Best Chicago to Seattle Movers

How Much Do Chicago to Seattle Movers Cost?

Moving 2,151 miles from Chicago, IL to Seattle, WA will typically cost between $3,500 and $8,500 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 Seattle that already have a booked job heading from Seattle to Chicago. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Seattle from Chicago entirely empty. If you can find a Seattle moving company willing to move your stuff on the return leg, you'll score a real deal!

Moving Containers: A cheaper Chicago to Seattle 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 Seattle movers to unpack the container and move you into your new home. You'll have to piece this Chicago to Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, WA long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 58 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Chicago and Seattle areas.

From these 58 companies, we analyzed a total of 34,116 reviews dating all the way back to September 2006.

We also reviewed a total of 39 state and federal moving licenses from these 58 companies and 304 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~34,000 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 21,609 Chicago to Seattle 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 Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

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

Quality

Overall quality of the service provided on moving day.

8.54/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 25,208 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.20/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 9,225 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.52/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 5,153 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.51/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 9,203 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.42/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 4,558 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.79/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 13,085 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.09/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 12,931 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.25/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 24,048 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.41/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 13,830 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.23/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 2,940 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.24/10 avg (Chicago & Seattle combined) from 12,404 reviews

From Chicago to Seattle: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Lincoln Park in Chicago & Queen Anne in Seattle are both known for their affluent, family-friendly atmosphere and lake views
• Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood & Seattle's Capitol Hill both share an arts district, nightlife, and eclectic shops
• If you're moving from Lakeview, check out Ballard in the Seattle area for its waterfront, breweries, and local eateries
• Do you enjoy River North's art galleries, quirky vibe, and nearby startups? You're sure to love Fremont
• Move from Logan Square to Capitol Hill and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: gentrifying, creative professionals, and historic boulevards
• Bucktown & Ballard are both known for their trendy boutiques, brewery scene, and waterfront access
• Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood & Seattle's University District neighborhood both have a university-focused environment and diverse student life
• If you're moving from Andersonville, look into Columbia City for its independent shops, diverse community, and relaxed atmosphere
• Do you cherish living in Old Town's historic architecture, art galleries, and tourist-friendly environment? Move into Pioneer Square for something similar
• The similar vibes of West Loop & Belltown are both known for their trendy restaurants, nightlife, and proximity to downtown

Pros and Cons of Moving from Chicago to Seattle

ConsChicago, IL

• Harsh winters
• Higher crime rates
• Limited outdoor activities
• Dense urban living

ProsSeattle, WA

• Milder climate
• Lower crime rates
• Abundant outdoor activities
• Gorgeous natural scenery

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Seattle, WA

• More laid-back vibe
• Quieter nightlife
• Less diverse cuisine
• Dependent on cars

Chicago, IL

• Lively urban culture
• Vibrant nightlife
• Diverse culinary scene
• Better public transit

Pros of moving from Chicago to Seattle

• Say goodbye to harsh winters and hello to milder climate
• Look forward to moving away from higher crime rates and moving to Seattle with lower crime rates
• Swap the limited outdoor activities of Chicago for abundant outdoor activities in Seattle
• Get ready for gorgeous natural scenery in Seattle

Cons of moving from Chicago to Seattle

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from lively urban culture in Chicago to live with a more laid-back vibe in Seattle
• You'll lose out on the pro of vibrant nightlife and have to settle for the con of quieter nightlife
• Time to bid farewell to a diverse culinary scene and get used to less diverse cuisine in Seattle
• Swap better public transit for dependence on cars

Chicago vs. Seattle: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Chicago to Seattle, you will be trading the iconic Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago for the equally delicious Seafood, especially Salmon, of Seattle. And while the locals in Chicago rave about their flavorful Italian Beef and sumptuous Chicago-style Hot Dog, Seattle residents know they have tasty Teriyaki and Fish and Chips to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Seitan they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Vegan Sushi of Seattle. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Chicago eateries like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria, Portillo’s, and Alinea. After the boxes are unpacked in Seattle, don't wait too long before making your way to Seattle's acclaimed eateries like Pike Place Chowder, Canlis, and Matt's in the Market.

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

Discover Seattle Restaurants You'll Love

"Moving to Seattle 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 Canlis, Dick's Drive-In, and Walrus and the Carpenter in Seattle. See our Seattle restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Chicago hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at Giordano's, head to Serious Pie on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked."

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Chicago and Seattle

• The Brick Bungalows and Greystones architecture that Chicago is known for will be replaced with the Modern and Craftsman architecture typical of Seattle.
• Compared to Chicago's real estate listings, which commonly reference close proximity to public transportation and Lake Michigan views, Seattle real estate listings often highlight features like views of Puget Sound and proximity to tech hubs.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes. Seattle is more walkable than Chicago.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike. Seattle is more bike-friendly than Chicago.
• Seattle has more of an urban feel than Chicago.
• Seattle housing costs are 203% more expensive than they are in Chicago, with a median home price of $879,412 compared to Chicago’s $289,909.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Seattle have increased by 20% compared to a 17% increase in Chicago.
• Rent in Seattle is 3.57% more expensive than in Chicago.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Seattle, WA

1. Ballard : You'll appreciate the walkability and numerous pet-friendly cafes and parks, like the popular Golden Gardens Park, perfect for walks by the beach with your furry friend.
2. Capitol Hill : This vibrant neighborhood is known for its many pet-friendly apartments and businesses, as well as off-leash dog parks where your pet can socialize and play.
3. West Seattle : You will love the expansive Alki Beach and Lincoln Park, both offering beautiful views and plenty of open space for walking and playing with your pet.

Your Move, Your Forecast: Key Weather Differences between Chicago and Seattle

• The shades won't be used as much for your move from Chicago to Seattle. Seattle gets 20% fewer sunshine days than Chicago.
• Seattle has higher humidity and a similar average UV index compared to Chicago.
• Say goodbye to the possible blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago, but be on the lookout for potential earthquakes and landslides in Seattle.
• Get ready for colder summers. The average summer high temperature in Seattle is 8 degrees colder than in Chicago.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees warmer than they are in Chicago.
• Your umbrella might be more overworked in Seattle. Seattle receives 2 more inches of rain compared to Chicago.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Chicago and Seattle

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Seattle tend to earn about 66% more than in Chicago
• The COLI in Seattle will be 4% higher than what you are used to living in Chicago
• Hooray, moving to WA means you'll no longer have state income taxes
• The affluence in Seattle is high compared to moderate affluence in Chicago
• The poverty level is lower in Seattle compared to a notable level in Chicago
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Chicago and significant in Seattle

Political and Religious Climate in Chicago vs. Seattle

• Chicago tends to lean heavily Democratic in its political climate
• Seattle, on the other hand, is often described as heavily Democratic
• Seattle's religious environment can be described as less religiously affiliated and diverse in spiritual practices
• Chicago's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as varied with a significant Catholic presence

Chicago vs. Seattle Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Woohoo! Expect to spend about 18% less time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Seattle compared to your daily drive in Chicago. That's an annual savings of 3,120 minutes freely earned!
• You can expect traffic in Seattle to be better than it is in Chicago.
• Public transit is less readily available in Seattle.