Moving from Chicago, IL to Everett, WA
Moving from Chicago, IL to Everett, WA is a 2091 mi cross-country relocation β about 36h 30m of driving through 7 states. At this range professional movers, a PODS or U-Pack container, or an auto-transport service are usually on the table. The sections below pull current BEA cost-of-living, Zillow ZHVI, Census ACS, BLS wages, and NOAA climate normals for a side-by-side view.
2091 mi Β· 36h 30m by car Β· IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA
Distance & route
| Route through | IL β WI β MN β ND β MT β ID β WA |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 94, I 90, US 191 |
| Major cities en route | Naperville, Elgin, Aurora, Rockford, Madison |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Chicago | Everett | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 103.595 | 111.133 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 83.581 | 92.814 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 107.258 | 103.972 | 100.0 |
| Services | 112.01 | 151.314 | 100.0 |
Moderate COL step-up: 7.3% pricier overall in Everett than Chicago on the 2024 BEA RPP.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level Β· MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Housing gap is large: Everett typical home at $662,786 is 7.3% above Chicago at $317,283 (Zillow, 2026-03).
YoY change: Chicago +2.8%, Everett -0.9%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991β2020 normals | Chicago | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 51Β°F | 52Β°F |
| January avg low | 20Β°F | 35Β°F |
| July avg high | 81Β°F | 75Β°F |
| Annual snowfall | β | β |
| Annual precipitation | β | 40.3" |
Climate is roughly comparable on the annual mean β 50.8Β°F vs 52.1Β°F per NOAA 1991β2020 normals.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991β2020 (stations: CHICAGO NORTHERLY IS, IL US, EVERETT, WA US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Chicago | Everett |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,707,648 | 111,083 |
| Median household income | $75,134 | $81,502 |
| Median age | 35.7 | 37.1 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 24.9% | 19.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.36 | 2.51 |
Median household income in Everett is 7.3% above Chicago ($75,134 β $81,502, ACS 2023).
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Everett MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 225,240 | $54,470 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 197,190 | $97,870 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 190,190 | $48,950 |
| Computer and Mathematical Occupations | 171,820 | $140,760 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 167,750 | $40,980 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Illinois and Washington
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Washington's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation β state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20β30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- Winter storms can slow I-90 and I-94 across western Wisconsin β check 511wi.
- I-35 and I-94 across Minnesota can see short closures in winter storms β check MnDOT 511.
- I-29 and I-94 can close without notice in winter storms; travel bans are declared more than once most winters.
- Montana interstates can close without notice in winter storms β check MDT 511 before entering the state November through April.
- Lookout Pass (I-90) and Galena Summit (SH-75) require winter tires or chains during storms.
- Snoqualmie Pass on I-90 and White Pass on US-12 see frequent chain requirements December through March β check WSDOT mountain passes report.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Wildfire season east of the Cascades peaks July through September; earthquake preparedness is standard west of the mountains.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Washington after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
Is Everett more expensive than Chicago?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Everett is 7.3% higher than Chicago (111.133 vs 103.595, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
When is the best time to move from Chicago to Everett?
Moving companies usually charge 20β30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 2091 mi drive, weather on the route matters too β see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How far is Everett, WA from Chicago, IL?
The driving distance is 2091 mi and the route typically takes 36h 30m via I 94 and I 90. The trip crosses 7 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How much do homes cost in Everett compared to Chicago?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $662,786 in Everett vs $317,283 in Chicago β a 108.9% higher figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
How does the job market in Everett compare to Chicago?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $65,260 in the Everett MSA vs $49,790 in the Chicago MSA, on total employment of 2,079,090 and 4,506,800 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
How does household income compare in Chicago vs Everett?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $81,502 in Everett vs $75,134 in Chicago β a 8.5% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Chicago.
City profiles: Chicago, IL Β· Everett, WA.