Long Distance

Moving from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC

594 miles · 12h 24m drive · Estimated cost $1,996–$3,116 for a 2-bedroom move

594 miles

12h 24m drive

Cost Index: 1.02 → 1.30

Cost Estimate: Chicago to Washington

Average costs for a 2-bedroom move. Use the calculator below for a custom quote.

Full Service

Movers handle everything

$2,550

Range: $1,996 – $3,116

Professional packing & unpacking
Loading, transport & unloading
Basic valuation coverage

Partial Service

You pack, movers move

$1,869

Range: $1,504 – $2,242

You pack your own boxes
Movers load, transport & unload
Save 20–35% vs. full service

DIY Move

Rent a truck, do it yourself

$1,509

Range: $1,017 – $2,041

Truck rental + gas + equipment
No labor costs — you do the lifting
Full control over your schedule

Custom Moving Calculator

Adjust home size, move type, and extras to get a personalized estimate for your Chicago to Washington move.

Home Size

Move Month

Cheapest Moderate Expensive

Estimated Moving Cost

Chicago, IL → Washington, DC · 594 miles

Low

$1,996

Estimated

$2,550

High

$3,116

🟢 Off-peak pricing · March

Where Does Your Money Go?

Full-service cost breakdown for a 2-bedroom long distance from Chicago to Washington.

Total$2,549

Labor(24.6%)

$548 – $705

Transportation(48.9%)

$987 – $1,508

Packing(20.3%)

$360 – $675

Insurance(3.7%)

$57 – $144

Tips(2.5%)

$44 – $85

Best Time to Move

Moving costs from Chicago to Washington vary significantly by season.

January is the cheapest month (save up to 15%), while July is the most expensive (+30%).

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

CheapestModerateExpensive

Origin

Chicago

Illinois

Destination

Washington

District of Columbia

Cost of Living Index

102

130

Average Rent (1BR)

$1,850

$2,400

Average Rent (2BR)

$2,300

$3,000

State Income Tax

5.0%

10.5%

Avg High Temperature

59°F

65°F

You'll spend ~30% more on housing

Average rent in Washington is $2,700/mo vs $2,075/mo in Chicago

Top Neighborhoods

Chicago

Lincoln Park
Wicker Park
Logan Square
Lakeview
Hyde Park

Washington

Georgetown
Dupont Circle
Capitol Hill
Adams Morgan
Shaw

Long-Distance Moving Tips

Expert advice for your 594-mile move from Chicago to Washington.

Get a binding estimate

Long-distance moves from Chicago to Washington can have surprise costs. A binding or not-to-exceed estimate protects you from a ballooning bill.

Move in winter to save big

January and February rates are 15–30% lower than the summer peak. If your timeline is flexible, a winter move from pays for itself.

Ship your car separately

At 594 miles, driving two vehicles is exhausting and expensive. Auto transport typically costs $800–$1,500 and eliminates wear on your car.

Inventory everything

Create a detailed, numbered inventory with photos before the movers arrive. This is essential for filing claims if anything goes missing or gets damaged.

Research your new city

Before arriving in Washington, research neighborhoods, school districts, and local utilities so you can hit the ground running.

Use a portable container

Companies like PODS or U-Pack let you pack on your schedule and can be more affordable than traditional long-distance movers.

Top Moving Companies for Chicago to Washington

These nationally recognized movers service the Chicago to Washington route. Compare their rates and read reviews before choosing.

United Van Lines

$$$

4.3

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationInternational

Extensive nationwide agent network for reliable coverage
Offers a comprehensive online tracking and shipment management system
Strong reputation with decades of industry experience

Get a Free Quote

Allied Van Lines

$$$

4.2

Long DistanceMilitaryCorporate Relocation

Wide range of service options including packing and unpacking
Transparent online quote process with detailed estimates
Strong military and government relocation program

Get a Free Quote

Mayflower

$$$

4.1

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationStorage

Offers flexible moving and storage bundles
Provides detailed shipment tracking throughout the move
Well-established claims process for damaged items

Get a Free Quote

North American Van Lines

$$$

Long DistanceCorporate RelocationGovernment

Assigned personal move coordinator for each customer
ProMover certified with strong safety track record

Get a Free Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to move from Chicago to Washington?

The average cost for a 2-bedroom full-service move from Chicago, IL to Washington, DC ranges from $1,996 to $3,116, with a typical cost around $2,550. A DIY move with a rental truck averages $1,509. Actual costs depend on home size, time of year, and additional services.

How long does the drive from Chicago to Washington take?

The distance from Chicago to Washington is approximately 594 miles. The estimated driving time is 12h 24m, though actual drive time may vary based on the route, traffic, and road conditions. Professional movers may take 2–3 days to deliver your belongings.

What's the cheapest month to move from Chicago to Washington?

January is typically the cheapest month to move, with rates up to 15% below average. The most expensive month is July, when rates increase by about 30%. Moving mid-week (Tuesday–Thursday) also helps reduce costs by 10–20%.

Should I hire movers or do it myself?

For a 594-mile move, hiring professional movers is usually worth the investment. The logistics of a long-distance move are complex, and the physical toll of driving a large truck hundreds of miles can be overwhelming. Compare your DIY cost of ~$1,509 vs. full-service at ~$2,550 to decide.

How far is Chicago from Washington?

Chicago, IL is approximately 594 miles from Washington, DC. This is classified as a long distance and the drive takes roughly 12h 24m.

What size moving truck do I need for a move from Chicago to Washington?

For a 2-bedroom home, a 15–17 foot truck is usually sufficient. For 3-bedroom homes, plan on a 20–22 foot truck. For 4+ bedrooms, you will likely need a 26-foot truck or may need to consider two trips. When in doubt, size up — packing a too-small truck wastes time and risks damage.