$1,244 Movers From Chicago, IL to Washington

Quick answer: The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington averages from $1,246 to $7,035, and can take anywhere from five-sixteen days, depending on the size, date, and distance of your move and whether you hire professional movers or handle it yourself.

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Moving 1,992 miles is no joke. Hiring a professional Chicago moving company will be on the more expensive side, while renting a truck or a moving container is usually cheaper but requires more work.

Moving the reverse route? We’ve got you covered with our Moving from Washington to Chicago, IL guide.

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The best Chicago to Washington moving companies

Hiring the right interstate moving company from Chicago to Washington is no small task. Luckily, we’re here to make your decision a little easier. We have analyzed 4,400 moving companies across the U.S. — including 40 local movers in Chicago and 267 throughout the Evergreen State — and narrowed them down to the best of the best based on customer satisfaction, cost, and services.

Here are the best long-distance moving companies serving Chicago to Washington.

Use our >moving cost calculator to get a more accurate estimate for your moving needs.

If you’re just trying to ship a few items, here’s a list of our recommended services for small moves.

How much does it cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington?

Here are the average price ranges for hiring a professional moving company, renting a moving container, or using a moving truck to move from Chicago to Washington:

Move size Moving company Moving container Rental truck
Studio / 1 Bedroom $1,244 - $4,839 $1,180 - $2,891 $1,139 - $2,378
2 - 3 bedrooms $3,262 - $7,035 $2,081 - $4,235 $1,246 - $2,722
4+ bedrooms $6,471 - $10,683 $2,764 - $5,537 $1,588 - $3,465

*These price ranges are a rough estimate based on 1,992 miles and historical averages. The actual size of your move, additional services required, truck parking access, market conditions, and availability can greatly affect the final cost of your move.

The cost to move from Chicago, IL, to Washington will depend on:

  • Move size: The amount of items you have — as well as your home size and layout — will impact the total cost of your relocation.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • DIY vs. professional mover: DIY moving services are usually cheaper but involve more work and stress compared to hiring the pros.

How much does it cost to hire movers from Chicago, IL, to Washington?

Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Washington will cost between $1,244 to $4,839. The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from Chicago to WA will range from $3,262 to $7,035. A large move from Chicago to Washington will cost anywhere from $6,471 to $10,683.

How much are moving containers like PODS from Chicago, IL, to Washington?

Moving pods from Chicago to Washington will cost you $1,180 to $2,891. For a two- to three-bedroom move, moving containers can cost $2,081 to $4,235. A four-bedroom move or bigger will cost $2,764 to $5,537. Learn more about PODS cost.

Here are the cheapest moving containers for your move from Chicago to Washington.

How much is a moving truck from Chicago, IL, to Washington?

A moving rental truck is generally 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 $1,139 to $2,378. A larger move will cost $1,246 to $2,722, and a four-bedroom or bigger move from Chicago to Washington costs from $1,588 to $3,465.

Is moving from Chicago, IL, to Washington a good idea?

If you’re moving to Washington from Chicago, IL, you’ll want to compare what life will be like.

Cost of living: Chicago, IL, vs Washington

Chicago, IL Washington
Average rent cost $1,595 $1,258
Average home cost $306,098 $582,732
Average income (per capita) $65,601 $73,775
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.5%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
  • Rent is about 33% less expensive in Washington than in Chicago.
  • Home prices are about 111.0% higher in Washington than in Chicago.
  • The average income is about 10.4% higher in Washington than in Chicago.
  • Washington has a lower unemployment rate than Chicago by about 97.8%.
  • Income taxes are 100.00% lower in Washington than in Chicago.

How is life different in Chicago, IL, from Washington?

Chicago, IL Washington
Population 2,746,388 7,738,692
Political leaning Democrat 74-24 Democrat 58-39
Summer high 84ºF 79ºF
Winter low 19ºF 29ºF
Annual rain 38" 38"
Annual snow 35" 18"
Crime index 35.19 30.22
  • The population of Washington is approximately 182% greater than the population of Chicago.
  • In the last presidential election, Washington voted Democrat and Chicago voted Democrat.
  • The average high in the summertime in Washington is 79º F and in Chicago, it’s 84º F.
  • During the coldest part of the year, Washington reaches the temperature of 29º F and Chicago gets down to 19º F.
  • You can expect about 38 inches of annual rainfall in Washington vs. 38 inches of rainfall in Chicago.
  • In Washington, it snows about 18 inches annually vs. 35 inches of snow in Chicago.

Comparing the pros of Chicago, IL, vs. Washington:

There are always a lot of reasons to get excited about living somewhere new. These are the best parts of living in Chicago vs Washington side-by-side.

Pros of living in Chicago, IL Pros of living in Washington
Bountiful arts and recreational activities Beautiful landscapes
Delicious food Ample economic opportunity
Abundant entertainment High quality of life
Intense sports culture Bountiful recreational opportunities
Ample economic opportunity Delicious seafood

Comparing the cons of living in Chicago, IL, vs. Washington:

Not everything is sunshine and rainbows, these are the things to be aware of when leaving Chicago for Washington.

Cons of living in Chicago, IL Cons of living in Washington
High crime rate Constant rain
Temperamental weather Bad traffic
Terrible traffic High cost of living
High taxes High crime rate
Pollution Natural disasters

Considerations for moving to Washington

  • Weather: Washington state rarely experiences extreme weather to worry about. Your move should be unaffected by the weather conditions. However, it's always a good idea to check the forecast ahead of time and maybe prepare for a little rain!.
  • 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 on the state regulator's official website.
  • 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 Washington. Get started here.
  • Moving insurance: Every state has their own requirements when it comes to 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: Peace of mind is priceless. Our moving checklist will help you know you’ve got everything covered.

Looking for local Chicago movers?

Company Quote Rating Contact
New City Moving Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.9 overall rating
2929 N Campbell Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618
(773) 489-0600
The Professionals Moving Specialists Get A Quote starstarstarstarstar
4.76 overall rating
3918 N Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60618
(888) 225-7351

Visit our best movers in Chicago page to see a complete list of moving companies, including hourly rates, services, and reviews.

What to do in Washington

Whether you’re looking for parks, museums, sports, or even universities, you’ll be happy to find a plethora of these in Washington.

Museums in Washington

  • Chihuly Garden and Glass
  • The Museum of Flight
  • LeMay - America's Car Museum
  • Flying Heritage & Combat Armor Museum
  • USS Turner Joy Museum Ship
  • Museum of Glass
  • Hibulb Cultural Center
  • Puget Sound Navy Museum
  • Pacific Bonsai Museum
  • Imagine Children's Museum

Parks in Washington

  • Mount Rainier National Park
  • Olympic National Park
  • North Cascades National Park
  • Deception Pass State Park
  • Lake Wenatchee State Park
  • Palouse Falls State Park
  • Lime Kiln Point State Park
  • Gingko Petrified Forest State Park
  • Cape Disappointment State Park
  • Birch Bay State Park
  • Manchester State Park
  • Sun Lakes-Dry Falls State Park

Sports Teams in Washington

  • OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
  • Seattle Kraken (NHL)
  • Seattle Mariners (MLB)
  • Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
  • Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
  • Seattle Storm (WNBA)

Universities in Washington

  • University of Washington
  • Washington State University
  • Western Washington University
  • The Evergreen State College
  • Seattle University
  • Gonzaga University
  • Eastern Washington University
  • Central Washington University
  • Whitman College
  • Seattle Pacific University
  • Pacific Lutheran University
  • University of Puget Sound
  • Bastyr University
  • Bellevue College

FAQs: Moving from Chicago to Washington

What is the best way to get a car from Chicago to Washington?

Need to get your car from Chicago to Washington? Use a company that prioritizes professionalism, cares for your vehicle, and is experienced. Here is our list of the best Chicago to Washington car shippers.

Why are people moving from Chicago to Washington?

Many people are moving to Washington because of its beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity. On the other hand, people are moving away from Chicago because of the high crime rate and temperamental weather.

Where can I find a list of long-distance moving companies in Chicago?

Here are our top picks for the best long-distance movers in Chicago.

Related articles to your move

Learn more about Washington