($1,098+) Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Seattle, WA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,098 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $11,855 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,041 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 6 to 17 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 $2,591, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $11,855 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,650 - $5,762, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,098 - $3,153.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Seattle, WA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $3,613 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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Seattle to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move costs $3,613 - $7,836 on this route, with movers handling all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 46% less for the same home size, and rental trucks are around 64% less, though both require you to handle the loading. This 2,041-mile route typically takes 6 to 17 days door to door.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,041-mile route from Seattle to Chicago, broken down by home size:
- A studio or 1-bedroom move runs $2,591 - $5,656 with full-service movers, $1,650 - $3,165 with a container, $1,098 - $2,118 with a rental truck, or $1,400 - $2,768 by freight.
- A 2 - 3 bedroom home costs $3,613 - $7,836 full-service, $1,951 - $4,353 by container, $1,301 - $2,521 by rental truck, or $1,707 - $3,314 by freight.
- A larger 4+ bedroom household runs $7,126 - $11,855 full-service, $2,897 - $5,762 by container, $1,547 - $3,153 by rental truck, or $2,205 - $4,381 by freight.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
A full-service interstate moving company handles everything on the 2,041-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, with prices running from $2,591 - $11,855. Professional packing of all your boxes adds $412 - $2,744 if you want a fully hands-off experience. Shipment weight and the distance between Seattle and Chicago are the two biggest drivers of your final price. Locally, Seattle movers tend to run around $260 as a base rate plus $141/hour per mover, for comparison.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Seattle to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,591 - $5,656
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $3,613 - $7,836
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,126 - $11,855
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 Seattle to Chicago.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Washington to Illinois. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Moving company rates climb during peak moving season (May –-September) when demand peaks. Scheduling your move outside of that window can lead to noticeably lower costs and better availability.
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Specialty moving services from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market: 57% of Seattle 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 packing69% of local movers | $686 - $6,860 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready57% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $274 - $1,646/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $412 - $3,293 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage10% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs51% of local movers | $1,372 - $4,116 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,430 - $13,720 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,028 - $1,952 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items26% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,372 - $3,430 |
| Piano | Any piano type32% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: Gentle Giant Moving Company | $1,098 - $4,802 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling7% of local movers | $412 - $2,058 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect8% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: Hansen Bros Moving and Storage | $892 - $2,744 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $412 - $20,580+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $412 - $4,802+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Seattle to Chicago?
If you're vetting a mover on your own instead, membership in Illinois Movers’ and Warehousemen’s Association is a good first thing to confirm.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving offers the best overall value on this route. Flat-rate pricing locks in your cost upfront, and 24/7 customer support is available throughout the move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. Operating since 1995, AVL staffs every move with full-time in-house crews trained on antiques, art, and other high-value items.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. As one of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, real-time shipment tracking, and an optional full-value protection plan.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are almost always better priced than local movers in Seattle, WA. 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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Seattle, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,650 and $5,762. With a moving container, you load on your own schedule. U-Haul gives you 3 days to fill yours, while PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're ready, the company transports it straight to your new place. Need more time first? Storage in Seattle typically costs about $120/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Seattle to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,650 - $3,165
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,951 - $4,353
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,897 - $5,762
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $103 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $206 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 $960 in Seattle, WA, 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 Washington 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 $1,650. 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 $1,951 - $4,353.
What are the best moving containers Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle:
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 8 years in business
- Eco Movers Moving & Storage (4.8/5), 17 years in business
- On The Go Moving and Storage (4.8/5), 15 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
A rental truck for this 2,041-mile move from Seattle, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, costs between $1,098 and $3,153. The base rate covers the vehicle only; budget for:
- Fuel for the drive: $891 - $1,018
- Daily insurance: $41/day
- Equipment rentals: $10 - $27
- Seattle daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.19 - $1.39
| 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 Seattle to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,098 - $2,118
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,301 - $2,521
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,547 - $3,153
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $1,098 - $3,153 when pricing out a rental truck from Seattle to Chicago. Fuel alone runs $891 - $1,018, and overnight lodging ($206/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Lodging: Overnight accommodations on longer drives average around $206 per night. Most long-distance moves with rental trucks require 1 - 3 overnight stops.
- Equipment: Tow dollies, auto trailers, and specialty moving equipment can add between $89 and $446 to your total.
- Additional insurance: Daily protection upgrades typically add about $30.
- Gas: Plan on spending $891 - $1,018 in fuel for the 2,041-mile move, depending on your truck's fuel type.
- Moving labor: Hiring a crew instead of doing the loading yourself typically costs around $960 in Seattle, Washington, for a 2-person crew and 5 hours of labor.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are a good fit for medium-to-large moves where you need more space than a container but don't want to drive a rental truck from Seattle, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois. The trailer is delivered to your address, you load it, and the carrier takes it the rest of the way.
Unlike truck rentals with flat rates, freight trailers scale with your shipment. Every additional section of trailer space you fill increases your total. A 2 - 3 bedroom long-distance move using this method runs roughly between $1,707 and $3,314.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Seattle to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,400 - $2,768
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,707 - $3,314
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,205 - $4,381
Pro tip: Freight trailers come with a 4-foot loading ramp, which can be a challenge with bulky furniture. With 8 feet of vertical space available, stacking efficiently often requires a ladder and a plan. Since you're billed per linear foot, packing tight can make a real difference in your final cost.
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 $103 - $206 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Seattle, Washington, for about five hours typically runs $960.
What are the best freight companies from Seattle to Chicago?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Primarily known as a top moving container option for its DIY hybrid model where customers load and the company drives, MovingYourself also functions as a strong freight option thanks to its 53-foot trucks and pay-only-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. Best known for its container service, U-Pack also runs a top-notch freight trailer operation with the same no-deposit, pay-by-the-foot approach that keeps overall costs lower than most freight competitors.
Pro tip: One of the biggest advantages of freight trailers is speed. For an interstate move, freight delivery is one of the fastest options you have short of driving a rental truck yourself. It's a smart choice when your timeline is firm and you'll be ready to receive your shipment. If there's any chance your new place won't be ready or you need a few weeks of storage, a moving container with built-in storage may serve you better.
Cost of living: Seattle, WA 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 Seattle on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Seattle, WA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 158 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,975/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $911,938 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $121,984/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 4.8% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 74/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 49.23/100 | 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 Seattle, WA guide.
Why you should use moveBuddha to find a mover:
In the past 3 months, we've processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Illinois, so our pricing data stays current. Use our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and spot bad actors early. We track 279 movers licensed in Washington, useful context for sizing up this 2,041-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from Seattle, WA, to Chicago, IL, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $2,591 - $11,855 on the 2,041-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,650 - $5,762 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $1,098 - $3,153 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $3,613 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 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 Seattle, WA, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 6 to 17 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 extra costs come with a truck rental on this route?
The base rate only covers the vehicle. Expect to add fuel ($891 - $1,018), daily insurance ($41/day), and equipment rentals ($10 - $27) on top. Overnight stops can add another $206/night for lodging if your drive spans more than a day.
What is the cheapest way to move from Seattle, WA 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 $1,301 - $2,521. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
How much does it cost to move from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL?
Costs on this route range from around $1,098 to $11,855, depending on your home size and which service you choose. Full-service movers typically fall between $2,591 and $11,855, 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 size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 4 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Seattle movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 32% of movers in Seattle handle piano moves, and 26% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.