 moving companies in the U.S. But don't worry, you won't have to filter through all of them. We've done the research for you and narrowed the list based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.
Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Seattle.
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- Safeway Moving: 4.85 out of 5
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.9 out of 5
- BLVD Moving: 4.25 out of 5
- PODS: 4.8 out of 5
- American Van Lines: 4.5 out of 5
How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Seattle?
Chicago movers charge $100 per hour on average. Here are average prices for a full-service moving company, moving container, or truck:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,259 - $5,038 | $1,157 - $3,104 | $1,164 - $2,386 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $3,208 - $7,235 | $2,253 - $4,640 | $1,299 - $2,896 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $6,393 - $11,421 | $2,911 - $5,669 | $1,723 - $3,445 |
Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Seattle
The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:
- Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Seattle can be as low as $1,259 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,785.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
- Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,164 to $3,144. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.
How much are professional moving companies when moving from Chicago to Seattle?
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Seattle will cost between $1,259 to $5,038. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home will range from $3,208 to $7,235, and a four-bedroom move or bigger move from Chicago to Seattle will cost from $6,393 to $11,421.
How much are moving container companies from Chicago to Seattle?
Moving containers from Chicago to Seattle will cost you $1,157 to $3,104 for a studio or one-bedroom home. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,253 to $4,640. A larger home will cost $2,911 to $5,669.
How much is a moving truck from Chicago to Seattle?
Renting a moving truck is usually the cheapest option, but it requires you to do all of the driving and labor.
Moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment in a rental truck will cost around $1,164 to $2,386. A larger move will cost $1,299 to $2,896, and a four-bedroom move from Chicago to Seattle costs from $1,723 to $3,445. These estimates include the anticipated fuel cost.
Pros and cons of moving from Chicago to Seattle
Cost of living: Chicago vs Seattle
| Chicago | Seattle | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent cost | $1,595 | $2,000 |
| Average home value | $306,098 | $824,264 |
| Average income (per capita) | $65,601 | $75,156 |
| Cost of Living (single person) | $1,001 | $1,211 |
| Cost of Living (family of 4) | $3,584 | $4,345 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 4.8% |
| Sales Tax | 10.25% | 10.25% |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- Rent prices in Seattle are 25% higher than in Chicago.
- Home prices in Seattle are 169.3% higher than in Chicago.
- Income in Seattle is 14.6% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 21.0% higher than in Chicago.
- The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 21.2% higher than in Chicago.
- The unemployment rate in Seattle is 46.67% lower than in Chicago.
- Sales taxes are the same in Seattle and Chicago.
- State income taxes in Seattle are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.
To put this into perspective, you would need around $3,629.37 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.
How is life different in Chicago compared to Seattle?
| Seattle | Chicago | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 737,015 | 2,746,388 |
| AllTransit Transportation Performance Score | 8 | 9 |
| Walkability score | 74 | 77 |
| Bike friendliness score | 71 | 72 |
| Crime Index | 59.09 | 35.19 |
| Safety Index | 49.23 | 33.87 |
| Air Quality | Good | Good |
- Seattle's population is about 73% less than Chicago.
- Seattle's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
- Seattle is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Seattle is less bike-friendly than Chicago with a score of 71 out of 100 vs Chicago's 72.
- Seattle's crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 59.09 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 59.09% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Seattle is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.23 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Seattle is good, and in Chicago it's good.
Considerations for moving to Seattle
- Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
- HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
- Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
- Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits ahead of time.
- State licensing: Movers operating within Washington DC city limits are subject to regulation by the Utilities and Transportation Commission, which issues operating permits to household goods moving companies. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
- Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Seattle. Get started here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. When planning a move in Washington state, explore movers' insurance options for added peace of mind. Many moving companies offer Released Value Protection at no extra cost, covering items at 60 cents per pound. Enhance your protection by discussing Full Value Protection with the moving company or exploring personalized plans with third-party insurance providers. Understand coverage limits, potential extra costs, and read reviews to make an informed decision on your Washington state moving insurance.
- Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.
Local Chicago movers
| Company | Quote | Rating | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
most popular
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Get A Quote |
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3201 Tollview Drive, Rolling Meadows, IL, 60008 (847) 378-4949 |
| New City Moving | Get A Quote |
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2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618 (773) 489-0600 |
| H2H Movers Inc | Get A Quote |
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4250 N Marine Dr Aparment #1136, Chicago, IL, 60613 (773) 236-8797 |
Visit our best long distance movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.
Where to live in Seattle
Now that you've decided to make the move to "Emerald City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Seattle.
Best neighborhoods for singles:
- Ballard
- Capitol Hill
- Fremont
- Lower Queen Anne
- South Lake Union
Best neighborhoods for families:
- Greenwood
- Laurelhurst
- Magnolia
- Upper Queen Anne
- West Seattle
What to do in Seattle
These are some of the best things to do in your new Washington home.
- Pike Place Market
- The Showbox
- Washington State Ferries
- Waterfront Park
- Woodland Park Zoo
- South Lake Union
- Seattle Center & the Space Needle
- Seattle Aquarium
- Olympic Sculpture Park
- Chihuly Garden and Glass
- Museum of Flight
- MOHAI: The Museum of History & Industry
- Museum of Pop Culture - MoPop
- Seattle Art Museum (SAM)
- Pacific Science Center
- The Seattle Great Wheel
- Washington Park Arboretum
- Seattle Japanese Garden
- Pioneer Square
- Bill Speidel’s Underground Tour
Get your sports on!
Seattle is a great sports town, these are the local teams to support:
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
- Seattle Seawolves (MLR)
- Seattle Dragons (XFL)
- Seattle Storm (WNBA)
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Seattle?
The best time to move from Chicago to Seattle is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Chicago.
When is the cheapest time to move from Chicago to Seattle?
Because most people are moving from Chicago to Seattle in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.
How long does a move from Chicago to Seattle take?
The 2,064-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Seattle, WA, takes six-seventeen days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Seattle.
