Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Spokanetoggle

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 Spokane can be as low as $1,497 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $10,996.
  • 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 $1,308 to $3,217. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Spokane

Chicago Spokane
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,450
Average home value $295,743 $375,614
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $60,801
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $992
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $3,545
Unemployment rate 9.0% 6.6%
Sales tax 10.25% 9.0%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent prices in Spokane are 29% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Spokane are 27.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Spokane is 15.0% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Spokane is 22.5% lower than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Spokane is 24.3% lower than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Spokane is 26.67% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes in Spokane are 12.20% lower than in Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Spokane are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,325.00 in Spokane to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Spokane

Spokane Chicago
Population 593,466 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 6 9
Walkability score 49 77
Bike friendliness score 52 72
Crime Index 3.0 35.19
Safety Index 44.94 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
  • Spokane's population is about 78% less than Chicago.
  • Spokane's public transportation has a score of 6 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Spokane is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 49 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Spokane has a bike-friendliness score 52 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • Spokane's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 3.0 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Spokane neighborhoods are safer than 3.0% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
  • Spokane is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 44.94 vs Chicago's 33.87.
  • Air quality in Spokane is good, and in Chicago it's good.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Spokane move

  • Weather: it is advisable to plan your trips to Spokane, WA between the months of August, July and September as these months have more favorable weather.
  • 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 Spokane. 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.

Where to live in Spokane

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Hooptown USA", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Spokane.

Best neighborhoods for singlestoggle

  • Coeur d'Alene
  • Spokane Valley
  • Airway Heights
  • Millwood
  • Liberty Lake
  • Cheney
  • Medical Lake
  • Country Homes
  • Fairwood

Best neighborhoods for familiestoggle

  • Liberty Lake
  • Mead
  • Country Homes
  • Town and Country
  • Medical Lake
  • Spokane
  • Millwood
  • Cheney
  • Spokane Valley

Things to do in Spokanetoggle

After settling into your new Washington home, youโ€™ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Spokane has lots to offer, no matter what youโ€™re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Spokane is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Campbell House, Mobius Discovery Center, Jundt Art Gallery, Avenue West Gallery, and Honor Point Military and Aerospace Museum.
  • Outdoor recreation: The cityโ€™s Manito Park, Spokane Falls, Riverfront Park, and Centennial Trail โ€” among other sites โ€” are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Spokane Chiefs (Ice hockey), Spokane Indians (Baseball), USL1 Spokane (Soccer) USL League One (men) USL W League (women), or Spokane Shadow (Soccer) game.

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Spokane?

The best time to move from Chicago to Spokane 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 Spokane?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Spokane 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 Spokane take?

The 1,786-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Spokane, WA, takes five to 16 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 Spokane.

Helpful moving resources