($1,156+) Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,156 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $12,291 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,055 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $2,629, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $12,291 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,630 - $5,576, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,156 - $3,122.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,741 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Tacoma to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service handles labor and transportation for you, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route costing $3,741 - $8,593. Moving containers run about 46% less than full-service for the same home size, while rental trucks come in around 65% less, though both put loading on your shoulders. Plan on 6 to 17 days for this 2,055-mile route, depending on which option you go with.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,055-mile route from Tacoma to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- Full-service movers: $2,629 for a studio up to $12,291 for a 4+ bedroom home.
- Moving containers: $1,630 - $5,576 depending on home size.
- Rental trucks: $1,156 - $3,122, the lowest-cost option across the board.
- Freight trailers: $1,496 - $4,691, billed by the space you actually use.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,055-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $2,629 - $12,291. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $349 - $2,324 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Tacoma and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Tacoma movers tend to run around $316 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,629 - $6,230
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,741 - $8,593
- 4+ bedrooms: $6,870 - $12,291
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Tacoma to Chicago.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing68% of local movers | $581 - $5,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $232 - $1,394/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $349 - $2,789 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage11% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs49% of local movers | $1,162 - $3,486 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,905 - $11,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $870 - $1,654 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items27% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $1,162 - $2,905 |
| Piano | Any piano type33% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $930 - $4,067 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $349 - $1,743 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect9% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $755 - $2,324 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $349 - $17,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $349 - $4,067+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national carriers are typically lower-priced than local moving companies in Tacoma, WA. At that distance, local movers often charge 30% - 40% more because they don't spread long-haul costs across multiple shipments the way national carriers do. If a direct route and faster delivery (averaging 2 days) are priorities, a local mover may be worth considering, but that service comes at a higher price.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,630 and $5,576. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Tacoma typically costs about $110/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,630 - $3,127
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,005 - $4,427
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,889 - $5,576
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In Tacoma, WA, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $813, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $87 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $174 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both Tacoma, WA, and Chicago, IL, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Washington to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,630. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $2,005 - $4,427.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Tacoma to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 2,055-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,156 and $3,122. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $760 - $868
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Tacoma to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,156 - $2,299
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,327 - $2,602
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,660 - $3,122
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tacoma to Chicago starts at $1,156 - $3,122, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($760 - $868), overnight lodging ($174/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Tacoma, Washington, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $813.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $760 - $868 for the 2,055-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $70 and $378, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $174 per night for hotel stops on the 2,055-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $349 - $523.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a solid option for larger DIY moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois. Standard trailers run 28 feet long, and you're only charged for the portion you actually fill. The carrier drops the trailer off, you load it at your own pace, and they handle the drive to your new city.
Pricing is based entirely on the linear footage your shipment occupies, not the full trailer length. Most long-distance freight moves land somewhere between $1,046 and $3,474.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,496 - $2,624
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,719 - $3,474
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,379 - $4,691
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading help. In Tacoma, Washington, hiring 2 movers for about 5 hours typically costs $813.
- More space: You only pay for the trailer footage you use, but underestimating your load can add roughly $87 - $174 per additional foot to your total.
- Time of year: Rates tend to climb during peak moving season (mid-May through mid-September) when trailer demand is at its highest.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers move fast, making them one of the quickest ways to get your belongings from Tacoma to Chicago. If you have a hard move-in date and want your stuff there as soon as possible, freight is hard to beat. It's worth noting that freight works best when you're ready to receive your delivery, so if your move-in date is still up in the air or you'll need short-term storage, a moving container is likely the more practical choice.
Cost of living: Tacoma, WA vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Tacoma, WA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 279 movers licensed in Washington, useful context for sizing up this 2,055-mile move.
Our take
For a move from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL, full-service movers are the most hands-off option, with costs ranging from $2,629 for a studio to $12,291 for a 4+ bedroom home on the 2,055-mile route. If you want to cut costs without doing everything yourself, moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,630 - $5,576. A rental truck from Budget or U-Haul is the lowest-cost option at $1,156 - $3,122, though you'll be handling the driving and loading yourself. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with quotes starting around $3,741 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage included, and 24/7 live customer support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL
How do I know a mover is licensed in Illinois?
In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current.
What are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
How walkable is Chicago?
Chicago has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 72, compared to 54 and 48 in Tacoma. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What percentage of Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 33% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 27% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.