Best Washington DC to Santa Rosa Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Washington DC to Santa Rosa and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,875 mile move from DC to California go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 30 Washington DC to Santa Rosa moving companies and more than 20,000 movers nationwide to provide up-to-date and data-driven information about: which moving company to hire (our top recommendation is OCD Moving Services LLC), how much the move costs (approximately $3,000 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington DC compared to Santa Rosa. 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 Washington DC to Santa Rosa Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1OCD Moving Services LLC9.679.47Authorized For HHG
2Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHG
3Mic's Moving9.609.56Authorized For HHG
4Ap Pro Moving Llc9.459.39Active
5Celis Movers9.389.32Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Washington DC to Santa Rosa?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,875 miles from Washington DC, DC to Santa Rosa, CA will cost on average $4,226 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom Washington DC to Santa Rosa move is roughly $10,220. 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 and dropoff 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 movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,832300 ft³$9.44
1 Bedroom$4,226450 ft³$9.39
2 Bedrooms$7,006750 ft³$9.34
3 Bedrooms$10,2201100 ft³$9.29
4 Bedrooms$14,7861600 ft³$9.24
5+ Bedrooms$16,5441800 ft³$9.19
*Please note: These DC to California moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from DC & California. 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 DC to CA mover.
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Moving in the opposite direction? Here is our moving from Santa Rosa to Washington DC guide.

Compare the 5 Best Washington DC to Santa Rosa Movers

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

OCD Moving Services LLC Logo

OCD Moving Services LLC

Exceptional9.67/10
based on 2,922+ data points

5914 Cobblestone Ct

El Sobrante, CA, 94803

About OCD Moving Services LLC

For over five years, OCD Moving Services LLC has been providing Oakland and the Bay Area with residential and commercial relocation...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Commercial Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2597230 / 911812

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers6
Total Annual Miles Moved153,000 (2022)
View Full Review
1
Bookstore Movers Logo

Bookstore Movers

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 6,057+ 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
2
Mic's Moving Logo

Mic's Moving

Exceptional9.60/10
based on 3,605+ 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
3
Ap Pro Moving Llc Logo

Ap Pro Moving Llc

Exceptional9.45/10
based on 343+ data points

5021 Seminary Rd # 822

Alexandria, VA, 22311

About Ap Pro Moving Llc

Ap Pro Moving LLC is a reliable and professional moving company based in Arlington, VA. They offer various services such as...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 9/6/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3338902 / -

Active

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved4,000 (2021)
View Full Review
4
Celis Movers Logo

Celis Movers

Exceptional9.38/10
based on 1,738+ data points

601 Petaluma Blvd N C

Petaluma, CA, 94952

About Celis Movers

Celis Movers is a family-owned Petaluma business committed to providing quality moves that don’t break the bank. For over 30 years,...

Services

  • Local moving services
  • Nationwide moving services
  • Strategic warehousing locations

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2594954 / 921948

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved95,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
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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.

Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Neighborhood Comparison

Relocating can be a daunting task, especially when moving to an unfamiliar city. To ease this transition, we've prepared a comparison of the local neighborhoods between Washington DC, DC & Santa Rosa, CA . This guide is designed to help you find a new neighborhood in Santa Rosa that shares the characteristics and charm of your current area in Washington DC.

Washington DCSanta RosaHow They're Similar
Dupont CircleDowntown Santa RosaVibrant downtown scene
GeorgetownMontgomery VillageUpscale shopping and dining
Capitol HillProctor TerraceHistoric homes and community feel
ShawRailroad Square Historic DistrictRich history and arts scene
Columbia HeightsBennett ValleyDiverse community and green spaces
Adams MorganWest End NeighborhoodEclectic and vibrant local culture
Logan CircleOakmontWelcoming community with green spaces
NoMaSanta Rosa NortheastModern amenities and developments
Navy YardRoselandGrowing, vibrant neighborhood with development
Woodley ParkAnnadel State Park areaPeaceful, with access to nature

If you love the vibrant, arts-rich atmosphere of Shaw with its live music venues such as the 9:30 Club, you'll enjoy exploring the Railroad Square Historic District in Santa Rosa, known for its eclectic art scene, historic architecture, and the annual Railroad Square Music Festival. For those accustomed to the upscale dining and shopping experience of Georgetown, Montgomery Village in Santa Rosa offers a similar charm, with boutique shops and high-end dining options like Montgomery Village Shopping Center. If you appreciate the community feel and historic homes of Capitol Hill, Proctor Terrace will feel like home with its strong neighborhood association and beautiful historical houses, making it an easy transition from the busy streets of Washington DC to the welcoming community vibe of Santa Rosa.

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Pros and Cons of Moving from Washington DC to Santa Rosa

Moving from one city to another can be a life-changing decision, requiring a thorough understanding of the ups and downs associated with the relocation. This guide aims to provide an honest reflection on the good and the bad attributes of relocating from Washington DC, DC to Santa Rosa, CA , helping you make an informed decision about your next big move.

CONs
PROs
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • High living costs
  • Heavy traffic
  • Humid summers
  • Political saturation
Santa Rosa, CA iconSanta Rosa, CA
  • Lower living costs
  • Less traffic
  • Milder climate
  • Relaxed environment
Santa Rosa, CA iconSanta Rosa, CA
  • Smaller cultural scene
  • More car dependency
  • Fewer landmarks
  • Less diversity in food
Washington DC, DC iconWashington DC, DC
  • Vibrant cultural scene
  • Extensive public transit
  • Historical landmarks
  • Diverse food options

While Washington DC is known for its vibrant cultural scene and extensive public transit, making it easy to explore historical landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and indulge in a diverse range of food offerings from around the globe, Santa Rosa offers a different array of charms. In Santa Rosa, you'll enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of wine country, with access to renowned vineyards such as Kendall-Jackson Wine Estate & Gardens. While you might find yourself missing the vast cultural and historical depth of DC, Santa Rosa compensates with beautiful neighborhood parks like Howarth Park, a plethora of local restaurants offering fresh, farm-to-table dining experiences, and a more laid-back lifestyle that can greatly improve your quality of life. Furthermore, the lesser traffic in Santa Rosa allows for a more relaxed commute, providing a significant lifestyle improvement over the hustle and bustle of DC.

Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Food Guide

Food is an integral part of experiencing local culture when moving to a new area. Through this guide, we aim to enlighten you by comparing the local cuisine between Washington DC & Santa Rosa, so you can get a taste of what each city offers. This comparison should help you feel more at home in your new locality.

Washington DC
Santa Rosa
Most iconic local food item
Half-Smoke
Wine Country Cuisine
Most popular meat dish
Mumbo Sauce Wings
Trip-tip BBQ
Most popular street food item
Food Trucks Variety
Tacos
Most popular vegan food
Vegetable-forward dishes
Vegan Wine Country Fare
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the city
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Rose's Luxury
  • Le Diplomate
  • St. Francis Winery & Vineyards
  • The Spinster Sisters
  • Dierk's Parkside Café
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
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Abundance of Food Trucks
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Foodie Scene
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Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Washington DC, the half-smoke from the famed Ben's Chili Bowl offers a taste of the city's unique culinary landscape. Meanwhile, Santa Rosa's wine country cuisine—highlighted at local gems like St. Francis Winery & Vineyards—pairs the region's renowned wines with fresh, local ingredients. For those visiting or moving to Santa Rosa, exploring its neighborhoods reveals a variety of dining experiences, from the innovative vegan dishes in downtown's Spinster Sisters to traditional tri-tip BBQ found in more laid-back, rural settings. Santa Rosa's commitment to fresh, local fare aligns with its slightly higher rating in fitness and health conscientiousness, as well as its accommodating vegan scene.

Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Restaurant Comparison

Understanding the culinary landscape is crucial when moving from one city to another. This restaurant comparison between Washington DC and Santa Rosa serves as an invaluable guide for finding new favorite spots that reflect the diversity and quality of your previous hometown favorites. Let this be your doorway to feeling at home through the universal language of delicious food.

Washington DCSanta RosaWhat You'll Love
RasikaLotus ThaiClassic Thai dishes with a modern twist, reminiscent of Rasika's innovative approach.
ZaytinyaLa Gare French RestaurantOffers a blend of Mediterranean and local flavors, echoing Zaytinya's concept.
Bad SaintSimply VietnamAuthentic flavors that bring the essence of Bad Saint's Filipino cuisine with a local touch.
Rose's LuxurySpinster SistersKnown for its creative and eclectic menu, much like the innovative dining experience at Rose's Luxury.
Ben's Chili BowlHank's Creekside RestaurantThough more diner-style, it’s a local favorite for comfort food, somewhat akin to the iconic status of Ben’s Chili Bowl.
Le DiplomateCa'Bianca RestaurantItalian finesse with a warm, inviting atmosphere, mirroring Le Diplomate's Parisian charm.
Fiola MareWilli's Seafood & Raw BarFresh seafood with a vibrant, upscale setting, offering a similar experience to Fiola Mare.
KomiValetteHigh-end dining with a focus on quality ingredients and intricate dishes, comparable to Komi's experience.
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone CrabCattlemensOffers quality steak and seafood with a hearty, welcoming vibe similar to Joe's in DC.
2 Amys Neapolitan PizzeriaRosso Pizzeria & Wine BarAuthentic Neapolitan pizzas that match the craftsmanship and flavor profile of 2 Amys.

While moving cities can often feel like stepping into a new world, finding comfort in familiar foods can ease the transition. Understanding the similarities between restaurants in Washington DC and those in Santa Rosa helps bridge the gap between the two cities. For example, if you've relished the inventive Mediterranean flavors at Zaytinya, you'll find a comforting reflection in the offerings at La Gare French Restaurant. Both establishments excel in blending traditional and contemporary elements in their cuisine. Similarly, for those missing the intimate and highly personal dining experience of Komi, Valette stands ready in Santa Rosa to captivate your senses with its focus on quality ingredients and masterful presentation, ensuring that the essence of your culinary favorites is never too far away.

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Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Real Estate & Living Facts

Real estate is a pivotal aspect of relocation, and understanding how Washington DC and Santa Rosa fare in this domain is crucial. This comparison sheds light on the housing characteristics, offering insights into costs, architecture, and lifestyle to inform your decision.

Washington DC
Santa Rosa
Typical Architecture Style
Victorian & Federal
California Bungalow & Modern
Walkability
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Bikeability
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🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Proximity to metro, historic charm
Vineyard proximity, scenic views

When delving deeper into the housing aspects of Washington DC and Santa Rosa, distinct differences emerge that could impact your living experience. Washington DC's allure often lies in its historic charm and excellent public transport accessibility, particularly the metro, making it a more urban and convenient choice for those reliant on public transportation. Santa Rosa, while offering a less urban lifestyle score of 6, prides itself on proximity to vineyards and scenic views, presenting a more laid-back, nature-oriented living environment. Both cities exhibit a diverse architectural heritage, from the Victorian and Federal styles of DC to the Californian Bungalows and modern designs prevalent in Santa Rosa. This variance in housing style, coupled with differences in walkability and urban lifestyle, underlines the unique atmospheres you'll encounter in each city.

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Pet-friendly Neighborhoods in Santa Rosa, CA

1. Rincon Valley : You'll love the ample green spaces and parks for your pets to play and roam freely.

2. Bennett Valley : This neighborhood offers a welcoming community environment along with numerous pet-friendly trails and open spaces for outdoor activities.

3. West End : With its accessible pet-friendly amenities and vibrant community, you'll find it easy to meet other pet owners and their furry friends.

Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Weather Considerations

When planning a move, understanding how the weather in Washington DC compares to Santa Rosa, CA, is crucial for adjusting to your new home. This chart outlines the key differences in climate you'll experience, helping you prepare for your relocation.

Washington DC
Santa Rosa
Days of Sunshine per Year
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Avg. Annual Humidity
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Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Hurricanes, Floods
Wildfires, Earthquakes
Air Quality
Moderate
Good
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

88°F / 71°F
82°F / 52°F
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

47°F / 28°F
60°F / 40°F


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

39.74"
36.28"
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

15.4"
0"


While both Washington DC and Santa Rosa offer a relatively mild climate, you'll notice several differences after your move. Santa Rosa boasts more sunny days per year and lacks the humidity that characterizes DC's summer. However, it's also important to note the natural disaster risks in Santa Rosa, including wildfires and earthquakes, compared to DC's hurricanes and floods. Adjusting to the drier summers and warmer winters of Santa Rosa can be a pleasant change, particularly if you prefer less snow and more consistent sunshine throughout the year.

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Money, Economy, and Job Market Considerations for Moving from Washington DC to Santa Rosa

Moving from one location to another involves a significant adjustment, not least in terms of finances. Understanding how the cost of living in Washington DC compares to that of Santa Rosa, CA is crucial in making an informed decision about your relocation. This comparison will help ease your transition and financial planning.

Washington DC
Santa Rosa
Avg. Household Income
$90,088
$86,459
Cost of Living Index
140.1
136.4
State Income Tax
8.5
13.3 (max)
Avg. Property Tax
0.56
0.79
Avg. Sales Tax
6.0
8.25
Top 3 Industries
Government, Education, Technology
Wine Production, Healthcare, Tourism
Affluence
Highly affluent
Moderately affluent
Poverty
Moderate
Low
Homelessness
Significant
Moderate

When comparing the fiscal aspects of living in Washington DC to Santa Rosa, you'll find notable differences in income, taxation, and living costs. Despite a higher average household income in DC, the combined pressure of a high cost of living index, property taxes, and state income tax can stretch budgets. In contrast, Santa Rosa presents a slightly lower cost of living index and average household income but benefits from its proximity to the thriving wine and tourism industry, making it an attractive alternative for those looking for a blend of economic opportunity and lifestyle. However, the state income tax in California can climb higher depending on your earnings, which is something to keep in mind when planning your finances post-move.

Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Political & Religious Comparison

Considering a move from Washington DC to Santa Rosa, CA? A quick, at-a-glance snapshot can provide insights into the comparison of the politics between Washington DC & Santa Rosa , as well as the differing religious landscapes. This overview aims to help you better understand the community you’re considering making your new home.

Washington DC
Santa Rosa
Political Make-up
Strongly Democratic
Lean Democratic
Local Politics
Focus on federal issues, urban policy
Focus on environmental initiatives, local governance
Religion
Mixed, with a significant Christian population
Largely secular, with diverse religious communities

In Washington DC, the political atmosphere is intensely centered around national politics and Democratic values, given its position as the nation's capital. This contrasts with Santa Rosa's more locally focused political scene, which leans Democratic but with a strong emphasis on environmental stewardship and community issues. Regarding religion, Washington DC presents a more traditional landscape with a heavier Christian presence. In contrast, Santa Rosa tends towards a more secular or diverse religious composition, reflecting the broader, more varied cultural makeup of California. Moving between these cities, you'll find subtleties in social and political engagement and a shift in the community's priorities and inclusivity.

Washington DC vs. Santa Rosa Traffic and Public Transit Considerations

This guide aims to help you better understand the daily commute and traffic by comparing the traffic and transportation options between Washington DC & Santa Rosa. Whether you're planning a move or simply curious about the differences, this comparison will provide valuable insights into what your daily travels might look like in these cities.

Washington DC
Santa Rosa
Avg Commute Time (in minutes)
34.5
26.4
Traffic Congestion
7.5 out of 10
3.2 out of 10
Availability of Public Transit
9 out of 10
5 out of 10
Can you get by without car?
Yes, quite easily
Challenging

Between Washington DC and Santa Rosa, CA, you'll find significant differences in your commuting experience. In Washington DC, the higher traffic congestion is offset by a robust public transit system, making it possible to get around without a car. Meanwhile, Santa Rosa offers a more relaxed daily commute with less congestion, but public transportation isn't as prevalent, meaning a car is more necessary for daily travel. This variance underlines the importance of considering your transportation needs and lifestyle preferences when moving between these cities.

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