How we chose the best moving companies for your IL to WA move
After studying pricing from 100 Illinois movers, the moveBuddha team identified the highest-rated options by weighing customer feedback, reviews, and affordability.
-
Customer satisfaction (40%): Consistent punctuality, clear updates, and costs that align with the estimate.
-
Dispute resolution (20%): Admits faults and prioritizes fair, practical fixes for customers.
-
Industry reputation (15%): The company is well-regarded within the moving industry and participates in industry conferences and organizations.
-
Online reputation (15%): Keeps an accurate site and responds promptly and professionally to inquiries.
-
Service options (10%): Covers everything from full packing to storage, special handling, and rush delivery.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
How much does it cost to move from Illinois to Washington?
Check out the table below for average
moving cost estimates from Illinois to Washington.
You’ll find prices organized by home size and type of moving service, making it easy to compare your options.
| 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 |
*Estimated costs for a 1,947-mile move from IL to
WA are shown here, calculated from moveBuddha’s
dataset as of Dec 11, 2025. We compile thousands of verified price points from movers nationwide
and update them monthly to reflect seasonal variability and market dynamics. Actual charges can vary
with shipment size, extra services, parking/access limitations, fuel prices, and scheduling.
For the most accurate pricing, compare quotes from several moving companies.
Cost to hire movers from Illinois to Washington
Hiring movers for a studio apartment or one-bedroom home from Illinois to Washington will cost between
$1,118 and
$4,773.
The cost to move a two- to three-bedroom home from IL to WA will
range from $2,996 to
$6,892, and a large move from Illinois
to Washington will cost from $5,860
to $10,002.
Cost of moving containers from Illinois to Washington
If you’re moving from Illinois to Washington,
expect to pay between $1,115
and $2,787 for a small load.
For a home with two or three bedrooms, prices typically range from
$1,851 up to
$4,082.
Larger moves of four bedrooms or more can run between $2,535 and
$5,500. Check out our guide on
PODS cost for more details.
Check out the most affordable moving container companies
for your move from Illinois.
Cost of moving truck rentals from Illinois to Washington
Renting a moving truck is usually your cheapest option, but keep in mind you’ll be handling all the loading,
unloading, and driving yourself.
If you’re moving a studio or one-bedroom apartment with a rental truck, expect to spend between
$1,124 and
$2,061.
For two to three bedrooms, rates typically fall between $1,169
and $2,478. Relocating a four-bedroom (or bigger) home?
You’re likely looking at anywhere from $1,401 up to
$3,124 for your rental truck.
These quotes include estimated fuel costs.
Factors affecting the cost of moving from IL to WA
A few key things can affect how much it costs to move from Illinois to Washington. Here’s what might influence your total price:
-
Everything you’re taking with you: More stuff to transport means a bigger bill compared to a lighter load.
-
Time of year: The peak moving season in Illinois is in the summer, so moving companies will likely charge more.
-
DIY or full-service help: Handling the move yourself costs less, but hiring pros saves you the heavy lifting.
What to know before moving from IL to WA
A relocation from Illinois to Washington comes with changes worth comparing, from lifestyle shifts to daily routines.
Cost of living: Illinois vs. Washington
Comparing expenses in Illinois and Washington shows how much everyday living can vary. This side-by-side view of income, unemployment, taxes, and housing sheds light on where your money may go further:
|
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% |
-
Rent in Washington is approximately 61% higher than in Illinois, so make sure to account for this in your monthly budget.
-
Be sure to budget for a higher monthly mortgage payment, as home prices are about 136% higher in Washington than in Illinois.
-
Here’s some great news: average incomes are about 15% higher in Washington compared to Illinois. That means you’ll likely have more to save or invest each month.
-
Moving to Washington means you’ll be paying 28% more than you did in Illinois. Make sure to plan your budget so you’re prepared for the increased cost of living.
-
With an unemployment rate about 9% lower than Illinois, Washington boasts a stronger job market and a vibrant economy, which is encouraging if you’re thinking about making a move.
-
Sales tax in Washington is 26% lower than in Illinois. If you have a large family or higher spending habits, this reduced rate in Washington can really help lower your monthly costs.
-
Washington has no state income tax, so you’ll get to keep more of your paycheck compared to Illinois. This can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
How life is different in Washington vs. Illinois
Relocating to a new state is about more than finding a job or a place to live.
It’s about how your day-to-day life will feel. Things like weather, safety, local culture,
and the size of your community will all play a part in your overall experience. Here’s a side-by-side look
at how life in Washington stacks up against Illinois across important lifestyle factors:
|
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 |
-
With a population about 38% smaller than Illinois, Washington offers you more room to breathe, lower costs, and a laid-back lifestyle.
Just keep in mind, you may need to get used to fewer amenities and a job market that moves at a slower pace.
-
During the last presidential election, both Illinois and Washington supported the Democratic candidate.
-
Washington averages 79°F in summer, a cooler contrast to 86°F in Illinois.
Expect milder summers, lower utility costs, and more time to enjoy being outdoors.
-
During the coldest part of the year, Washington bottoms out around 31°F, compared to 17°F in Illinois.
A move to Washington with milder winters offers easier living, lower bills, and more outdoor freedom.
-
In Washington, you’ll get about 38 inches of rain each year, while Illinois sees around 40 inches annually.
So, your total yearly rainfall won’t change much with the move. However, keep in mind that when and how that rain falls throughout the seasons can still affect your daily routine.
-
In Washington, you’ll get about 18 inches of snow each year.
Meanwhile, Illinois averages around 22 inches annually.
With similar snowfall in both places, your move should be pretty straightforward.
-
Washington has a higher crime rate than Illinois with a crime index of 37.32 vs. 19.7.
A higher state-level crime rate shouldn’t be a dealbreaker, but it should prompt you to dig deeper into local safety conditions, choose your neighborhood wisely, and consider the impact on your lifestyle.
Comparing the pros of Illinois vs. Washington
Starting over somewhere new is always exciting.
Check out this quick comparison of what life’s like in Washington versus Illinois:
| Pros of living in Illinois |
Pros of living in Washington |
| Home of chicago |
Beautiful landscapes |
| Ample economic opportunity |
Ample economic opportunity |
| Bountiful recreational opportunities |
High quality of life |
| Delicious food |
Bountiful recreational opportunities |
| World-class sports culture |
Delicious seafood |
Comparing the cons of living in Illinois vs. Washington
Moving from Illinois to Washington comes with its own set of challenges.
Keep these things in mind to make your move smoother:
| Cons of living in Illinois |
Cons of living in Washington |
| Harsh winter weather |
Constant rain |
| Bad traffic |
Bad traffic |
| High crime rate |
High cost of living |
| Dull landscape |
High crime rate |
| Strict laws |
Natural disasters |
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.
Things to do in Washington
Get ready to discover all that Washington has to offer. Here are some must-see places to check out in your new state:
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
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to move from Illinois to Washington?
Do movers transport your car from Illinois to Washington?
What are the benefits of moving from Illinois to Washington?
The main reasons people are moving from Illinois to Washington are the amazing upsides of living in Washington, such as beautiful landscapes and ample economic opportunity.
Is it cheaper to live in Illinois or Washington?
Living in Illinois usually costs less than in Washington.
Housing
is much more affordable in Illinois,
with average rent about 38% less and home prices 58% lower than in Washington.
However, taxes are
lower in Washington, most notably income taxes, which are more than 100% less than those paid by Illinois residents.
How much should you make a year to live comfortably in Washington?
You should make approximately $70,662 as a single adult with no children to live comfortably in Washington.
The cost of living in Washington is about $3,476 per month for an individual and $7,777 for a family of four.
Exact expenses will vary depending on your city. Larger cities like Seattle and Spokane tend to be more expensive than smaller towns.
Which discounts can you find from movers in Illinois?
Some movers in Illinois provide budget-friendly deals.
In Illinois, 1 movers provide AAA member discounts.
Special pricing for military members is available from 1 moving companies.
Discounts for seniors are offered by 2 movers.
Discount details vary, so confirm terms with each mover before booking.
Helpful moving resources
Not what you were looking for?
Check out other categories that can help you find the information you need!
See All
Hide All
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
