Best Illinois to DC Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Illinois to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 768 mile IL to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 137 Illinois to DC moving companies and more than 15,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,500 - $6,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Illinois compared to DC. With a move this big, you want big data on your side and Great Guys Moving is your trusted ally to help you sift through the noise to make informed moving decisions.

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Best Illinois to DC Moving Companies

RankCompany NameRating QuestionAffordability IndexLicenseContact
1Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHGContact
2Mic's Moving9.599.56Authorized For HHGContact
3606 Movers, Inc.9.369.27Authorized For Property, HHGContact
4Move-tastic!9.359.37Authorized For HHGContact
5A1 Movers, Inc9.339.57Authorized For HHGContact
6Murphy Family Movers9.299.35Authorized For Property, HHGContact
Phone (800) 787-5428

Cost to Move from Illinois to DC

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 768 miles from Illinois to DC will cost on average $2,434 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom IL to DC move is roughly $5,841. See the chart below for a detailed breakdown by type of move and home size. Pricing will vary based upon the exact locations of pickup in Illinois and dropoff in DC as well as several other factors. The most important pricing component that is often overlooked is how far away the move date is. The earlier you can reserve Illinois to DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,638300 ft³5.46
1 Bedroom$2,434450 ft³5.41
2 Bedrooms$4,020750 ft³5.36
3 Bedrooms$5,8411100 ft³5.31
4 Bedrooms$8,4151600 ft³5.26
5+ Bedrooms$9,3771800 ft³5.21
*Please note: These Illinois to DC moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Illinois & DC. The volume listed here represents the estimated cubic footage of your household items when packed and loaded into a moving truck. To determine the exact costs associated with your move, get a quote from a licensed IL to DC mover.
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Compare the 6 Best IL to DC Movers

These are the top recommended movers based on our unbiased & regularly updated ranking algorithm (NOT paid promotions)

Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,631+ data points

5200 46th Ave

Hyattsville, MD, 20781

About Bookstore Movers

Locally owned and operated, Bookstore Movers was founded in 2005 with a dedication to customer service, personalization, and small business values....

Services

  • Local moving
  • Long-distance moving
  • Cross-country moving

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/15/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2005212 / 707471

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans21
Registered Drivers21
Total Annual Miles Moved153,245 (2019)
View Full Review
1
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 4,108+ data points

1250 9th st. nw

Washington DC, DC, 20011

About Mic's Moving

Mic's Moving is a locally owned and operated moving company that focuses on providing a personalized moving experience to residential and...

Services

  • Local Move
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Labor Only: Loading, Unloading and In-house moves

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/14/2021)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2474176 / 856657

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans7
Registered Drivers7
Total Annual Miles Moved40,000 (2019)
View Full Review
2
606 Movers, Inc. Logo

606 Movers, Inc.

Exceptional9.36/10
based on 1,152+ data points

159 N Sangamon St Suite 300

Chicago, IL, 60607

About 606 Movers, Inc.

606 Movers, Inc. has been serving the Chicagoland area for over 12 years. This professional moving company offers quality, eco-friendly moving...

Services

  • Residential Movers
  • Commercial Movers
  • Packing & Unpacking Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3476069 / 1139300

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved1 (2021)
View Full Review
3
Move-tastic! Logo

Move-tastic!

Exceptional9.35/10
based on 10,649+ data points

3100 N Tripp Ave

Chicago, IL, 60641

About Move-tastic!

What happens when two passionate triathletes decide to make extra income using their physical abilities? The result is an energetic moving...

Services

  • Full Moves
  • Truck Loading and Unloading
  • Interstate Moving Assistance

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/9/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1906350 / 675927

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans15
Registered Drivers28
Total Annual Miles Moved90,866 (2023)
View Full Review
4
A1 Movers, Inc Logo

A1 Movers, Inc

Exceptional9.33/10
based on 776+ data points

315 S Harrison St

Geneva, IL, 60134

About A1 Movers, Inc

A1 Movers, Inc. is a leading moving company in the Aurora, IL area providing residential moving services. This Aurora moving company...

Services

  • LOCAL MOVES
  • LONG DISTANCE MOVES
  • PACKING SERVICES

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3309154 / 1055273

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans2
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved6,800 (2024)
View Full Review
5
Murphy Family Movers Logo

Murphy Family Movers

Exceptional9.29/10
based on 1,271+ data points

4N951 Old Lafox Rd Unit C

St. Charles, IL, 60175

About Murphy Family Movers

Murphy Family Movers has over 25 years of combined moving experience in Aurora, Illinois. This Aurora, IL mover promises the highest...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Interstate Moving
  • Professional Packing

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 1/10/2025)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2965334 / 7122

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved30,000 (2023)
View Full Review
6
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Dependable Rankings You Can Count On!

Our rankings are data-driven — movers cannot purchase a spot on our list. Here's why you can have confidence in our recommendations:

  • No Paid Placements: Every company earns its spot through merit, not payment.
  • Extensive Analysis: Evaluated over 24,000 movers across the country for our rankings.

Pros and Cons of Moving from Illinois to DC

Moving from one state to another is a significant decision that requires a deep dive into the pros and cons to truly weigh the impact it will have on your life. This comparison aims to offer a sincere reflection on moving from Illinois to DC, highlighting the good and the bad. Through this, you can make an informed decision about your relocation.

CONs
PROs
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Higher state taxes
  • Severe winters
  • Congested traffic
  • Flat landscape
DC iconDC
  • Lower income tax
  • Milder winters
  • Efficient public transport
  • Scenic views
DC iconDC
  • Higher living costs
  • Expensive housing
  • Less green space
  • Fewer farming opportunities
Illinois iconIllinois
  • Lower cost of living
  • Affordable housing
  • Wide open spaces
  • Richer soil for farming

When moving from Illinois to DC, one of the most appealing aspects can be the significant reduction in winter severity, allowing for a more comfortable and enjoyable outdoor experience during colder months. DC's efficient public transport system, including the Metro and multiple bus services, significantly contrasts Illinois’ congested traffic, making commuting in DC much easier and less time-consuming. However, this move comes with its challenges, such as higher living costs and less affordable housing, especially within popular areas like Georgetown and Capitol Hill. Despite these drawbacks, DC offers unparalleled access to national monuments, historical sites, and a vibrant cultural scene with renowned restaurants like Zaytinya and Rose’s Luxury, making it a unique place to call home.

Illinois vs. DC Food Guide

When planning a move, it's vital to consider the local flavors and dining options of your new home. Food is a crucial part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. In this guide, we'll embark on a delicious journey, comparing the local cuisine between Illinois & DC, so you're better informed about the food scene where you're moving to.

IllinoisDC
Most iconic local food itemDeep-dish pizzaHalf-smoke
Most popular meat dishItalian BeefMumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food itemHot dogsFalafel
Most popular vegan foodSeitan dishesJackfruit tacos
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria
  • Portillo's
  • Alinea
  • Ben’s Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Illinois, Chicago’s deep-dish pizza is an undeniable classic, with places like Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria gaining international fame. Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs are other must-try items, reflecting the state's rich culinary diversity. On the other hand, DC’s food scene is highlighted by its unique half-smoke sausages at Ben’s Chili Bowl and a vibrant food truck culture that offers everything from falafel to gourmet bites. The city’s vegan scene is thriving too, with innovative options like jackfruit tacos readily available. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of downtown DC or the iconic sights and tastes of Illinois, each location offers a unique palette of flavors that reflects its cultural and culinary history.

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Illinois vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a cornerstone concern when planning a move. Understanding the differences in housing between Illinois and DC provides a clearer outlook on what to expect. By comparing cost, architecture, and lifestyle, you can make a well-informed decision for your new home.

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Typical Architecture StylePrairie, ModernVictorian, Federal
Walkability 👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability 🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle 🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listingSuburban communities, spacious yardsProximity to Metro, vibrant neighborhoods

While Illinois offers more affordable housing options with spacious yards typical in its real estate listings, living in DC promises a more vibrant urban lifestyle with easy access to public transportation, especially the Metro. The architectural styles also differ significantly, with Illinois homes often showcasing Prairie and Modern designs, whereas DC favors Victorian and Federal styles. This reflects the historical and political significance of the area. Furthermore, DC scores higher on walkability and bikeability, making it ideal for those who prefer a car-free lifestyle and being close to the hustle and bustle of city life.

Illinois vs. DC Weather Considerations

Moving between states necessitates an understanding of how daily life, including the weather, will change. It's crucial to compare Illinois and Washington DC's weather to prepare adequately for your relocation, ensuring you understand temperature variations, humidity levels, and potential natural hazards you might face.

Summer icon
85/65

Illinois

89/71

DC

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

Winter icon
35/20

Illinois

47/28

DC

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

Rainfall icon
39

Illinois

40

DC

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

Snowfall icon
22

Illinois

15

DC

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Air QualityModerateModerate
Natural DisastersTornadoes, FloodsHurricanes, Floods
Days of Sunshine per Year☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. UV Index🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Avg. Annual Humidity💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦

In transitioning from Illinois to DC, you'll notice not just a mild difference in temperature, but also an increase in days of sunshine and a slight variance in humidity levels. DC experiences more summer heat and milder winters compared to Illinois. Furthermore, the types of natural disasters and top allergies differ due to geographic and climatic conditions, with DC being more prone to hurricanes. Understanding these nuances can help you adjust expectations and prepare for seasons more effectively, enhancing your living experience in your new home.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Illinois to DC

When contemplating a move it's crucial to understand how the cost of living in Illinois compares with the cost of living in DC. Comparing these factors will give you a clearer picture of what to expect financially and help you make an informed decision.

ComparisonIllinoisDC
Avg. Household Income$76,708$101,027
Cost of Living Index94.25140.1
State Income Tax4.958.95
Avg. Property Tax2.160.56
Avg. Sales Tax8.746.00
Top 3 IndustriesManufacturing, Services, AgricultureGovernment, Professional & Technical Services, Education
AffluenceModerateHigh
PovertyHighModerate
HomelessnessWidespreadModerate

The contrast in financial and economic conditions between Illinois and DC is substantial. While the average household income in DC significantly surpasses that of Illinois, the cost of living and state income tax are also notably higher in DC. This means that while you might earn more, you'll also spend more on daily and essential expenses. DC boasts a high affluence rate with a strong presence of high-paying industries such as government and professional services, although the elevated cost of living and higher taxes reflect the city's economic profile. On the other hand, Illinois presents a more moderate economic landscape but struggles more with poverty and homelessness, aspects that are crucial to consider when planning your move.

Illinois vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick, at-a-glance snapshot of the political, and religious makeup of the residents in a comparison of the politics between Illinois & DC . Understanding these elements will help you better integrate and connect with your new community.

IllinoisDC
Political Make-upDemocratic-leaningStrongly Democratic
Local PoliticsChicago's urban policies influentialD.C. local government's federal oversight
ReligionChristianity dominant, diverse religious presenceChristianity prevalent, significant non-religious segment

When comparing Illinois and DC, you'll find that both areas lean Democratic, though DC does so more strongly, making it one of the most reliably Democratic areas in the nation. This may impact local politics, where in Illinois, policies in urban areas like Chicago tend to set the tone, whereas in DC, the local government operates under the unique shadow of federal oversight due to its status as the nation's capital. Regarding religious makeup, both locations have a Christian majority but showcase a rich tapestry of faiths. DC stands out for its higher-than-average non-religious or secular residents, reflecting its diverse and transient population.

Education Guide When Moving from Illinois to DC

Moving from Illinois to DC brings various changes, including educational opportunities. This comparison is designed to help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options from Illinois to DC, ensuring you make informed decisions about your or your children's education.

IllinoisDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Illinois
Northwestern University
University of Chicago
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Lincoln Elementary School
Chicago
South Loop Elementary School
Chicago
Skinner North Classical School
Chicago
Janney Elementary School
Washington D.C.
Lafayette Elementary School
Washington D.C.
Mann Elementary School
Washington D.C.

Top 3 Middle Schools

Thayer J. Hill Middle School
Naperville
Woodlawn Middle School
Long Grove
Maple School
Northbrook
Deal Middle School
Washington D.C.
Hardy Middle School
Washington D.C.
Ellington School of the Arts
Washington D.C.

Top 3 High School Schools

Adlai E. Stevenson High School
Lincolnshire
Northside College Preparatory High School
Chicago
Walter Payton College Prep
Chicago
Benjamin Banneker Academic High School
Washington D.C.
School Without Walls High School
Washington D.C.
Wilson High School
Washington D.C.

Top 3 private high schools

University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago
Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Georgetown Day School
Washington D.C.
Sidwell Friends School
Washington D.C.
St. Albans School
Washington D.C.

Top 3 private K-12 schools

Latin School of Chicago
Chicago
University of Chicago Laboratory Schools
Chicago
Francis W. Parker School
Chicago
Georgetown Day School
Washington D.C.
Sidwell Friends School
Washington D.C.
National Cathedral School
Washington D.C.

Top 3 School Districts

New Trier Township High School District
Northfield
Community High School District 128
Vernon Hills
Naperville Community Unit School District 203
Naperville
District of Columbia Public Schools

When examining educational opportunities from Illinois to DC, it's crucial to consider both public and private options. Notably, Illinois boasts highly regarded institutions at all educational levels, with top high schools such as Adlai E. Stevenson and Northside College Preparatory High School receiving nationwide recognition for their academic excellence. Meanwhile, DC shines with its unique offerings, such as the prestigious Sidwell Friends School that caters to the nation's elite and the School Without Walls High School, providing a rigorous curriculum within a diverse urban setting. Additionally, DC's Georgetown and George Washington Universities offer unparalleled opportunities for higher education in the heart of the nation's capital, contrasting Illinois' prestigious but more geographically dispersed options like the University of Chicago and Northwestern University.

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