Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA Movers (NEW 2026 Costs)
Quick answer: Moving from Chicago to Olympia typically costs $3,600–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home (about 2,103 miles). Use our moving cost calculator below to get an instant estimate.
|
|
|
 rating
4.2 / 5
Licensed
Insured
Price
|
Cost to move from Chicago to Olympia
Moving from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA typically costs $3,600–$7,700 with full-service movers for a 2–3 bedroom home.
The price ranges below are estimates for a 2,103-mile move from Chicago to Olympia, based on moveBuddha pricing data as of Mar 20, 2026. Pricing is updated monthly to reflect seasonality and market changes.
Studio / 1 bedroom
|
2-3 bedrooms
|
4+ bedrooms
|
Recent moving quotes for similar moves
- North American Van Lines recently quoted $4,260 for a 2 bedroom using professional movers.
- Mayzlin Relocation recently quoted $3,680 for a 1 bedroom (large) using professional movers.
- BLVD Moving recently quoted $7,331 for a 5+ bedroom using professional movers.
2 Bedrooms
Jan 28, 2026
1 Bedroom (large)
Jan 21, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Jan 17, 2026
Studio apartment
Jan 17, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 14, 2026
3 Bedrooms
Jan 03, 2026
5+ Bedrooms
Dec 20, 2025
Studio apartment
Dec 16, 2025
1 Bedroom (small)
Dec 14, 2025
Key factors that influence moving costs from Chicago to Olympia
Your total cost will depend on:
- The size of your home: Smaller moves (like one-bedrooms) cost less, sometimes just $2,700, while larger moves (four-bedrooms) can hit $12,700.
- Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, which means higher prices.
- The type of mover you choose: Renting a truck ($1,400–$4,000) saves money but adds work compared to hiring pros.
Moving the opposite route? We got you covered with our moving from Olympia, WA to Chicago, IL guide.
Best Chicago to Olympia movers by type
Professional
|
Local
|
Container
|
Rental Truck
|
Labor Only
|
Best professional movers from Chicago to Olympia
If you want to simplify your interstate move from Chicago to Olympia, consider hiring a full-service mover. These professionals will take care of everything, so you can prioritize settling into your new environment without the extra hassle.
Want a deeper breakdown of the top long-distance movers? See our best interstate movers guide.
- Safeway Moving: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- American Van Lines: 4.9 out of 5 stars
- Allied Van Lines: 4.2 out of 5 stars
- Mayzlin Relocation: 4.8 out of 5 stars
- North American Van Lines: 4.8 out of 5 stars
Best overall value
How we chose the best IL→WA movers
At moveBuddha, our specialists conducted a thorough evaluation of 100 Illinois moving companies, identifying the leading ones by examining client satisfaction, reviews, and value.
- Customer satisfaction (40%): The company consistently delivers services in a timely matter with good communication and within the estimated cost.
- Dispute resolution (20%): Errors happen in moving. The best companies acknowledge them quickly and take real steps to resolve any problems for their customers.
- Industry reputation (15%): Within the moving field, the company has earned respect and regularly engages in conferences and trade groups.
- Online reputation (15%): The organization ensures its website is reliable and actively addresses online customer inquiries in a professional manner.
- Service options (10%): Top movers provide versatile offerings including packing, storage, special-item handling, and the option for faster delivery when needed.
Here is our full moving company rating methodology.
What to know before moving from Chicago to Olympia
Many movers find Olympia easier on the wallet than Chicago - roughly 32% less for singles and 42% less for families.
Monthly basics average $2,473 for one person in Olympia versus $3,648 in Chicago. For a family of four, it's $5,391 compared with $9,266.
See the cost breakdown below to pinpoint where the savings add up:
| Chicago | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Average 1 BR rent | $2,368 | $1,675 |
| Average 3 BR rent | $4,581 | $2,817 |
| Average home value | $295,743 | $508,798 |
| Average income (per capita) | $71,566 | $66,492 |
| Cost of living (single) | $3,648 | $2,473 |
| Cost of living (family of four) | $9,266 | $5,391 |
| Unemployment rate | 9.0% | 5.6% |
| Sales tax | 10.25% | 9.4% |
| State income tax | 4.95% | 0.0% |
- If you're heading to Olympia from Chicago, you'll find that rent is roughly 7% cheaper, potentially boosting your monthly savings.
- Prepare for increased mortgage costs as home prices are roughly 72% greater in Olympia than in Chicago.
- Consider checking your finances before the transition. The average income is approximately 7% lower in Olympia compared to Chicago.
- Get ready to save some money on recurring expenses like food, gas, and utility bills in Olympia. On average, the cost of living for a single person there is 32% lower than in Chicago.
- Choosing to move to Olympia can significantly lower your family's regular expenses, such as utilities, transport, and groceries. The cost of living for a family of four is 42% less than in Chicago.
- Olympia enjoys an unemployment rate that's roughly 38% lower compared to Chicago, suggesting better job prospects and a dynamic economy—an appealing prospect for new residents.
- Sales taxes drop 8% in Olympia compared to Chicago, providing a relief on your cost of living, especially for frequent shoppers.
- Washington has no income tax, meaning you keep more of your gross income, which can be a major advantage for salaried workers, freelancers, and retirees with taxable income.
Here’s a closer snapshot of how common everyday costs and monthly bills compare between Chicago and Olympia:
| Living Expense | Chicago | Olympia |
|---|---|---|
| Basic utilities | $191.26 | $152.80 |
| Cell phone plan | $61.10 | $58.64 |
| Dozen eggs | $4.52 | $4.30 |
| Loaf of bread | $4.15 | $3.94 |
| Fast-food/casual eatery (one meal) | $25.00 | $20.00 |
| Dinner for 2 (mid-range restaurant) | $100.00 | $70.00 |
| Gym membership | $78.31 | $58.33 |
- Basic utilities tend to be more expensive in Chicago than in Olympia.
- Cell phone plans typically cost more in Chicago than in Olympia.
- Eggs cost more in Chicago than in Olympia.
- Bread is more expensive in Chicago than in Olympia.
- A quick meal tends to cost more in Chicago than in Olympia.
- A mid-range dinner for two is pricier in Chicago than in Olympia.
- Gym memberships cost more in Chicago than in Olympia.
How life is different in Chicago vs. Olympia
| Chicago | Olympia | |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,746,388 | 55,605 |
| Transportation score | 9 | 5 |
| Walkability score | 77 | 39 |
| Bike friendliness score | 72 | 59 |
| Crime index | 35.19 | 27.95 |
| Safety index | 33.87 | 62.25 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
- Olympia's population is about 98% less than Chicago.
- Olympia's public transportation score of 5 out of 10 is lower than Chicago's score of 9.
- Olympia is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 39 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
- Olympia has a bike-friendliness score of 59 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible or safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72.
- Olympia's crime rate is lower than Chicago with a score of 27.95 compared to Chicago's 35.19. This means that Olympia neighborhoods are safer than 27.95% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
- Olympia is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 62.25 vs Chicago's 33.87.
- Air quality in Olympia is Good, and in Chicago it's Good.
Other things to consider for your Chicago to Olympia move
- HOA rules: Be sure to review your community or HOA guidelines before moving day to avoid any surprises or delays.
- Elevator reservation: Make sure to arrange elevator access in advance if your building requires reservations for moving.
- Truck parking permits: To avoid fines or delays, check whether a parking permit is needed for your moving truck.
- 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. Always verify licensing details before committing to a mover.
- State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
- Moving Permits: Washington doesn't require moving permits, but it's still a good idea to check local parking rules before your move-in day.
- Change of address: To avoid missing any mail, we recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least a week before your move. You can choose your official move date to make sure everything gets forwarded properly to Olympia. Start the process here.
- Moving company insurance: Every state sets its own rules for what insurance moving companies need to maintain. 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: Follow our moving checklist to keep your move organized and stress-free.
Where to live in Olympia
Now that you've decided to make the move to Oly, these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Olympia.
Best neighborhoods for singles
- South Capitol
- Downtown
- Bigelow Highlands
- Upper Eastside
- Eastside
- North East
- Bigelow
- South Westside
- Woodfield Estates
- Wellington West
Best neighborhoods for families
- Bigelow Highlands
- Holiday Hills
- Woodfield Estates
- Eastside
- Cain Road
- Indian Creek
- Governor Stevens
- Bigelow
- Carlyon-North
- Wellington West
Things to do in Olympia
Once you're settled into your new home in Washington, it's time to get out and discover what Olympia has to offer. No matter your interests, there's something for everyone here:
- Arts and culture: You'll find museums and cultural hubs throughout Olympia, such as the Hands On Children's Museum, Olympic Flight Museum, WET Science Center, and Bigelow House Museum.
- Outdoor recreation: The city's Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Squaxin Park, Percival Landing, and Tolmie State Park — and more — offering great opportunities to hike, bike, or relax in nature.
- Sports: Sports fans can join the excitement by supporting local favorites at an game.
FAQ
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Olympia?
The best time to move from Chicago to Olympia 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 Olympia?
Since spring and fall are the most popular times to move from Chicago to Olympia, moving in the winter could help you save money. Check out our guide on moving discounts for more tips.
How long does a move from Chicago to Olympia take?
Moving from Chicago, IL to Olympia, WA covers 2,103 miles and usually takes six to 17 days. Need to move faster? Some Chicago movers offer expedited options. If you're not ready to receive your items, look into storage solutions in Olympia.
Which movers in Chicago give price breaks?
Some companies go the extra mile by offering discounts to certain groups. 2 movers have deals for seniors.
Always ask for a full discount list and check eligibility requirements before you commit to a mover.
Who can move pianos or antiques in Chicago?
Specialty items need extra care and the right equipment. 54 movers in Chicago advertise piano moving expertise. 40 movers in Chicago provide antique moving services. State totals show 70 piano movers and 48 antique movers, with nationwide availability at 2,294 and 1,462.
Book early if you need these services — demand can outpace supply during busy moving seasons.
