Factors influencing moving costs from Chicago to Seattle

The cost of Chicago movers will depend on:

  • Move size: The cost of your move will depend on the amount of items you have in your home. For example, moving a one-bedroom apartment from Chicago to Seattle can be as low as $1,417 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $12,157.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Chicago, so moving companies will likely charge more.
  • Do-it-yourself vs professional mover: Renting a truck or using a moving container can be cheaper options, with prices for a rental truck ranging from $1,407 to $3,794. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Chicago to Seattle

Chicago Seattle
Average rent cost $2,045 $1,975
Average home value $295,743 $842,068
Average income (per capita) $71,566 $77,845
Cost of living (single person) $1,280 $1,446
Cost of living (family of 4) $4,685 $5,187
Unemployment rate 9.0% 4.8%
Sales tax 10.25% 10.35%
State income tax 4.95% 0.0%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Seattle are 3% lower than in Chicago.
  • Home prices in Seattle are 184.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • Income in Seattle is 8.8% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Seattle is 13.0% higher than in Chicago.
  • The cost of living for a family in Seattle is 10.7% higher than in Chicago.
  • The unemployment rate in Seattle is 46.67% lower than in Chicago.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Seattle and Chicago.
  • State income taxes in Seattle are 100.00% lower than in Chicago.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $3,389.06 in Seattle to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Chicago.

How life is different in Chicago vs. Seattle

Seattle Chicago
Population 737,015 2,746,388
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 8 9
Walkability score 74 77
Bike friendliness score 71 72
Crime Index 58.88 35.19
Safety Index 49.23 33.87
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Seattle's population is about 73% less than Chicago.
  • Seattle's public transportation has a score of 8 out of 10 versus Chicago's lower score of 9.
  • Seattle is less walkable than Chicago with a score of 74 out of 100 vs Chicago's 77 out of 100.
  • Seattle has a bike-friendliness score 71 out of 100, which means it isn't as accessible to and safe for cyclists as Chicago, which has a score of 72 out of 100.
  • 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.

Other things to consider for your Chicago vs. Seattle move

  • Weather: Although Seattle has a reputation for frequent rain, the climate in Seattle is very unlikely to affect your move.
  • HOA rules: Check ahead with any neighborhood or community rules on moving to ensure a smooth move.
  • Elevator reservation: If your building has an elevator you'll want to check on how to reserve it for move day.
  • Truck parking permits: Some cities require parking permits for large vehicles and moving trucks. Find out if you need any parking permits 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. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Washington moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Washington does not require any moving permits, but it is helpful to check local parking restrictions before moving into the state.
  • Change of address: We recommend submitting your change of address form with USPS at least a week prior to your move. You can set an official move date on the form and this way all of your mail will get properly forwarded to Seattle. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of 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.

Where to live in Seattle

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Emerald City", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Seattle.

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

After settling into your new Washington home, you’ll want to branch out and explore your new city. Luckily, Seattle has lots to offer, no matter what you’re interested in:

  • Arts and culture: Seattle is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the Museum of Popular Culture (MoPOP), Olympic Sculpture Park, National Nordic Museum, Chihuly Garden and Glass, and Museum of Flight.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Discovery Park, Olympic Sculpture Park, Green Lake Park, and Carkeek Park — among other sites — are great places to hike, ride bikes, or just enjoy nature.
  • Sports: Catch a live game and cheer on the home team at an Seattle Seahawks (NFL), Seattle Mariners (MLB), Seattle Kraken (NHL), or Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

When is the best time to move from Chicago to Seattle?

The best time to move from Chicago to Seattle 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 Seattle?

Because most people are moving from Chicago to Seattle in the spring or fall, you can often catch discounts by moving in the winter. Read our guide on moving discounts to learn more.

How long does a move from Chicago to Seattle take?

The 2,064-mile move from Chicago, IL, to Seattle, WA, takes six to 17 days. Some Chicago movers may offer expedited moving if you need it faster. If you need more time, ask your mover about storage options in Seattle.

Helpful moving resources

Chicago moving services

Popular Illinois routes

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