When moving from Illinois to Washington, expect to spend between
$2,996–$6,892 if using professional movers, about
$2,966 for a moving container, and around
$1,823
for a rental truck.
Fact Checked by:
Best overall value
FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Washington?
Here are average cost ranges by home size and service type:
| Move size | Moving company | Moving container | Rental truck |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,118 – $4,773 | $1,115 – $2,787 | $1,124 – $2,061 |
| 2-3 bedrooms | $2,996 – $6,892 | $1,851 – $4,082 | $1,169 – $2,478 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $5,860 – $10,002 | $2,535 – $5,500 | $1,401 – $3,124 |
How much does it cost to hire movers (a moving company) for this route?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,118 – $4,773
- 2–3 bedrooms: $2,996 – $6,892
- 4+ bedrooms: $5,860 – $10,002
How much do moving containers cost from Illinois to Washington?
- Small move: $1,115 – $2,787
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,851 – $4,082
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,535 – $5,500
Learn more about PODS cost.
How much does a rental truck cost for this move?
- Studio / 1 bedroom: $1,124 – $2,061
- 2–3 bedrooms: $1,169 – $2,478
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,401 – $3,124
These cost ranges already include estimated fuel costs.
Which option is usually the cheapest?
A rental truck is generally the cheapest option — but you’ll handle the driving and labor yourself.
Why are these prices ranges (not exact quotes)?
These are approximate estimates for a 1,947-mile move from IL to WA using moveBuddha pricing data as of Dec 15, 2025. Pricing is refreshed monthly to reflect seasonal and market changes.
Final costs can vary based on move size, add-on services, parking/access challenges, fuel rates, and scheduling.
How do I get the most accurate price for my exact move?
Compare quotes from multiple movers to dial in a precise number.
What “extra costs” should I plan for after moving from IL to WA?
Beyond the moving bill, your day-to-day budget can change — especially housing and taxes. Here’s a quick side-by-side:
| Illinois | Washington | |
|---|---|---|
| Average rent | $1,179 | $1,900 |
| Average home cost | $249,224 | $588,856 |
| Average income (per capita) | $78,433 | $90,325 |
| Cost of living index | 90 | 115 |
| Unemployment rate | 5.3% | 4.8% |
| Average sales tax | 8.82% | 6.5% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
Will rent be more expensive in Washington?
Rent is about 61% higher in Washington than in Illinois.
Avg rent: $1,179 vs. $1,900
How do home prices compare (if I’m buying after the move)?
Home prices are about 136% higher in Washington than in Illinois.
Avg home value: $249,224 vs. $588,856
Will my earning power likely change after moving?
Average income is about 15% higher in Washington than in Illinois.
Avg income (per capita): $78,433 vs. $90,325
Is the overall cost of living higher in Washington?
The cost of living is 28% higher in Washington than in Illinois.
Cost of living index: 90 vs. 115
Will sales tax increase my everyday spending?
Sales tax is about 26% lower in Washington than in Illinois.
Avg sales tax: 8.82% vs. 6.5%
Will state income tax change my take-home pay?
Washington has no state income tax, so you may keep more of your paycheck compared to Illinois.
State income tax: 4.95% vs. 0.0%
How is daily life different in Washington compared to Illinois?
Relocating is about more than a job or a place to live — it’s how your day-to-day life will feel.
| Washington | Illinois | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 7,812,880 | 12,549,689 |
| Political leaning | Democratic | Democratic 55-45 |
| Summer high | 79ºF | 86ºF |
| Winter low | 31ºF | 17ºF |
| Annual rain | 38″ | 40″ |
| Annual snow | 18″ | 22″ |
| Crime index | 37.32 | 19.7 |
Will Washington feel more crowded than Illinois?
Washington is about 38% less populous than Illinois — which can mean more space and a slower pace.
Will the political culture feel different?
In the last presidential election, both Illinois and Washington voted Democratic.
How different is the weather (summer and winter)?
Summer: Washington is cooler on average (79°F vs. 86°F).
Winter: Washington is milder on average (31°F vs. 17°F).
Will it be wetter or snowier in Washington?
Rain: Annual rainfall is pretty similar (38″ vs. 40″).
Snow: Snowfall is similar (18 inches vs. 22 inches).
Is Washington safer than Illinois?
Washington has a higher crime index than Illinois (37.32 vs. 19.7). Research neighborhoods to find the best fit.
What are some things to do 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
Parks in Washington
- Mount Rainier National Park
- Olympic National Park
- North Cascades National Park
- Deception Pass State Park
- Lake Wenatchee State Park
Sports teams in Washington
- OL Reign Soccer (NWSL)
- Seattle Kraken (NHL)
- Seattle Mariners (MLB)
- Seattle Seahawks (NFL)
- Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)
Universities in Washington
- University of Washington
- Washington State University
- Western Washington University
- The Evergreen State College
- Seattle University
What other things should I plan for besides the move itself?
Other things to consider for your Illinois to Washington move
- HOA rules: Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
- Elevator reservation: Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
- Parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules 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. Verify that your moving company is properly licensed before booking their services.
- State regulator: Easily verify a Washington moving license and its current status on the official state regulator’s website, here.
- Moving permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
- Change of address: Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. That way, once you’ve locked in your moving date, your mail will start forwarding to Washington without a hitch. Get started here.
- Mover’s insurance: Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance, also called “released value protection,” free of charge to all moving customers. 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: Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
Do I need to follow HOA or building rules on moving day?
Take a moment to review your neighborhood or community guidelines before moving day to ensure everything goes off without a hitch and you don’t run into any unexpected issues.
Should I reserve an elevator for moving day?
Reserve your building’s elevator in advance and review any moving day guidelines beforehand.
Do I need a parking permit for a moving truck in Washington?
Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles. Find out about your new local rules ahead of time.
How can I confirm a mover is properly licensed in Washington?
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.
You can verify licensing on the state regulator’s official site: check a Washington moving license here.
Do I need a moving permit in Washington?
You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, but it’s a good idea to review local parking rules ahead of your move.
What should I do about mail forwarding, insurance, and potential discounts?
Submit your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. Get started here.
Interstate moving companies are required under federal law to provide basic insurance (“released value protection”) free of charge. 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.
Some movers in Illinois offer discounts: 1 AAA discounts; 1 military discounts; 2 senior discounts;
Discount types, amounts, and eligibility vary—confirm with each mover before booking.
Nothing beats peace of mind. Use our moving checklist to make sure you haven’t missed a thing.
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