Best Virginia to DC Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Virginia to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 183 mile VA to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 143 Virginia to DC 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 ARS Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $1,000 - $4,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Virginia 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 Virginia to DC Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1ARS Movers9.649.76Authorized For HHG
2Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHG
3Mic's Moving9.609.56Authorized For HHG
4A Change of Place Movers9.599.44Authorized For Property
5Matthew's Nationwide Moving9.509.63Authorized For Property, HHG
6TrueMover, LLC.9.489.52Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

How Much Does it Cost to Move from Virginia to DC?

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 183 miles from Virginia to DC will cost on average $1,646 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom VA to DC move is roughly $3,931. 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 Virginia 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 Virginia to DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$1,110300 ft³$3.70
1 Bedroom$1,646450 ft³$3.66
2 Bedrooms$2,712750 ft³$3.62
3 Bedrooms$3,9311100 ft³$3.57
4 Bedrooms$5,6501600 ft³$3.53
5+ Bedrooms$6,2791800 ft³$3.49
*Please note: These Virginia to DC moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Virginia & 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 VA to DC mover.
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Compare the 6 Best VA to DC Movers

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

ARS Movers Logo

ARS Movers

Exceptional9.64/10
based on 1,509+ data points

Herndon, VA, 20170

About ARS Movers

ARS Movers is a top-rated, locally-owned moving company based in Herndon, Virginia, serving customers for over a decade. They offer a...

Services

  • Local Moving (Residential Moving)
  • Long Distance Moving (Interstate Moving)
  • Office Moving (Commercial Moving)

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 11/17/2023)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3260258 / 1027666

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved3 (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
A

A Change of Place Movers

Exceptional9.59/10
based on 801+ data points

Hopewell, VA, 23860

About A Change of Place Movers

The staff members at A Change of Place Movers are some of the most thoughtful, caring moving professionals you will ever...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1293943 / 503371

Authorized For Property

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers2
Total Annual Miles Moved290,815 (2023)
View Full Review
4
Matthew's Nationwide Moving Logo

Matthew's Nationwide Moving

Exceptional9.50/10
based on 1,189+ data points

5004 Philip Rd

Annandale, VA, 22003

About Matthew's Nationwide Moving

Matthew's Nationwide Moving is a family-owned and operated company founded in 2012 in Annandale, Virginia. With over 20 seasoned moving contractors...

Services

  • Local Moving Services
  • Nationwide Moving Services
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2375124 / 819110

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans4
Registered Drivers4
Total Annual Miles Moved400,000 (2023)
View Full Review
5
TrueMover, LLC. Logo

TrueMover, LLC.

Exceptional9.48/10
based on 715+ data points

21531 Blackwood Ct Suite # 100

Sterling, VA, 20166

About TrueMover, LLC.

TrueMover, LLC, founded in 2016 by Robert Murphy and Chris Gibson, is a moving company based in Sterling, VA. They are...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Long Distance Moving
  • Packing Services

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2862283 / 959205

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans5
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved50,000 (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 Virginia to DC

Making the decision to move from Virginia to DC requires careful consideration. This comparison highlights both the challenges and benefits , providing an honest reflection of the good and the bad associated with your relocation from Virginia to DC .

CONs
PROs
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Longer commutes
  • Fewer job opportunities
  • Limited cultural activities
  • Fewer dining options
  • Suburban lifestyle
DC iconDC
  • Efficient public transit
  • Thriving job market
  • Rich cultural scene
  • Diverse restaurants
  • Urban living
DC iconDC
  • Higher expenses
  • Limited space
  • Noisy environment
  • Parking challenges
  • Transient population
Virginia iconVirginia
  • Lower cost of living
  • More spacious housing
  • Quiet neighborhoods
  • Ample parking
  • Close-knit communities

Moving from Virginia to DC offers a vibrant lifestyle change. You'll find the energetic nightlife and the diverse cuisines in areas like Adams Morgan and Georgetown refreshing. While the cost of living in DC is higher, the access to an array of job opportunities in sectors ranging from politics to tech can offset financial concerns. And don't forget the cultural abundance with monuments and museums readily available for weekend exploration, offering you an enriched living experience.

Virginia vs. DC Food Guide

This comparison of the local cuisine between Virginia & DC is crucial because food is a pivotal aspect of local culture and living experience. Through this comparison, we aim to enrich your understanding of the culinary scene in your new home.

Virginia
DC
Most iconic local food item
Virginia Ham
Half-Smoke
Most popular meat dish
BBQ
Mumbo Sauce Wings
Most popular street food item
Peanuts
Food Trucks
Most popular vegan food
Grain Bowl
Vegan Soul Food
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • The Inn at Little Washington
  • Zynodoa
  • L’Auberge Chez François
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
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🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

In Virginia, the historical significance of Virginia Ham ties closely to its culinary roots, synonymous with Southern cooking and hospitality. Barbecue, particularly with a focus on pork, serves as a staple comfort food, widely available from upscale dining to roadside stands. On the other hand, DC's diverse culinary scene shines with its iconic Half-Smoke, best enjoyed at local favorite Ben's Chili Bowl. The urban environment of DC fosters a robust food truck culture, offering a variety of street food that caters to every palate, including an increasing demand for vegan options. Whether you're exploring the historic streets of Alexandria, Virginia, or the bustling avenues of Washington, DC, the richness of each location's food scene offers something unique, mirroring the diverse cultural tapestry of the area.

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Virginia vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When planning your move, understanding the housing market differences between Virginia and DC is crucial. This comparison provides insights on cost, architecture, and lifestyle to help you make an informed decision.

Virginia
DC
Typical Architecture Style
Colonial, Cape Cod
Victorian, Row Houses
Walkability
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👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Spacious yards, Quiet neighborhoods
Proximity to metro, Vibrant nightlife

While Virginia offers more affordable housing options with its median home price and rent well below DC's, the lifestyle between the two vastly differs. In DC, the higher cost of living is offset by the convenience of a highly walkable environment, rich in history and culture, such as the Smithsonian Museums and the U.S. Capitol. DC's bikeability and walkability scores are significantly higher, reflecting its urban planning that encourages less reliance on cars. On the other hand, Virginia's typical Colonial and Cape Cod-style homes with spacious yards cater to those seeking a quieter, more suburban lifestyle. This comparison highlights the trade-offs between cost, lifestyle, and urban convenience when considering a move from Virginia to DC.

Virginia vs. DC Weather Considerations

Moving from Virginia to DC means adapting to a new environment. It's important to understand how the weather varies between these areas to anticipate changes. This comparison aims to shed light on the weather differences between Virginia and DC, helping you adapt seamlessly to your new home.

Virginia
DC
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Storms, Floods
Storms, Floods
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

86/66
87/71
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

48/29
47/30


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

44
40
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

20
15


While Virginia and DC share similar weather patterns, slight differences exist in their climates. DC experiences a bit higher temperatures during summer nights and less snowfall annually, which might influence your wardrobe and activities. Moreover, the slight difference in annual humidity levels and air quality between Virginia and DC can impact comfort and health, particularly for individuals sensitive to air pollutants and humidity. Understanding these nuances will help you better prepare for your relocation.

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

When contemplating a move from Virginia to DC, it's critical to grasp the financial landscape you're entering. Understanding the cost of living, taxation, and economic conditions between Virginia and DC ensures you're well-prepared for this significant change. This comparison sheds light on what to anticipate financially in your new home.

Virginia
DC
Avg. Household Income
$85,873
$101,027
Cost of Living Index
96.6
140.1
State Income Tax
2% - 5.75%
4% - 8.95%
Avg. Property Tax
0.80%
0.56%
Avg. Sales Tax
5.3%
6%
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Government, Healthcare
Government, Education, Professional Services
Affluence
Moderate
High
Poverty
Lower
Higher
Homelessness
Lower
Higher

The table above indicates that while moving from Virginia to DC might increase your average household income, it comes with a steeper cost of living. The cost of living in DC is notably higher than in Virginia, reflecting in almost every category from housing to daily expenses. Taxes in DC are also generally higher, which is crucial to consider for budgeting purposes. Despite these financial shifts, DC's vibrant economic environment, spearheaded by government, education, and professional services, offers unique career and growth opportunities not as prevalent in Virginia. Understanding these financial and economic contrasts can significantly aid in making an informed decision when contemplating this move.

Virginia vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick comparison of the politics between Virginia & DC , giving you a glimpse into the political and religious fiber that weaves the social fabric of the places you're moving from and to. Understanding these variances can help in navigating your new environment more seamlessly.

Virginia
DC
Political Make-up
Moderately conservative, with pockets of liberal influence, especially in Northern Virginia and urban areas.
Strongly liberal, with a significant majority of voters supporting Democratic candidates.
Local Politics
Diverse, with a mix of Republican and Democratic leadership depending on the region.
Heavily Democratic, with local politics focusing on urban issues, governance, and federal-government relations.
Religion
Mix of Protestant, Catholic, and other faiths, reflective of its diverse population.
Varied, with a significant number of non-religious residents alongside Protestant, Catholic, and Jewish communities.

When moving from Virginia to DC, you'll notice a shift from a more moderate political environment to a distinctly liberal one, especially in terms of local governance and public policy priorities. Your new neighborhood in DC will likely demonstrate a strong engagement in federal and local politics, a contrast to Virginia's varied political landscapes. Religiously, both Virginia and DC host diverse communities, yet DC stands out for its higher proportion of non-religious residents. This diversity in beliefs and political outlooks adds to the unique character of your new home.

Education Guide When Moving from Virginia to DC

Moving from Virginia to DC offers new opportunities and challenges, especially when it comes to education. To help you better understand what the comparisons are between school options in Virginia and DC , this guide compares key educational aspects. This will assist you in making informed decisions for you and your family.

VirginiaDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Virginia
Virginia Tech
College of William & Mary
Georgetown University
George Washington University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Arlington Science Focus School
Arlington; Stenwood Elementary
Vienna; Colvin Run Elementary
Vienna
Lafayette Elementary School
Washington; Mann Elementary School
Washington; Janney Elementary School
Washington

Top 3 Middle Schools

Longfellow Middle School
Falls Church; Cooper Middle School
McLean; Frost Middle School
Fairfax
Deal Middle School
Washington; Hardy Middle School
Washington; Eliot-Hine Middle School
Washington

Top 3 High Schools

Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology
Alexandria; McLean High School
McLean; Langley High School
McLean
School Without Walls High School
Washington; Banneker High School
Washington; Wilson High School
Washington

Top 3 private high schools

The Madeira School
McLean; St. Stephen's & St. Agnes School
Alexandria; Episcopal High School
Alexandria
Sidwell Friends School
Washington; Georgetown Day School
Washington; St. Albans School
Washington

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Potomac School
McLean; Flint Hill School
Oakton; The Langley School
McLean
Maret School
Washington; National Cathedral School
Washington; Sidwell Friends School
Washington

Top 3 School Districts

Fairfax County Public Schools; Loudoun County Public Schools; Arlington Public SchoolsDistrict of Columbia Public Schools

While comparing schools in Virginia and DC, it's clear each offers exceptional education opportunities but with distinct characteristics. Virginia is renowned for its top-rated public high schools like Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology in Alexandria, known nationally for its STEM focus, and its comprehensive public school districts. Meanwhile, Washington, DC boasts prestigious private schools such as Sidwell Friends and specialized public schools like School Without Walls, highlighting the city's focus on diverse educational environments. Both Virginia and DC have schools that frequently send graduates to top colleges, emphasizing their commitment to high academic standards.

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