($1,225) Cost to Move From Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA

1. New City Moving: 4.72 out of 5 stars
2. STI Moving & Storage Inc.: 4.78 out of 5 stars
3. The Professionals Moving Specialists: 4.66 out of 5 stars
4. H2H Movers Inc: 4.64 out of 5 stars
5. Move-tastic: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Cost to hire movers from Chicago to Seattle

Moving a studio or one-bedroom home from Chicago to Seattle typically costs between $1,225 and $4,618. For a two- or three-bedroom home, expect prices to fall between $3,220 and $6,830 when moving from Chicago to Seattle. If you’re tackling a large move (think four or five bedrooms) from Chicago to Seattle, you’re looking at costs ranging from $6,098 up to $10,791.

Cost of moving containers from Chicago to Seattle

If you’re relocating from Chicago to Seattle, you’ll typically spend between $1,196 and $3,019 for a small move. Have a two or three-bedroom home? Plan for costs to range from $2,025 up to $4,427. If you’re moving a larger home — four bedrooms or more — expect to pay anywhere between $2,776 and $5,634. For a full breakdown, check out our complete PODS cost guide.

Explore our top budget-friendly moving container companies for your move from Illinois.

Cost of moving truck rentals from Chicago to Seattle

Renting a moving truck is typically the most budget-friendly choice for a Chicago to Seattle move, but remember, you’ll be responsible for all the heavy lifting, packing, and driving on your own.

If you’re moving from a studio or one-bedroom place with a rental truck, expect to pay between $1,168 and $2,186. For a two- or three-bedroom move, costs usually range from $1,289 to $2,629. If you’re tackling a four-bedroom or bigger move, your rental truck will likely run between $1,516 and $3,417.

Estimated fuel costs are already factored into these quotes.

• Switching from Chicago to Seattle won’t strain your budget, as rent prices are nearly identical.
• A larger mortgage budget will be necessary since home prices are about 185% higher in Seattle than in Chicago.
• Exciting news here, the average income is about 9% higher in Seattle than in Chicago, so you should have more to save or invest each month.
• With the cost of living for a single person differing by less than 5% between Seattle and Chicago, expect similar day-to-day expenses.
• As you plan your move to Seattle, consider the possibility of increased living costs. The cost of living for a family there is 6% more than it is in Chicago.
• With an unemployment rate approximately 47% lower than Chicago, Seattle boasts a favorable employment scene and thriving economic conditions, ideal for new arrivals.
• Sales taxes are effectively the same in Seattle and Chicago (within a 5% range), allowing you to focus on other financial aspects when moving.
• 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.

• Seattle’s population is about 73% less than Chicago.
• Seattle’s public transportation score of 8 out of 10 is lower than Chicago’s score of 9.
• Seattle and Chicago are similarly walkable.
• Both Seattle and Chicago have similar bike-friendliness scores (72 vs 71), meaning Seattle is about as safe for cyclists as Chicago. Typically, cities with scores of 20 or higher are seen as reasonably safe, though higher scores mean better cycling accessibility.
• Seattle’s crime rate is higher than Chicago with a score of 58.88 compared to Chicago’s 35.19. This means that Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19%.
• Seattle is considered to be safer than Chicago with a safety index of 49.23 vs Chicago’s 33.87.
• Air quality in Seattle is Good, and in Chicago it’s Good.

• HOA rules: To keep things running smoothly, make sure you’re familiar with any HOA or community moving policies before the big day.
• Elevator reservation: If there is an elevator in your building, it’s a good idea to secure a reservation before your moving day.
• Truck parking permits: Research parking requirements in your destination city to ensure your truck won’t run into restrictions.
• 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 check the status of a Washington moving license through the state’s public utilities commission.
• Moving Permits: You won’t need a moving permit in Washington, though it’s smart to double-check any local parking restrictions ahead of your move.
• Change of address: We recommend submitting your USPS change of address form at least one week before your move to ensure your mail gets forwarded to Seattle without delay. You can select your official move date when completing the form. Start the process here.
• Moving company insurance: State laws differ on mover 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: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you’ve got everything covered.

Best neighborhoods for singles

• Ballard
• Capitol Hill
• Fremont
• Lower Queen Anne
• South Lake Union

Best neighborhoods for families

• Greenwood
• Laurelhurst
• Magnolia
• Upper Queen Anne
• West Seattle

Things to do in Seattle

Now that you’ve made the move to Washington, it’s the perfect time to explore Seattle. From local hotspots to hidden gems, there’s something to enjoy for every lifestyle:

• Arts and culture: Cultural attractions in Seattle include museums and art centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, and Chihuly Garden and Glass.
• Outdoor recreation: Outdoor lovers will appreciate Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park, along with many other spots perfect for walking, cycling, and fresh air adventures.
• Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL)Seattle Mariners (MLB)Seattle Kraken (NHL)Seattle Sounders FC (MLS)Seattle Seawolves (MLR)Seattle Dragons (XFL)Seattle Storm (WNBA) game.