Best Chicago to Washington DC Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Washington DC Movers Cost?

Moving 702 miles from Chicago, IL to Washington DC, DC 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.

Pro tip for the cheapest long distance move

Find long distance movers in Washington DC that already have a booked job heading from Washington DC to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Washington DC from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Washington DC moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Washington DC moving option

Hire local Chicago 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 Washington DC movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Washington DC 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 Chicago to Washington DC 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 Chicago, IL to Washington DC, DC long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

Here's the methodology we used to come up with the best movers for the Chicago to Washington DC moving route:

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 54 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Washington DC 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 Chicago to Washington DC 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).

Hire Trusted Movers

The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Chicago to Washington DC moving company across 11 of the most important criteria for a succesful moving experience.

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.75/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 24,262 reviews

Punctuality

Did the crew show up on-time with the required equipment?

8.52/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 9,507 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.93/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 5,630 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.91/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 9,450 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.84/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 4,776 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

9.01/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 12,899 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.18/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 12,278 reviews

Will Hire Again

How likely a customer is to hire the same movers again.

8.53/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 23,116 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.69/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 13,612 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.69/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 2,862 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.48/10 avg (Chicago & Washington DC combined) from 12,452 reviews

From Chicago to Washington DC: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Capitol Hill in Washington DC are both known for their historic rowhouses & family-friendly parks
• Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood & Washington DC's Georgetown both share upscale boutiques & waterfront dining
• If you're moving from The Loop, check out Penn Quarter in the Washington DC area for the central business district & high-rise living
• Do you enjoy Wicker Park's artsy vibe & vibrant nightlife? You're sure to love U Street Corridor
• Move from Lakeview to Adams Morgan and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: diverse dining & active nightlife
• Hyde Park & Foggy Bottom are both known for their university presence & cultural institutions
• Chicago's River North neighborhood & Washington DC's Shaw neighborhood both have art galleries & trendy restaurants
• If you're moving from Logan Square, look into Columbia Heights for the gentrifying community & eclectic shops
• Do you cherish living in Andersonville's strong local businesses & LGBTQ+ friendly atmosphere? Move into Dupont Circle for something similar

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Washington DC

ConsChicago, IL

• Harsh winters
• Higher crime rates
• Less political influence
• Lower average salaries

ProsWashington DC, DC

• Milder winters
• Safer neighborhoods
• Significant political hub
• Higher average salaries

---

Washington DC, DC

• Less culturally diverse
• Smaller city feel
• Limited sports culture
• Expensive housing

Chicago, IL

• Cultural richness
• Larger city size
• Better sports culture
• More affordable housing

Pros of moving from Chicago to Washington DC

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder winters
• Look forward to moving away from higher crime rates and moving to Washington DC with safer neighborhoods
• Swap the less political influence of Chicago for a significant political hub in Washington DC
• Get ready for higher average salaries in Washington DC

Cons of moving from Chicago to Washington DC

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the cultural richness in Chicago to live with a less culturally diverse community in Washington DC
• You'll lose out on the pro of larger city size and have to settle for the con of a smaller city feel
• Time to bid farewell to a better sports culture and get used to a limited sports culture in Washington DC
• Swap more affordable housing for expensive housing

Chicago vs. Washington DC: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Washington DC, you will be trading the iconic Deep Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Half Smoke of Washington DC. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago Style Hot Dog, Washington DC residents know they have tasty Mumbo Sauce Wings and Food Truck Tacos to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan Sandwiches they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Chickpea Burgers of Washington DC. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati's Pizzeria, Alinea, and Portillo's. After the boxes are unpacked in Washington DC, don't wait too long before making your way to Washington DC's acclaimed eateries like Ben's Chili Bowl, Rose's Luxury, and Zaytinya.

When comparing lifestyles, Washington DC shows a greater emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Chicago. Food truck fans will discover a greater selection in Washington DC compared to what you are used to in Chicago. Also, the overall foodie scene is similarly bustling in Washington DC.

Discover Washington DC Restaurants You'll Love

Moving to Washington DC is an opportunity to try lots of new restaurants. Sure, you'll miss your old Chicago favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Alinea, Portillo's, and Girl & The Goat in Chicago, we're sure you'll love Minibar by José Andrés, Ben's Chili Bowl, and Zaytinya in Washington DC. See our Washington DC restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Deep Dish Pizza (Lou Malnati's), head to Pizzeria Paradiso on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Washington DC

• The Modern and Historic Mix architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Colonial and Neoclassical architecture typical of Washington DC.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings that commonly reference lake views and open floor plans, Washington DC real estate listings often highlight features like proximity to monuments and green spaces.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Washington DC is more walkable than Chicago.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Washington DC is more bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Washington DC has more of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Washington DC housing costs are 114% more expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $619,321 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Washington DC have increased by 8% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Washington DC is 15% more expensive than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Washington DC, DC

1. Capitol Hill : You'll find plenty of parks and dog-friendly businesses, making it easy to enjoy outings with your furry friend.
2. Dupont Circle : With its numerous pet-friendly cafes and proximity to the S Street Dog Park, your pet will love the vibrant atmosphere.
3. Logan Circle : Known for its welcoming community and several nearby green spaces, it's a great spot for you and your pet to explore together.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Washington DC

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Chicago to Washington DC. Washington DC gets 7% more sunshine days than Chicago.
• Washington DC has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible snowstorms and cold waves in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential heatwaves and hurricanes in Washington DC.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Washington DC is 4 degrees warmer than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 6 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Washington DC. Washington DC receives 4 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Washington DC

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Washington DC tend to earn about 35% more than in Chicago
• The COLI in Washington DC is 20% higher than what you are used to living in Chicago
• The state income tax in DC is 8.95% compared to 4.95% in IL
• The affluence in Washington DC is high compared to moderate in Chicago
• The poverty level is moderate in Washington DC compared to significant in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is noticeable in Chicago and less noticeable in Washington DC

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Washington DC

• Chicago tends to lean strongly Democratic in its political climate
• Washington DC, on the other hand, is often described as strongly Democratic
• Washington DC's religious environment can be described as religiously diverse with a significant non-religious population
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as religiously diverse with Christianity being dominant

Chicago vs. Washington DC Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 12% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Washington DC compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 2,080 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Washington DC to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is more readily available in Washington DC.