Best Seattle to Chicago Movers

How Much Do Seattle to Chicago Movers Cost?

Moving 2,051 miles from Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL 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 Chicago that already have a booked job heading from Chicago to Seattle. Their moving truck would be making the trip back to Chicago from Seattle 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 Seattle to Chicago moving option

Hire local Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle 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 Seattle, WA to Chicago, IL long distance movers.

Rating Methodology

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

Our original review-based ranking algorithm

We started with a total of 62 companies that offer interstate moving services in both the Seattle and Chicago areas.

From these 62 companies, we analyzed a total of 32,278 reviews dating all the way back to September 2006.

We also reviewed a total of 43 state and federal moving licenses from these 62 companies and 316 different 3rd party review and social profiles.

Each of the ~32,000 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 16,228 Seattle 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 Move-tastic!).

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The Great Guys Moving 11-Point Rating Breakdown

Our 11-point rating criteria scores every Seattle 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.

8.53/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 23,365 reviews

Punctuality

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

8.16/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 8,639 reviews

Affordability

How affordable was the moving service?

7.53/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 4,880 reviews

Communication

Responsiveness before, during, and after the move.

7.51/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 8,778 reviews

Stick to Prices

Was the final price consistent with the original quote?

6.41/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 4,267 reviews

Speed

Efficiency without taking unnecessary time to increase costs.

8.76/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 12,216 reviews

Friendliness

Was the moving crew cordial and friendly on moving day?

9.03/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 11,935 reviews

Will Hire Again

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

8.25/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 22,448 reviews

Professionalism

Did the moving crew behave professionally on moving day?

8.40/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 12,922 reviews

Conflict Handling

How well the company responds to accidents and issues.

4.27/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 2,721 reviews

Precision & Care

Were walls scratched? Did furniture get damaged or lost?

8.24/10 avg (Seattle & Chicago combined) from 11,597 reviews

From Seattle to Chicago: Comparable Neighborhoods at a Glance

• Capitol Hill in Seattle & Wicker Park in Chicago are both known for their vibrant arts scene & lively nightlife
• Seattle's Queen Anne neighborhood & Chicago's Lincoln Park both share an affluent residential area near downtown & lakefront
• If you're moving from Ballard, check out Logan Square in the Chicago area for trendy breweries & hip dining spots
• Do you enjoy Belltown's dense, downtown-adjacent location with galleries & bars? You're sure to love River North
• Move from South Lake Union to West Loop and continue to enjoy these neighborhood qualities: modern tech hub with new apartments
• Fremont & Pilsen are both known for their bohemian vibe with street art & quirky shops
• Seattle's University District neighborhood & Chicago's Hyde Park neighborhood both have a college-centric community with cultural institutions
• If you're moving from Beacon Hill, look into Uptown for a diverse residential neighborhood undergoing revitalization
• Do you cherish living in Wallingford's historic charm with local shops & quieter streets? Move into Old Town for something similar
• The similar vibes of West Seattle & Lakeview are both known for waterfront parks & beachside recreation

Pros and Cons of Moving from Seattle to Chicago

ConsSeattle, WA

• High cost of living
• Frequent rain
• Heavy traffic
• Limited sun

ProsChicago, IL

• More affordable housing
• Diverse seasons
• Extensive public transit
• More sunny days

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Chicago, IL

• Flatter landscape
• Less access to nature
• More industrial
• Different political climate

Seattle, WA

• Natural beauty
• Outdoor activities
• Tech hub
• Progressive culture

Pros of moving from Seattle to Chicago

• Say goodbye to the high cost of living and hello to more affordable housing
• Look forward to moving away from frequent rain and moving to Chicago with diverse seasons
• Swap the heavy traffic of Seattle for extensive public transit in Chicago
• Get ready for more sunny days in Chicago

Cons of moving from Seattle to Chicago

• Unfortunately, you'll be moving away from the natural beauty in Seattle to live with a flatter landscape in Chicago
• You'll lose out on the pro of outdoor activities and have to settle for the con of less access to nature
• Time to bid farewell to the tech hub and get used to a more industrial atmosphere in Chicago
• Swap the progressive culture for a different political climate

Seattle vs. Chicago: Comparing the Local Foodie Scene

If you're moving from Seattle to Chicago, you will be trading the iconic Salmon of Seattle for the equally delicious Deep-Dish Pizza of Chicago. And while the locals in Seattle rave about their flavorful Teriyaki and sumptuous Hot Dogs, Chicago residents know they have tasty Italian Beef and Polish Sausage to savor. While the vegan transplants might be saying goodbye to the Quinoa Salad they've grown to love, they can get ready for the Seitan Sandwich of Chicago. In the days before your move, make sure you get one final trip to iconic Seattle eateries like Canlis, The Pink Door, and Salumi. 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, Alinea, and Portillo's.

When comparing lifestyles, Chicago shows less emphasis on fitness and health consciousness than Seattle. Food truck fans will discover a less desirable selection in Chicago compared to what you are used to in Seattle. 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 Seattle favorites, but we've got you covered. If you loved Canlis, The Walrus and the Carpenter, and Pike Place Chowder in Seattle, we're sure you'll love Alinea, Oyster Bah, and Boston Fish Market in Chicago. See our Chicago restaurant discovery table below to find the closest comparison restaurant to all of your cherished Seattle hotspots. For example, if you enjoyed dining at The Pink Door, head to The Purple Pig on your first Friday night after the boxes are unpacked.

Real Estate & Lifestyle Differences between Seattle and Chicago

• The Contemporary and Craftsman architecture that Seattle is known for will be replaced with the Prairie and Chicago School architecture typical of Chicago.
• Compared to Seattle's real estate listings that commonly reference views and sustainability, Chicago real estate listings often highlight features like historic details and proximity to transit.
• Make sure you unpack those walking shoes; Chicago is more walkable than Seattle.
• Make sure the movers take care of your bike; Chicago is more bike-friendly than Seattle.
• Chicago has more of an urban feel than Seattle.
• Chicago housing costs are 67% less expensive than they are in Seattle, with a median home price of $289,909 compared to Seattle’s $879,412.
• Over the prior 5 years, home prices in Chicago have increased by 17% compared to a 20% increase in Seattle.
• Rent in Chicago is 3.45% more affordable than in Seattle.

Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Chicago, IL

1. Lakeview: Known for its abundance of dog parks and pet-friendly businesses, Lakeview is a haven for pet owners.
2. Lincoln Park: With Lincoln Park's expansive green spaces and pet-friendly cafes, this neighborhood is perfect for pets and their owners.
3. Wicker Park: Offering numerous pet-friendly dining options and access to the 606 trail, Wicker Park is ideal for those with furry companions.

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

• Break out the sunglasses for your move from Seattle to Chicago. Chicago gets 24% more sunshine days than Seattle.
• Chicago has lower humidity and a higher average UV index compared to Seattle.
• Say goodbye to the possible earthquakes and volcanoes in Seattle, but be on the lookout for potential blizzards and tornadoes in Chicago.
• Get ready for warmer summers. The average summer high temperature in Chicago is 10 degrees warmer than in Seattle.
• The average winter lows are 19 degrees colder than they are in Seattle.
• Your umbrella might be neglected in Chicago. Chicago receives 0.6 fewer inches of rain compared to Seattle.

Financial & Community Snapshot: Seattle and Chicago

• When it comes to your monthly paycheck, residents in Chicago tend to earn about 40% less than in Seattle
• The COLI in Chicago is 4% lower than what you are used to living in Seattle
• Bummer... By moving from WA to IL, you'll now have a state income tax of 4.95
• The affluence in Chicago is less wealthy compared to the wealthier status in Seattle
• The poverty level is higher in Chicago compared to the lower level in Seattle
• In terms of homelessness, it is significant in Seattle and considerable in Chicago

Political and Religious Climate in Seattle vs. Chicago

• Seattle tends to lean Liberal/Democratic in its political climate
• Chicago, on the other hand, is often described as Liberal/Democratic
• Chicago's religious environment can be described as diverse with a significant Catholic presence
• Seattle's residents' religious practices can be generally categorized as diverse with no single affiliation dominating

Seattle vs. Chicago Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

• Bummer! Looks like you might end up spending about 21% more time stuck in traffic commuting to work in Chicago compared to your Seattle commute. That's 3,120 minutes lost each year in a car.
• You can expect traffic in Chicago to be similar to what it is in Seattle.
• Public transit is more readily available in Chicago.