Best Washington DC to Chicago Movers
Updated June 6, 2025
Looking for reliable Washington DC to Chicago movers for this 700 mile interstate move? See our top 5 recommended movers, get estimated moving costs, and read our Washington DC to Chicago moving guide below. We analyzed 54 Chicago to Washington DC moving companies across 130,844 review data points and more than 18,000 movers nationwide using our 11-point rating system to bring you data-backed moving recommendations.
Key Takeaways:
- Bookstore Movers is our overall top recommended Washington DC to Chicago moving company
- A1 Movers, Inc is the most affordable company to hire
- Moving from Washington DC to Chicago will cost on average between $1,500 - $5,500
- Our rankings and results are unbiased & backed by data… NOT paid promotions
Best Washington DC to Chicago Movers
| Rank | Company | Score | License | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bookstore Movers | 9.60 | Authorized For HHG | |
| 2 | Mic's Moving | 9.60 | Authorized For HHG | |
| 3 | Ap Pro Moving Llc | 9.44 | Active | |
| 4 | 606 Movers, Inc. | 9.37 | Authorized For Property, HHG | |
| 5 | Move-tastic! | 9.35 | Authorized For HHG |
Our Top Recommendations
Bookstore Movers
Best moving company overall for Washington DC to Chicago
Bookstore Movers
5200 46th Ave, Hyattsville, MD, 20781
11-Point Rating
Best moving company overall to hire when moving from Washington DC to Chicago! Bookstore Movers takes the #1 spot for our overall ranking and is the top recommended movers for this route.
Bookstore Movers is the number 1 ranked moving service in Washington DC, DC with an overall score of 9.60 out of 10. Based on our extensive analysis, this is an Exceptional score and places it in the top 99.75% of all movers in Dc and the top 99.44% of moving companies nationwide. Bookstore Movers is also one of the top 100 movers nationwide (out of more than 18,000 total moving companies).
Our Research
- Analyzed 1,093 total reviews
- Reviewed 7 social profiles and review listings
- Checked for license verification at FMCSA
- Crunched 6,057 data points pertaining to the above
11 Point Rating
| Metric | Score Out of 10 | vs Nationwide Comparison between Bookstore Movers & the average of all
moving companies nationwide | Positive Reviews The total number of reviews that rated the metric positively (a score of 7-10) | Negative Reviews The total number of reviews that rated the metric negatively (a score of 1-6) | Positive Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 9.71 | ↑ 16.6% | 942 | 32 | 96.7% | |
| Punctuality | 9.71 | ↑ 21.4% | 478 | 10 | 98.0% | |
| Affordability | 9.50 | ↑ 25.1% | 300 | 8 | 97.4% | |
| Communication | 9.70 | ↑ 30.3% | 543 | 17 | 97.0% | |
| Stick to Prices | 9.72 | ↑ 63.2% | 203 | 4 | 98.1% | |
| Speed | 9.84 | ↑ 16.1% | 629 | 9 | 98.6% | |
| Friendliness | 9.84 | ↑ 12.3% | 682 | 9 | 98.7% | |
| Will Hire Again | 9.64 | ↑ 19.4% | 939 | 36 | 96.3% | |
| Professionalism | 9.74 | ↑ 18.8% | 589 | 16 | 97.4% | |
| Conflict Handling | 8.73 | ↑ 114.7% | 83 | 11 | 88.3% | |
| Precision & Care | 9.52 | ↑ 20.1% | 491 | 26 | 95.0% |
Recent Bookstore Movers Reviews
Quality - 9.71/10
Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Punctuality - 9.71/10
Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Affordability - 9.50/10
How affordable was the moving service?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Communication - 9.70/10
Was the office staff quick to respond to questions prior to moving day? Did the moving crew notify you on the day of move regarding any changes to the original schedule? If there were any issues to resolve after moving day, was an office manager quick to respond and address problems encountered?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Stick to Prices - 9.72/10
Was a lowball quote provided to earn business only to see the final moving day price increase substantially?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Speed - 9.84/10
Did the movers seem to take their precious time in an attempt to increase the overall cost of the move? Remember, moving is HARD work and some breaks should be expected!
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Friendliness - 9.84/10
Was the moving crew cordial and friendly to be around on moving day?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Will Hire Again - 9.64/10
How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again for their next move.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Professionalism - 9.74/10
Did the moving crew behave in a professional manner on moving day?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Conflict Handling - 8.73/10
Accidents can and will likely happen at some point on moving day. How a moving company responds to these accidents can say a lot about the company.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Precision & Care - 9.52/10
Were walls scratched? Did furniture get scuffed, broken, or lost?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Additional Details
Moving Services Offered by Bookstore Movers
- Local moving
- Long-distance moving
- Cross-country moving
- Small moves
- Piano moving
- Packing services
- Furniture moving
- Hourly moving services
- Commercial moving
- Storage solutions
Licenses
State & federal license information
USDOT Interstate License
Status: Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/15/21)- USDOT: 2005212
- MC: 707471
- ENTITY TYPE: Carrier
21
Registered Trucks, Tractors, or Vans
21
Registered Drivers
11/13/20
Most Recent USDOT Update
153,245
Annual Interstate Miles (2019)
Detailed Customer Insights
Based on our analysis of Bookstore Movers's customer reviews:
3 hrs
Hourly Minimum
based on 24 reviews
3 hrs
Local Move Duration
based on 166 reviews
Average Cost
$825.00
based on 4 historical data points
Mic's Moving
1250 9th st. nw, Washington DC, DC, 20011
11-Point Rating
Get the best bang for your buck hiring Mic's Moving of Washington DC. They have the best affordability index score which measures both quality and affordability.
Mic's Moving is the number 2 ranked moving service in Washington DC, DC with an overall score of 9.60 out of 10. Based on our extensive analysis, this is an Exceptional score and places it in the top 96.55% of all movers in Dc and the top 99.4% of moving companies nationwide. They score better than 52 other Washington DC moving companies and better than 83 movers in Dc. Mic's Moving is also one of the top 125 movers nationwide (out of more than 18,000 total moving companies).
Our Research
- Analyzed 743 total reviews
- Reviewed 5 social profiles and review listings
- Checked for license verification at FMCSA
- Crunched 3,605 data points pertaining to the above
11 Point Rating
| Metric | Score Out of 10 | vs Nationwide Comparison between Mic's Moving & the average of all
moving companies nationwide | Positive Reviews The total number of reviews that rated the metric positively (a score of 7-10) | Negative Reviews The total number of reviews that rated the metric negatively (a score of 1-6) | Positive Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 9.65 | ↑ 15.9% | 585 | 21 | 96.5% | |
| Punctuality | 9.67 | ↑ 20.9% | 271 | 11 | 96.1% | |
| Affordability | 9.54 | ↑ 25.8% | 132 | 3 | 97.8% | |
| Communication | 9.62 | ↑ 29.2% | 249 | 11 | 95.8% | |
| Stick to Prices | 9.60 | ↑ 61.2% | 106 | 4 | 96.4% | |
| Speed | 9.79 | ↑ 15.5% | 361 | 8 | 97.8% | |
| Friendliness | 9.94 | ↑ 13.5% | 411 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Will Hire Again | 9.64 | ↑ 19.4% | 584 | 24 | 96.1% | |
| Professionalism | 9.71 | ↑ 18.4% | 355 | 12 | 96.7% | |
| Conflict Handling | 8.91 | ↑ 119.0% | 55 | 7 | 88.7% | |
| Precision & Care | 9.50 | ↑ 19.8% | 372 | 23 | 94.2% |
Recent Mic's Moving Reviews
Quality - 9.65/10
Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Punctuality - 9.67/10
Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Affordability - 9.54/10
How affordable was the moving service?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Communication - 9.62/10
Was the office staff quick to respond to questions prior to moving day? Did the moving crew notify you on the day of move regarding any changes to the original schedule? If there were any issues to resolve after moving day, was an office manager quick to respond and address problems encountered?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Stick to Prices - 9.60/10
Was a lowball quote provided to earn business only to see the final moving day price increase substantially?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Speed - 9.79/10
Did the movers seem to take their precious time in an attempt to increase the overall cost of the move? Remember, moving is HARD work and some breaks should be expected!
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Friendliness - 9.94/10
Was the moving crew cordial and friendly to be around on moving day?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Will Hire Again - 9.64/10
How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again for their next move.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Professionalism - 9.71/10
Did the moving crew behave in a professional manner on moving day?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Conflict Handling - 8.91/10
Accidents can and will likely happen at some point on moving day. How a moving company responds to these accidents can say a lot about the company.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Precision & Care - 9.50/10
Were walls scratched? Did furniture get scuffed, broken, or lost?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Additional Details
Moving Services Offered by Mic's Moving
- Local Move
- Long Distance Moving
- Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves
- Local DC Moves
- Packing Services
- Storage Services
- Commercial Moving
- Furniture Moving
- Hourly Rates
- Cross-Country Moving
Licenses
State & federal license information
USDOT Interstate License
Status: Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/14/21)- USDOT: 2474176
- MC: 856657
- ENTITY TYPE: Carrier
7
Registered Trucks, Tractors, or Vans
7
Registered Drivers
5/20/21
Most Recent USDOT Update
40,000
Annual Interstate Miles (2019)
Detailed Customer Insights
Based on our analysis of Mic's Moving's customer reviews:
2 hrs
Hourly Minimum
based on 3 reviews
3.75 hrs
Local Move Duration
based on 67 reviews
2 days
Interstate Move Duration
based on 8 reviews
Ap Pro Moving Llc
5021 Seminary Rd # 822, Alexandria, VA, 22311
11-Point Rating
Best white glove moving service for Washington DC to Chicago. Ap Pro Moving Llc will treat your home and furniture with the utmost care and precision.
Ap Pro Moving Llc is the number 3 ranked moving service in Washington DC, DC with an overall score of 9.44 out of 10. Based on our extensive analysis, this is an Exceptional score and places it in the top 98.13% of all movers in Dc and the top 98.07% of moving companies nationwide.
Our Research
- Analyzed 95 total reviews
- Reviewed 4 social profiles and review listings
- Checked for license verification at FMCSA
- Crunched 343 data points pertaining to the above
11 Point Rating
| Metric | Score Out of 10 | vs Nationwide Comparison between Ap Pro Moving Llc & the average of all
moving companies nationwide | Positive Reviews The total number of reviews that rated the metric positively (a score of 7-10) | Negative Reviews The total number of reviews that rated the metric negatively (a score of 1-6) | Positive Score | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quality | 9.64 | ↑ 15.7% | 69 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Punctuality | 9.48 | ↑ 18.6% | 21 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Affordability | 9.34 | ↑ 23.1% | 16 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Communication | 9.38 | ↑ 26.0% | 22 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Stick to Prices | 8.88 | ↑ 49.2% | 7 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Speed | 9.63 | ↑ 13.6% | 26 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Friendliness | 9.59 | ↑ 9.5% | 31 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Will Hire Again | 9.61 | ↑ 19.0% | 71 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Professionalism | 9.60 | ↑ 17.1% | 39 | 0 | 100.0% | |
| Precision & Care | 9.66 | ↑ 21.8% | 41 | 0 | 100.0% |
Recent Ap Pro Moving Llc Reviews
Quality - 9.64/10
Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Punctuality - 9.48/10
Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Affordability - 9.34/10
How affordable was the moving service?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Communication - 9.38/10
Was the office staff quick to respond to questions prior to moving day? Did the moving crew notify you on the day of move regarding any changes to the original schedule? If there were any issues to resolve after moving day, was an office manager quick to respond and address problems encountered?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Stick to Prices - 8.88/10
Was a lowball quote provided to earn business only to see the final moving day price increase substantially?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Speed - 9.63/10
Did the movers seem to take their precious time in an attempt to increase the overall cost of the move? Remember, moving is HARD work and some breaks should be expected!
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Friendliness - 9.59/10
Was the moving crew cordial and friendly to be around on moving day?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Will Hire Again - 9.61/10
How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again for their next move.
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Professionalism - 9.60/10
Did the moving crew behave in a professional manner on moving day?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Precision & Care - 9.66/10
Were walls scratched? Did furniture get scuffed, broken, or lost?
Recent Customer Praises
Recent Customer Complaints
Overall Review Distribution
Additional Details
Moving Services Offered by Ap Pro Moving Llc
- Local Moving
- Long Distance Moving
- Packing Services
- Disassemble Furniture
Licenses
State & federal license information
USDOT Interstate License
Status: Authorized for Interstate Moves (last checked 9/06/22)- USDOT: 3338902
- ENTITY TYPE: Carrier
1
Registered Trucks, Tractors, or Vans
2
Registered Drivers
2/28/22
Most Recent USDOT Update
4,000
Annual Interstate Miles (2021)
Detailed Customer Insights
Based on our analysis of Ap Pro Moving Llc's customer reviews:
606 Movers, Inc.
159 N Sangamon St Suite 300, Chicago, IL, 60607
11-Point Rating
Move-tastic!
3100 N Tripp Ave, Chicago, IL, 60641
11-Point Rating
How Much Do Washington DC to Chicago Movers Cost?
Moving 700 miles from Washington DC, DC to Chicago, IL will typically cost between $2,500 and $5,500 to hire full service movers. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by home size.
- Expected Range: $2,500 - $5,500
- Expected Time To Complete: 2-7 days
- Most Affordable Recommended Movers: A1 Movers, Inc
| HOME SIZE | MOVING COST | VOLUME OF PACKED ITEMS (FT3) | $/FT3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | $1,599 | 300 ft3 | $5.33 |
| 1 Bedroom | $2,376 | 450 ft3 | $5.28 |
| 2 Bedrooms | $3,923 | 750 ft3 | $5.23 |
| 3 Bedrooms | $5,699 | 1100 ft3 | $5.18 |
| 4 Bedrooms | $8,210 | 1600 ft3 | $5.13 |
| 5+ Bedrooms | $9,146 | 1800 ft3 | $5.08 |
Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move
Find long distance movers in Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Washington DC. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Washington DC entirely empty. If you can find a Chicago moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!
Moving Containers: A cheaper Washington DC to Chicago moving option
Hire local Washington DC movers for the pickup location at an hourly rate. They can quickly load your moving container. When your container is dropped off at your new home, hire Chicago movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Washington DC to Chicago move together yourself with at least 3 different companies. Taking on this scheduling responsibility will save you a little money by moving with this strategy.
How we ranked the top Washington DC to Chicago movers
Why you should trust us
We take reviews seriously to protect people just like you! Our team has been crunching data on moving companies since 2010. Our math-based ranking system uses data, manual review, and statistical analysis to help you hire the best Washington DC, DC to Chicago, IL long distance movers.
Rating Methodology
Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Washington DC to Chicago moving route:
Our original review-based ranking algorithm
We started with a total of 54 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Washington DC and Chicago areas.
From these 54 companies, we analyzed a total of 33,197 reviews dating all the way back to February 2007.
We also reviewed a total of 25 state and federal moving licenses from these 54 companies and 285 different 3rd party review and social profiles.
Each of the ~33,000 reviews was scored according to our detailed 11-point rating criteria
Reviews are time-weighted so that more recent reviews carry more weight. This helps you understand how a mover is doing today... not 5 years ago. We have 21,077 Washington DC to Chicago moving company data points from the past 2 years that carry more weight.
Bayesian averages calculated to fairly account for the differences between companies that are newer(like 606 Movers, Inc.) vs older more established companies (like Bookstore Movers).
The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown
Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Washington DC to Chicago moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.
Quality
Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.
Punctuality
Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?
Affordability
How affordable was the moving service?
Communication
Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.
Stick to Prices
Was the final price consistent with the original quote?
Speed
Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.
Friendliness
Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?
Will Hire Again
How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.
Professionalism
Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?
Conflict Handling
How well the company responds to accidents and issues.
Precision & Care
Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?
Washington DC to Chicago Moving Guide
From Washington DC to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance
| Washington DC | Chicago | How They're Similar |
|---|---|---|
| Capitol Hill | Lincoln Park | historic rowhouses & parks |
| Georgetown | Old Town | upscale boutiques & riverfront charm |
| Dupont Circle | Lakeview | LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife & cafés |
| Adams Morgan | Wicker Park | eclectic bars & artsy vibe |
| Logan Circle | West Loop | trendsetting dining & design studios |
| Columbia Heights | Logan Square | diverse community & rising food scene |
| Shaw | South Loop | modern condos & close-to-downtown |
| U Street Corridor | Bronzeville | historic music roots & cultural venues |
| Cleveland Park | Hyde Park | tree-lined streets & academic institutions |
| Navy Yard | River North | waterfront redevelopment & nightlife |
- Capitol Hill in Washington DC & Lincoln Park in Chicago are both known for their historic rowhouses & parks
- Washington DC's Georgetown neighborhood & Chicago's Old Town both share upscale boutiques & riverfront charm
- If you're moving from Dupont Circle, check out Lakeview in the Chicago area for LGBTQ+ friendly nightlife & cafés
- Do you enjoy Adams Morgan's eclectic bars & artsy vibe? You're sure to love Wicker Park
- Move from Logan Circle to West Loop and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: trendsetting dining & design studios
- Columbia Heights & Logan Square are both known for their diverse community & rising food scene
- Washington DC's Shaw neighborhood & Chicago's South Loop neighborhood both have modern condos & close-to-downtown
- If you're moving from U Street Corridor, look into Bronzeville for historic music roots & cultural venues
- Do you cherish living in Cleveland Park's tree-lined streets & academic institutions? Move into Hyde Park for something similar
- The similar vibes of Navy Yard & River North are both known for waterfront redevelopment & nightlife
Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington DC to Chicago
Washington DC, DC- High living costs
- Humid summers
- Political focus
- Less public space
Chicago, IL- Lower living costs
- Cooler summers
- Broader industry base
- Abundant parks
Chicago, IL- Brutal winters
- Higher crime rates
- Less political engagement
- Fewer global cuisine options
Washington DC, DC- Rich history
- Diverse culture
- Political engagement
- More global cuisine
Pros of moving from Washington DC to Chicago
- Say goodbye to high living costs and hello to lower living costs
- Look forward to moving away from humid summers and moving to Chicago with cooler summers
- Swap the political focus of Washington DC for a broader industry base in Chicago
- Get ready for abundant parks in Chicago
Cons of moving from Washington DC to Chicago
- Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the rich history in Washington DC to live with brutal winters in Chicago
- You'll lose out on the pro of diverse culture and have to settle for the con of higher crime rates
- Time to bid farewell to political engagement and get used to less political engagement in Chicago
- Swap more global cuisine for fewer global cuisine options
Washington DC vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene
| Comparison | Washington DC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Most iconic local food item | Half-Smoke | Deep Dish Pizza |
| Most popular meat dish | Mumbo Sauce Wings | Italian Beef Sandwich |
| Most popular street food item | Jumbo Slice Pizza | Chicago-style Hot Dog |
| Most popular vegan food | Kale Caesar Salad | Vegan Deep Dish Pizza |
| Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city |
|
|
| Fitness/Health Conscientiousness | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 | 💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪 |
| Abundance of Food Trucks | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 | 🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚 |
| Foodie Scene | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 | 🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴 |
| Vegan Friendly | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 | 🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱 |
If you're moving from Washington DC to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Half-Smoke of Washington DC for the equally delicious Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Washington DC rave about their flavorful Mumbo Sauce Wings and sumptuous Jumbo Slice Pizza, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef Sandwich and Chicago-style Hot Dog to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Kale Caesar Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Washington DC eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Zaytinya, and Rosa's Thai Cafe. After the boxes are unpacked in Chicago, don't wait too long before making your way to Chicago's acclaimed eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Portillo's, and Alinea.
When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Washington DC. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Washington DC. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Chicago.
Discover Chicago Restaurants You'll Love
Moving to Chicago is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Washington DC favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Fiola Mare, Rose's Luxury, and Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington DC, we're sure you'll love Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab, Giant, and Portillo's in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Washington DC hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Zaytinya, head to The Purple Pig on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.
| Washington DC | Chicago | What You'll Love |
|---|---|---|
| Fiola Mare | Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab | Both offer exquisite seafood in an upscale setting. |
| Rose's Luxury | Giant | Offers a similarly eclectic and innovative approach to dining, with a cozy atmosphere. |
| Ben's Chili Bowl | Portillo's | Both are iconic spots known for their unique takes on American classics. |
| Zaytinya | The Purple Pig | While offering different cuisines, both restaurants excel in delivering a Mediterranean-inspired experience. |
| Le Diplomate | Café Ba-Ba-Reeba! | For a Parisian bistro experience with a Spanish twist, offering a similar vibe and quality of dining. |
| Bad Saint | Kasama | This Filipino restaurant offers a similar commitment to authentic culinary experiences, earning a Michelin star for its efforts. |
| Blue Duck Tavern | Longman & Eagle | Both offer farm-to-table American fare, emphasizing local and seasonal ingredients. |
| Little Serow | Galit | Both are celebrated for their bold flavors and innovative menus, focusing on northern Thai and Middle Eastern cuisines, respectively. |
| Kinship | Avec | Offers a refined yet approachable dining experience, focusing on the communal sharing of food. |
| Gravitas | Elizabeth | Both Michelin-starred, emphasizing innovative American cuisine with a focus on ingredients and creativity. |
Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Washington DC and Chicago
| Comparison | Washington DC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Typical Architecture Style | Colonial, Federal | Modern, Chicago School |
| Walkability | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 | 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟 |
| Bikeability | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 | 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲 |
| Urban Lifestyle | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ | 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️ |
| Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing | Proximity to transit, Historic charm | Lake views, Green spaces |
- The Colonial and Federal architecture that Washington DC is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Chicago School architecture typical of Chicago.
- Compared to Washington DC's real estate listings that commonly reference proximity to transit and historic charm, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like lake views and green spaces.
- You can keep your walking shoes packed away; Chicago is less walkable than Washington DC.
- You might want to think twice before moving your bike; Chicago is less bike-friendly than Washington DC.
- Chicago has less of an urban feel than Washington DC.
- Chicago housing costs are 53% less expensive than they are in Washington DC, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Washington DC’s $619,321.
- Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to an 8% increase in Washington DC.
- Rent in Chicago is 13.05% more affordable than in Washington DC.
Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL
- Lincoln Park : You'll find plenty of green spaces and dog-friendly areas, including the popular Wiggly Field Dog Park.
- Lakeview : This lively neighborhood offers numerous pet-friendly cafes and shops, along with the spacious Belmont Harbor Dog Beach.
- Logan Square : Known for its welcoming community vibe, you and your furry friends can enjoy multiple pet-friendly parks and a variety of pet-oriented events.
Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Washington DC and Chicago
| Comparison | Washington DC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Days of Sunshine per Year | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ | ☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️ |
| Avg. Annual Humidity | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 | 💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦 |
| Avg. UV Index | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ | 🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️ |
| Natural Disasters | Hurricanes, Floods | Blizzards, Tornadoes |
| Air Quality | Moderate | Good |
| Average Summer High/Low (°F) | 87°F/71°F | 84°F/68°F |
| Average Winter High/Low (°F) | 47°F/29°F | 32°F/18°F |
| Annual Rainfall (Inches) | 39.74 | 36.89 |
| Annual Snowfall (Inches) | 15.4 | 36.0 |
- The shades won't be used as much for your move from Washington DC to Chicago. Chicago gets 7% fewer sunshine days than Washington DC.
- Chicago has higher humidity and a lower average UV index compared to Washington DC.
- Say goodbye to the possible hurricanes and floods in Washington DC, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago.
- The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 3 degrees cooler than in Washington DC.
- The average winter lows are 11 degrees colder than they are in Washington DC.
- Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago, as it receives 2.9 fewer inches of rain compared to Washington DC.
Financial & Community Snapshot: Washington DC and Chicago
| Comparison | Washington DC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg. Household Income | $90,088 | $66,576 |
| Cost of Living Index | 140.1 | 116.9 |
| State Income Tax | 4.0-8.95 | 4.95 (flat rate) |
| Avg. Property Tax | 0.56 | 2.10 |
| Avg. Sales Tax | 6.0 | 10.25 |
| Top 3 Industries | Government, Professional Services, Education | Manufacturing, Retail, Healthcare |
| Affluence | High | Moderate |
| Poverty | Moderate | High |
| Homelessness | Moderate | High |
- When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 26% less than those in Washington DC
- The COLI in Chicago is 17% lower than what you are used to living in Washington DC
- The state income tax in IL is 4.95% (flat rate) compared to 4.0%-8.95% in DC
- The affluence in Chicago is moderate compared to high in Washington DC
- The poverty level is high in Chicago compared to moderate in Washington DC
- In terms of homelessness, it is moderate in Washington DC and high in Chicago
Political and Religious Climate in Washington DC vs. Chicago
| Comparison | Washington DC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Political Make-up | Strongly Democratic | Strongly Democratic |
| Local Politics | Focus on federal government impact | Emphasis on city-level reforms and policies |
| Religion | Diverse, with a strong African American church presence | Diverse, with significant Catholic and Protestant communities |
- Washington DC tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
- Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
- Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with significant Catholic and Protestant communities
- Washington DC's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with a strong African American church presence
Washington DC vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations
| Comparison | Washington DC | Chicago |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Commute Time (in minutes) | 34.5 | 34.4 |
| Traffic Congestion | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 | 🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦🚦 |
| Availability of Public Transit | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 | 🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇🚇 |
| Can you get by without a car? | Yes | Yes, but less convenient |
- Woohoo! Your commute time in Chicago will be about the same as it currently is in Washington DC.
- You can expect traffic in Chicago to be similar to what it is in Washington DC.
- Public transit is less readily available in Chicago.
Charts & Visualizations
With 130,844 data points across 54 moving companies and 33,197 reviews, we've got a lot of data to work with. Here are some of the charts and visualizations we've created to help you understand the moving industry in Washington DC to Chicago.
Comparing ratings, review history, and total data points
Bubble size represents the number of analyzed data points. Hover over bubbles for details.
Ranking history
How the currently ranked top Washington DC to Chicago movers have performed over time
11-Point Rating Comparison
Detailed breakdown of Washington DC to Chicago moving company 11-point ratings
Statewide 11-Point Percentile Comparison
See how our recommended top movers compare to all movers in DC & Illinois
 Quality |  Punctuality |  Affordability |  Communication |  Stick to Prices |  Speed |  Friendliness |  Will Hire Again |  Professionalism |  Conflict Handling |  Precision & Care | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Bookstore Movers Exceptional9.60 | 94 | 91 | 90 | 97 | 100 | 98 | 89 | 89 | 92 | 98 | 82 |
2 | Mic's Moving Exceptional9.60 | 85 | 87 | 93 | 91 | 97 | 88 | 100 | 91 | 89 | 99 | 80 |
3 | Ap Pro Moving Llc Exceptional9.44 | 82 | 75 | 78 | 81 | 82 | 71 | 70 | 83 | 83 | -- | 91 |
4 | 606 Movers, Inc. Exceptional9.37 | 90 | 92 | 87 | 96 | 89 | 88 | 96 | 86 | 96 | 98 | 87 |
5 | Move-tastic! Exceptional9.35 | 92 | 93 | 89 | 98 | 98 | 90 | 100 | 90 | 93 | 90 | 85 |
Percentile Ranking
List of All Washington DC to Chicago Moving Companies Analyzed
- Patriot Moving, Inc.
- Moving Experts US
- King David Moving & Storage, Inc
- DMD Moving and Storage
- Straightline Movers Inc
- Lalo’s Movers, Inc.
- Made Movers LLC
- Extra Mile Movers
- HK Worldwide Moving
- Ondemand Movers
- Dc Moving Inc
- Zip Moving and Storage
- Movers95
- DC Pro Movers
- Aaron's Reliable Movers
- National Van Lines Inc
- 606 Movers, Inc.
- Flow Moving & Storage LLc
- Metropolitan Moving & Storage
- Big Shoulders Moving & Storage
- Elite Movers
- Able Moving & Storage, Inc.
- JK Moving Services
- Day & Night Movers of Chicago, Inc.
- Nando's Movers LLC
- Suburban Solutions Moving
- Treasure Moving Company
- Artisan Movers
- Armstrong Relocation - Chicago
- Joey's Movers
- USA Moving & Storage, Inc .
- STI Moving & Storage, Inc.
- Alliance Moving & Storage
- The Phoenix Movers
- Ap Pro Moving Llc
- MyProMovers
- A1 Movers, Inc
- Mic's Moving
- Bookstore Movers
- Town & Country Movers, Inc.
- A-1 Moving Company
- ABC Movers Chicago
- All State Movers, Inc.
- Melendez Moving Inc
- Aaron Bros Moving System, Inc.
- Bernard Movers
- Best Price Moving and Storage
- Mid-West Moving & Storage
- In & Out Moving & Storage
- Move-tastic!
- H2H Movers Inc
- Two Men and a Truck
- Elite Moving & Storage Inc
- Coffey Bros. Moving
