Factors influencing moving costs from Seattle to Chicago

The cost of Seattle 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 Seattle to Chicago can be as low as $1,749 while a four-bedroom home can be as high as $14,836.
  • Time of year: Summer is peak moving season in Seattle, 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 $1,478 to $3,686. However, these options require more work and effort compared to hiring professional movers.

What to know before moving from Seattle to Chicago

Seattle Chicago
Average rent cost $1,975 $2,045
Average home value $842,068 $295,743
Average income (per capita) $77,845 $71,566
Cost of living (single person) $1,446 $1,280
Cost of living (family of 4) $5,187 $4,685
Unemployment rate 4.8% 9.0%
Sales tax 10.35% 10.25%
State income tax 0.0% 4.95%
source: Zumper, Zillow, Numbeo
  • Rent prices in Chicago are 4% higher than in Seattle.
  • Home prices in Chicago are 64.9% lower than in Seattle.
  • Income in Chicago is 8.1% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a single person in Chicago is 11.5% lower than in Seattle.
  • The cost of living for a family in Chicago is 9.7% lower than in Seattle.
  • The unemployment rate in Chicago is 87.50% higher than in Seattle.
  • Sales taxes are the same in Chicago and Seattle.
  • State income taxes in Chicago are 4.95% higher than in Seattle.

To put this in perspective, you would need around $2,655.60 in Chicago to maintain the same standard of life that you can have with $3,000.00 in Seattle.

How life is different in Seattle vs. Chicago

Chicago Seattle
Population 2,746,388 737,015
AllTransit Transportation Performance Score 9 8
Walkability score 77 74
Bike friendliness score 72 71
Crime Index 35.19 58.88
Safety Index 33.87 49.23
Air Quality Good Good
source: Wikipedia, AllTransit, Walk Score, NeighborhoodScout, AirNow
  • Chicago's population is about 273% greater than Seattle.
  • Chicago's public transportation has a score of 9 out of 10 versus Seattle's higher score of 8.
  • Chicago is more walkable than Seattle with a score of 77 out of 100 vs Seattle's 74 out of 100.
  • With a score of 72 out of 100, Chicago is more bike-friendly than Seattle, which has a score of 71 out of 100. The higher a city's score, the more suited they are to safely accommodating cyclists.
  • Chicago's crime rate is lower than Seattle with a score of 35.19 compared to Seattle's 58.88. This means that Chicago neighborhoods are safer than 35.19% of all U.S. neighborhoods, and Seattle neighborhoods are safer than 58.88%.
  • Chicago is considered to be less safe than Seattle with a score of 33.87 vs Seattle's 49.23.
  • Air quality in Chicago is good, and in Seattle it's good.

Other things to consider for your Seattle vs. Chicago move

  • Weather: Although Chicago gets less snowfall than surrounding areas in the Midwest and the Great Lakes region, heavy snowfall could still affect your move in the wintertime.
  • 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: In Illinois, regulations on in-state moves and local movers are set forth by the Illinois Commerce Commission. To move household goods locally and intrastate, companies need to have a Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity, so make sure the companies you’re considering have one and that it’s current. Make sure the moving company you use has a license before hiring.
  • State regulator: You can verify a Illinois moving license and its status through the state's public utilities commission.
  • Moving permits: Illinois 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 Chicago. Get started here.
  • Moving company insurance: Every state requires moving companies to carry different levels of insurance. Choose cost-free Released Value Protection from movers for basic coverage at 60 cents per pound. For more extensive protection matching your items' full value, consult your moving company for alternative options or consider a third-party insurance provider.
  • Moving checklist: Our moving checklist will help you have the peace of mind that you've got everything covered.

Where to live in Chicago

Now that you've decided to make the move to "Chi-Town", these are the best neighborhoods to move to in Chicago.

Best neighborhoods for singles

  • Lake View
  • Lincoln Park
  • The Loop
  • Near North Side
  • West Town

Best neighborhoods for families

  • Beverly
  • Edison Park
  • Lincoln Park
  • North Center
  • West Loop

Things to do in Chicago

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

  • Arts and culture: Chicago is home to museums and cultural arts centers like the The Field Museum, Shedd Aquarium, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago History Museum, and Museum of Contemporary Art.
  • Outdoor recreation: The city’s Millennium Park, Grant Park, The 606, and Lincoln 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 Chicago Bears (NFL), Chicago Cubs (MLB), Chicago White Sox (MLB), or Chicago Blackhawks (NHL) game.
source: AttractionsofAmerica

FAQ

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

The best time to move from Seattle to Chicago is during the spring or fall. These seasons offer milder weather and avoid higher moving costs during the peak moving season in Seattle.

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

Because most people are moving from Seattle to Chicago 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 Seattle to Chicago take?

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

Helpful moving resources

Seattle moving services

Popular Washington routes

Popular moving resources