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Cost to move from Washington, DC to Chicago, IL
About 712 road miles. A typical 2-bedroom move costs $2,680–$4,320 with full-service movers in October.
Sources: BLS wages, EIA fuel prices, U.S. CensusData updated 2026-11-04How we calculate →
Estimates by home size
| Home size | Typical weight | Full service | With packing | DIY truck |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio | 2,000 lb | $1,070–$1,730 | $1,320–$2,180 | $1,000–$1,650 |
| 1-bedroom | 3,000 lb | $1,560–$2,500 | $2,060–$3,400 | $1,010–$1,680 |
| 2-bedroom | 5,000 lb | $2,680–$4,320 | $3,430–$5,670 | $1,020–$1,710 |
| 3-bedroom | 8,000 lb | $4,500–$7,270 | $5,750–$9,520 | $1,040–$1,770 |
| 4+ bedroom | 11,000 lb | $6,060–$9,770 | $7,810–$12,920 | $1,060–$1,830 |
2-bedroom breakdown
| Item | Low | High | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linehaul transport (5,000 lb, 712 mi) | $1,750 | $2,760 | |
| Fuel share (EIA diesel $6.03/gal) | $160 | $210 | weight share of a shared truck |
| Loading crew at origin | $440 | $750 | |
| Unloading crew at destination | $330 | $600 |
Route data
- Mover wages: $20.47/h in Washington vs. $19.50/h in Chicago (BLS OEWS 2025). Loading is priced at origin rates, unloading at destination rates.
- Diesel at origin: $6.03/gal (East Coast, EIA week of 2026-11-02).
- Census ACS 2023: about 1,790 people moved from District of Columbia to Illinois in one year, and 770 the other way.
Seasonality
| Month | 2-bedroom, full service |
|---|---|
| January | $2,500–$4,010 |
| April | $2,680–$4,320 |
| July | $3,090–$4,960 |
| October | $2,680–$4,320 |
Going the other way? See Chicago to Washington.
More: moving costs in Washington · moving costs in Chicago
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FAQ
How much does it cost to move from Washington to Chicago?
A 2-bedroom move of about 712 road miles costs roughly $2,680–$4,320 with full-service movers in October, or $1,020–$1,710 with a one-way rental truck (estimates, not quotes).
When is the cheapest time to move from Washington to Chicago?
Winter months (November–February) run about 5–7% below October in our model; June–August peaks at 12–15% above it.