($1,263+) Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL Movers
Moving from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL, runs anywhere from $1,275 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $13,821 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 2,055 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 $2,758, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $13,821 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,694 - $6,034, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $1,275 - $3,345.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $4,128 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
Compare moving options from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Moving options from Tacoma to Chicago fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $4,128 - $9,198 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 30% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 60% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 2,055 miles and typically takes 6 to 17 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 2,055-mile route from Tacoma to Chicago, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $2,758 - $6,097 | $1,694 - $3,090 | $1,275 - $2,389 | $1,525 - $2,840 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $4,128 - $9,198 | $2,257 - $4,739 | $1,300 - $2,787 | $1,735 - $3,575 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $7,283 - $13,821 | $3,003 - $6,034 | $1,760 - $3,345 | $2,354 - $4,827 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Full-service movers handle loading, transportation, and unloading on the 2,055-mile move from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, with costs ranging from $2,758 - $13,821. You can have movers pack your boxes for an additional $349 - $2,324. Like most long-distance moves, your price is determined by the total weight of your belongings and the distance between Tacoma and Chicago. Local movers in Tacoma typically start around $316 as a base rate plus $133/hour per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Tacoma to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $2,758 - $6,097
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $4,128 - $9,198
- 4+ bedrooms: $7,283 - $13,821
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 Tacoma 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: Peak moving season (May - September) limits truck availability and pushes up full-service moving costs. Booking during slower months can give you more scheduling room and a lower final price.
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Specialty moving services from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Specialty needs vary by market — 97% of Tacoma movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Chicago, 93% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing97% of local movers | $581 - $5,810 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready97% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $232 - $1,394/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $349 - $2,789 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage35% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs35% of local movers | $1,162 - $3,486 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,905 - $11,620 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $870 - $1,654 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items60% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $1,162 - $2,905 |
| Piano | Any piano type76% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: All Ready Moving & Storage | $930 - $4,067 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling40% of local movers | $349 - $1,743 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect29% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: Mountain Moving & Storage | $755 - $2,324 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $349 - $17,430+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $349 - $4,067+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Tacoma 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 van lines are the smarter financial choice over local movers in Tacoma, WA. Local companies can run 30% - 40% more at that range since they don't consolidate shipments the way interstate carriers do. If a direct, dedicated route with an average 2-day delivery appeals to you, a local mover could be worth it, but that convenience comes at a cost.
Moving container costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Moving containers from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, cost between $1,694 and $6,034. You're in charge of loading, and the timeline is yours to set. U-Haul allows 3 days while PODS gives you a full 30. After that, the company picks it up and delivers it to your new address. Running behind schedule? Storage in Tacoma costs roughly $110/month if you need it.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Tacoma to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,694 - $3,090
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,257 - $4,739
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,003 - $6,034
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Access: Most major container brands operate in both Tacoma, WA and Chicago, IL. Still, double-check that a nearby facility is available if you need to access your belongings before delivery.
- Moving labor: Because containers are self-loaded, many customers hire hourly help. Two movers for about 5 hours typically cost around $813 in Tacoma, WA, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: Monthly container rental after the first 30 days averages $87 for small units (7 - 8 feet) and about $174 for larger ones (12 - 16 feet).
- Added contents protection: For more coverage beyond the standard minimum, full-value protection is the typical upgrade, generally 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value. On a $50,000 household, that's roughly $500 - $1,000 as a one-time fee.
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 $1,694. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $2,257 - $4,739, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma:
- All Ready Moving & Storage (5.0/5), 22 years in business
- Mountain Moving & Storage (4.6/5), 63 years in business
- A2B Moving & Storage, LLC (4.5/5), 16 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Truck rentals from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, range from $1,275 - $3,345 for the 2,055-mile drive. You handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself, plus these extra costs:
- Fuel for the drive: $760 - $868
- Daily insurance: $35/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $23
- Tacoma daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $1.09 - $1.89
| 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 Tacoma to Chicago based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,275 - $2,389
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,300 - $2,787
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,760 - $3,345
Pro tip: Truck rental pricing for a move from Tacoma to Chicago starts at $1,275 - $3,345, but that number does not tell the whole story. Fuel ($760 - $868) , overnight lodging ($174/night), meals, and equipment rentals are all separate. Plan for an additional $600 - $1,200 on top of your base rate to cover those costs.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Additional insurance: Supplemental coverage typically averages around $30 per day.
- Lodging: Budget around $174 per night if your drive requires an overnight stop. Typically, you'll make 1 - 3 overnight stops, depending on move distance.
- Moving labor: Bringing in professional loading help in Tacoma, Washington, usually costs about $813 for 2 movers and 5 hours of labor.
- Gas: Fuel for the 2,055-mile drive falls between $760 and $868, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Equipment: Appliance dollies, moving pads, and vehicle trailers are easy to overlook but can add between $58 and $349 to your total.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Tacoma 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 Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL
Freight trailers are well suited for larger moves from Tacoma, Washington, to Chicago, Illinois, when you want to do the loading yourself without having to drive a massive vehicle. The trailer is delivered, you pack it up, and the carrier handles the long haul.
What sets freight trailers apart is the pay-for-what-you-use pricing model. Each additional foot of trailer space you occupy adds to the cost. Overall pricing for a move of this size and distance typically lands around $1,735 and $3,575.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Tacoma to Chicago:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,525 - $2,840
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,735 - $3,575
- 4+ bedrooms: $2,354 - $4,827
Pro tip: Freight trailers offer generous space but reward good packing strategy. The 4-foot ramp can be challenging for large or heavy pieces, and using the full 8-foot height takes careful stacking. Because you're billed by the linear foot, maximizing vertical space keeps your costs lower.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight trailers are billed by the section you fill. If you misjudge your shipment size, each extra foot of trailer space adds around $87 - $174 to your final bill.
- Peak season pricing: Expect higher rates during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) when trailer availability tightens across the country.
- Moving labor: Loading is on you unless you hire outside help. A half-day crew of two movers in Tacoma, Washington, typically costs $813.
What are the best freight companies from Tacoma 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.
- Allstate Transport (4.76/5 stars): Allstate Transport is the best locally owned freight company on this list. Locally owned facilities and accessible live support staff make scheduling and route coordination easier on local-area routes than what most national freight providers can offer.
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: Tacoma, 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 Tacoma on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | Tacoma, WA | Chicago, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 123 | 106 |
| Average rent | $1,650/mo | $2,045/mo |
| Median home value | $454,577 | $317,509 |
| Average income | $83,857/yr | $75,134/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 7.3% | 9.0% |
| State income tax | None | Up to 4.95% |
| Walkability score | 54/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 44.45/100 | 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 Tacoma, WA guide.
Why book your mover through moveBuddha:
moveBuddha has processed 10 real quotes from Washington to Illinois in the past 3 months alone, keeping our pricing data current. Run your numbers through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. For context, we track 95 movers based in Washington, handy for sizing up options on this 2,055-mile route.
Our take
The 2,055-mile move from Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL, costs between $2,758 and $13,821 with full-service movers, $1,694 - $6,034 with a moving container, and $1,275 - $3,345 for a rental truck. Your budget and how much heavy lifting you want to do are the two biggest factors in choosing the right option. If you go with full-service movers, Safeway Moving is our top recommendation, with transparent flat-rate pricing starting around $4,128 for a 2-bedroom move, 30 days of free storage, and 24/7 customer 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 Tacoma, WA, to Chicago, IL
How long does a move from Tacoma, WA to Chicago, IL take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, 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 are the best neighborhoods in Chicago?
For families, Beverly, Edison Park, and Lincoln Park are worth a look in Chicago. If you're moving solo or without kids, Lake View, Lincoln Park, and The Loop tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Tacoma, 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 $1,300 - $2,787. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Chicago a safe place to live?
Chicago has a safety index of 33.87 out of 100 and a crime index of 35.19, compared to 44.45 and 55.55 in Tacoma. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
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 3 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 Tacoma movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 76% of movers in Tacoma handle piano moves, and 60% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.