($491+) Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $491 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,979 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 699 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 6 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,422, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $7,979 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,044 - $3,467, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $491 - $1,282.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,171 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Chicago: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,171 - $5,498. Containers cost roughly 40% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 74% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 699 miles, expect 1 to 6 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 699-mile route from Washington DC to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $1,422 - $3,965 with full-service movers, $1,044 - $1,929 with a container, $491 - $901 with a rental truck, or $940 - $1,620 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $2,171 - $5,498 full-service, $1,301 - $2,467 by container, $568 - $1,059 by rental truck, or $1,020 - $2,138 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $3,943 - $7,979 full-service, $1,688 - $3,467 by container, $675 - $1,282 by rental truck, or $1,350 - $2,614 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated October 30, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL
Hiring full-service movers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,422 and $7,979. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 699-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $399 - $2,660, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between Washington DC and Chicago. For a rough baseline, movers based in Washington DC tend to start around $180 plus $85/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,422 - $3,965
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,171 - $5,498
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,943 - $7,979
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Washington DC to Chicago.
Pro tip: The summer months (May - September) are the busiest time of year for movers during peak moving season, which drives up prices and limits scheduling options. If you can move in the fall or winter, you'll likely find better rates and more flexibility.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 70% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Chicago, 60% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing80% of local movers | $665 - $6,650 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready70% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $266 - $1,596/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $399 - $3,192 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs55% of local movers | $1,330 - $3,990 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,325 - $13,300 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $996 - $1,893 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items34% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,330 - $3,325 |
| Piano | Any piano type42% of local movers40% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,064 - $4,655 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling9% of local movers | $399 - $1,995 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Olympia Moving & Storage | $865 - $2,660 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $399 - $19,950+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $399 - $4,655+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Chicago?
Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association membership is a quick way to confirm a mover is legitimate in Illinois, on top of the picks below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing means no surprise charges on moving day, and their support team is consistently rated among the most responsive in the industry.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover here, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, with fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Washington DC, MD. Local companies typically run 30% - 40% more at longer distances because they aren't set up to consolidate shipments the way national carriers do. The one case where a local mover might be worth the premium is if you want a dedicated direct-route truck, which averages a 2-day delivery time, but expect to pay more for that convenience.
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,044 and $3,467. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,044 - $1,929
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,301 - $2,467
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,688 - $3,467
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $100 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $200 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $931 in Washington DC, MD, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Chicago, IL, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to Illinois move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $1,044. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,301 - $2,467.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Chicago?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Washington DC to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Washington DC:
- Straightline Movers Inc. (4.9/5), 7 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 11 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 0 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL
Plan on $491 - $1,282 for a rental moving truck on the 699-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Chicago, Illinois. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $296 - $338
- Daily insurance: $40/day
- Equipment rentals: $9 - $27
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $491 - $901
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $568 - $1,059
- 4+ bedrooms: $675 - $1,282
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Washington DC to Chicago starts at $491 - $1,282, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($296 - $338), overnight lodging ($200/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for roughly $600 - $1,200 more on top of fuel and lodging to cover meals, equipment, and other extras.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Moving labor: Rental trucks don't come with loaders. Hiring 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for roughly 5 hours usually costs about $931.
- Gas: Fuel costs total $296 - $338 for the 699-mile drive, depending on whether your truck takes gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, auto transport trailers, and furniture pads are separate rentals. Expect to spend between $80 and $432, depending on what you need.
- Additional insurance: Daily coverage upgrades typically add around $30.
- Lodging: Budget around $200 per night for hotel stops on the 699-mile drive. With 2 - 3 overnight stops, total lodging typically costs $399 - $599.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Chicago?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Chicago, Illinois.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. A 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route typically falls between $1,020 and $2,138.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $940 - $1,620
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,020 - $2,138
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,350 - $2,614
Pro tip: A 4-foot ramp sounds simple, but heavy or awkward furniture can make the climb tricky. With 8 feet of height to work with, smart vertical stacking is key. Since freight companies charge by the linear foot, every extra foot you use adds to the bill.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $100 - $200 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $931.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is the best for large moves pick. While it's a top moving container option for the DIY hybrid setup (you handle the loading, they handle the driving), the same approach makes it a strong freight choice for 3 to 5+ bedroom homes that need 53 feet of trailer capacity with pay-as-you-go pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer here. In addition to their popular container service, U-Pack delivers a top-tier freight trailer option that uses the same pay-by-the-foot pricing model and skips deposits and upfront fees entirely.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Chicago fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Chicago, IL
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Chicago, side by side with Washington DC on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Washington DC, MD | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 151 | 106 |
| Average rent | $2,400/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $594,337 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $101,027/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.0% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 5.75% | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 77/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 39.63/100 | 33.87/100 |
| Air quality | Good | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Chicago, IL to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha is the smarter way to find a mover:
Over the last 3 months, moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Maryland to Illinois, so we know current pricing better than most. Checking our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates. Maryland alone has 206 movers in our database, worth knowing for a 699-mile move like this one.
Our take
A move from Washington DC, MD, to Chicago, IL, gives you several options depending on your budget and how much you want to do yourself. Full-service movers handle everything but cost the most, ranging from $1,422 - $7,979 on the 699-mile route. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack bring that cost down to $1,044 - $3,467, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the most economical at $491 - $1,282. For full-service movers, Safeway Moving, starting around $2,171 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and round-the-clock live support.
Beyond the move itself, people who've relocated to Chicago tend to point to bountiful arts and recreational activities and delicious food, though high crime rate and temperamental weather come up as common complaints. Major employers in the area include U.S. Government and Chicago Public Schools.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Chicago, IL
How much does it cost to move from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $491 to $7,979, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $1,422 and $7,979, while DIY options like rental trucks and containers come in lower. Moving during peak season (May - September) tends to push prices higher across the board.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $568 - $1,059. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
What extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($296 - $338), daily insurance ($40/day), and equipment rentals ($9 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $200/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 1 to 6 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What is the best time of year to move from Washington DC, MD to Chicago, IL?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 42% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 34% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 40% and 26% nationally.