Best Washington to DC Movers + Moving Guide

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If you're moving from Washington to DC and need first-hand information you can trust to make this 2,687 mile WA to DC move go smoothly, Great Guys Moving is here to help. We've analyzed 129 Washington 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 Bookstore Movers), how much the move costs (approximately $2,500 - $10,000 depending on how much stuff you have), and what it will be like living in Washington 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 Washington to DC Moving Companies

Company
Score Question
Affordability IndexLicense
1Bookstore Movers9.609.55Authorized For HHG
2Mic's Moving9.609.56Authorized For HHG
3Seattle Moves & More9.569.39Authorized For HHG
4John Volken Academy Movers9.349.65Authorized For HHG
5First Due Movers9.269.06Authorized For Property, HHG
6Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers9.239.09Authorized For HHG
Phone (800) 787-5428

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

Moving a 1 bedroom apartment 2,687 miles from Washington to DC will cost on average $4,066 to hire full service movers. A 3 bedroom WA to DC move is roughly $9,830. 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 Washington 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 Washington to DC movers, the better your pricing and options will be.

Home SizeMoving CostVolume of Packed Items (ft³)$/ft³
Studio$2,726300 ft³$9.09
1 Bedroom$4,066450 ft³$9.04
2 Bedrooms$6,740750 ft³$8.99
3 Bedrooms$9,8301100 ft³$8.94
4 Bedrooms$14,2181600 ft³$8.89
5+ Bedrooms$15,9051800 ft³$8.84
*Please note: These Washington to DC moving prices are rough approximations based upon nationwide data as well as local and statewide data from Washington & 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 WA to DC mover.
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Compare the 6 Best WA 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 6,057+ 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
1
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
2
S

Seattle Moves & More

Exceptional9.56/10
based on 1,099+ data points

4601 Shilshole Ave NW

Seattle, WA, 98107

About Seattle Moves & More

Based in Seattle, Seattle Moves & More is a licensed, insured, and premier moving company in Seattle, WA, known for its...

Services

  • Residential & Commercial Moving
  • Long-Distance Relocation
  • Furniture Packing and Unpacking

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2962927 / 5796

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans1
Registered Drivers5
Total Annual Miles Moved31,000 (2023)
View Full Review
3
John Volken Academy Movers Logo

John Volken Academy Movers

Exceptional9.34/10
based on 1,485+ data points

921 Central Ave N

Kent, WA, 98032

About John Volken Academy Movers

John Volken Academy Movers is a not-for-profit moving company that helps people move across Western and Eastern Washington. This local business...

Services

  • Local Moving
  • Commercial Moving
  • Residential Moving

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

2261169 / 1666977

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans6
Registered Drivers8
Total Annual Miles Moved200 (2015)
View Full Review
4
First Due Movers Logo

First Due Movers

Exceptional9.26/10
based on 1,462+ data points

8126 304th Ave SE

Preston, WA, 98050

About First Due Movers

First Due Movers is based in Preston, Washington, but offers nationwide moving services. The company is actually owned by local Washington...

Services

  • Residential Moves
  • Commercial Moves
  • Long-Distance Moves

Interstate Moving License

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

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

1990914 / 865709

Authorized For Property, HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans12
Registered Drivers20
Total Annual Miles Moved205,000 (2022)
View Full Review
5
Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers Logo

Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers

Exceptional9.23/10
based on 888+ data points

6491 E Seltice Way

Post Falls, ID, 83854

About Lake Coeur d'Alene Movers

Lake Coeur d’Alene Movers is a premier moving company in North Idaho, offering services throughout the region. Voted Best Moving Company...

Services

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

Interstate Moving License

Circle Check
Authorized for Interstate Moves(last checked 8/25/2022)

USDOT / MC

Status

Entity Type

3119758 / 87269

Authorized For HHG

Carrier

Registered Trucks/Vans3
Registered Drivers10
Total Annual Miles Moved62,500 (2021)
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 Washington to DC

Making a move from Washington to DC is a significant decision. This comparison of the two locations offers an honest reflection of the good and perhaps challenging aspects of relocating between Washington and DC, providing insights that may not be immediately obvious but crucial for making an informed choice.

CONs
PROs
Washington iconWashington
  • High rain fall
  • Limited nightlife
  • Spread-out cities
  • Higher gas prices
DC iconDC
  • Mild winters
  • Vibrant culture scene
  • Convenient public transport
  • Walkable neighborhoods
DC iconDC
  • Urban density
  • Traffic congestion
  • Higher cost of living
  • Busy urban lifestyle
Washington iconWashington
  • Natural landscapes
  • Less traffic congestion
  • Lower cost of living
  • Local wineries

Moving to DC means trading the lush, expansive natural landscapes of Washington for the bustling urban life and diverse cultural opportunities found in DC. Neighborhoods like Georgetown offer a delightful array of historic sights and top-notch restaurants, while areas like Dupont Circle and Shaw are known for their vibrant nightlife and rich history. Although you'll encounter more traffic and a higher cost of living in DC, the availability of public transport and walkable neighborhoods can make city life more accessible. The transition may be challenging, but the move brings you closer to iconic landmarks like the National Mall and exciting museums such as the Smithsonian Institution.

Washington vs. DC Food Guide

Food is a vital part of local culture and what it's like to live in an area. With that in mind, this guide will help you understand the food scene you're moving into by offering a comparison of the local cuisine between Washington & DC. This knowledge can enhance your relocation experience, as exploring culinary delights is a great way to get to know your new home.

Washington
DC
Most iconic local food item
Salmon
Half-smoke
Most popular meat dish
Grilled salmon
Ben's Chili Bowl Chili
Most popular street food item
Hot Dogs
Falafel
Most popular vegan food
Vegan Pho
Impossible Burger
Top 3 iconic restaurants that summarize the state
  • Canlis
  • Wild Ginger
  • Matt's Rotisserie & Oyster Lounge
  • Ben's Chili Bowl
  • Zaytinya
  • Rose's Luxury
Fitness/Health Conscientiousness
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪💪
Abundance of Food Trucks
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚🚚
Foodie Scene
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴🍴
Vegan Friendly
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱
🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱🌱

You're embarking on a tantalizing journey through vastly different culinary landscapes, from the lush locales of Washington to the bustling streets of DC. Washington, known for its salmon, offers a rich tapestry of seafood-centered cuisine, celebrated at iconic establishments like Canlis. On the streets, you're likely to find a plethora of hot dog stands, reflecting the state's love for this simple yet satisfying fare. Migrating eastwards to DC, the half-smoke stands proud as the city's emblematic food item, with Ben's Chili Bowl serving as a must-visit for newcomers. The DC food scene is remarkably vegan-friendly with options like the Impossible Burger easily found in hip locales such as Adams Morgan, underscoring the city's progressive culinary ethos. Whether you're craving the serene foodie vibe of serene Washington or the lively, health-conscious streets of DC, your palate is set to be delighted.

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Washington vs. DC Real Estate & Living Facts

When contemplating a move, examining the real estate options between Washington and DC highlights crucial living condition comparisons. Understanding housing costs, architectural styles, and lifestyle scores in both areas can make your transition smoother and more informed.

Washington
DC
Typical Architecture Style
Craftsman, Northwest Contemporary
Victorian, Federal
Walkability
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟👟
Bikeability
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
Urban Lifestyle
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️🏛️
Most popular items mentioned in real estate listing
Green spaces, Views
Proximity to metro, Historic charm

When moving from Washington to DC, you'll find stark contrasts in housing and lifestyle. In DC, the higher median home prices and rent reflect its dense, urban setting, offering rich historical architecture like Victorian and Federal styles, much valued in real estate listings for their historic charm. Despite this, DC boasts superior walkability and bikeability, making it an ideal environment for those seeking an active urban lifestyle. Furthermore, listings in DC often highlight proximity to metro stations, underscoring the city's excellent public transportation network. In contrast, Washington's real estate listings frequent mentions of green spaces and scenic views cater to those preferring a connection with nature alongside urban conveniences.

Washington vs. DC Weather Considerations

Moving can be a big change, especially when it involves adjusting to new weather patterns. Understanding how the weather compares between Washington State and Washington, D.C., is crucial as it impacts your daily life, wardrobe, and activities. This comparison aims to highlight the key differences and similarities to help you prepare for your relocation.

Washington
DC
Days of Sunshine per Year
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️
Avg. Annual Humidity
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦💦
Avg. UV Index
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️🕶️
Natural Disasters
Volcanoes, Earthquakes
Hurricanes, Flooding
Air Quality
Good
Moderate
Summer icon

Average Summer High/Low (°F)

75/55
89/71
Winter icon

Average Winter High/Low (°F)

47/36
47/30


Rainfall icon

Annual Rainfall (Inches)

38
40
Snowfall icon

Annual Snowfall (Inches)

5
15.4


When moving from Washington to DC, you'll find significant weather changes, especially in summer temperatures and sunshine days. Washington State enjoys temperate summers and a moderate amount of sunshine, whereas DC experiences hotter summers and more sunny days. This could influence your daily clothing choices and how often you might participate in outdoor activities. Additionally, while Washington faces threats from natural disasters like volcanoes and earthquakes, DC's weather-related challenges tend towards hurricanes and flooding. Adjusting to these differences will be an essential part of your move.

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

When planning a move, it’s essential to weigh the financial implications. This comparison spotlights Washington and DC, illuminating differences in income, living costs, and more, to help you gauge the economic landscape and make an informed decision.

Washington
DC
Avg. Household Income
$91,306
$101,027
Cost of Living Index
104.1
140.1
State Income Tax
0
8.95
Avg. Property Tax
0.93
0.56
Avg. Sales Tax
6.5
6.0
Top 3 Industries
Technology, Aerospace, Agriculture
Government, Education, Tourism
Affluence
Substantial
High
Poverty
Moderate
Concerning
Homelessness
Significant
High

Moving from Washington to DC, you'll encounter a significant shift in the economic environment. Despite the higher average household income in DC, its cost of living index is considerably higher than in Washington, primarily due to housing costs. The absence of state income tax in Washington can offer substantial savings, especially when contrasted with DC’s top rate. However, DC’s bustling government, education, and tourism sectors provide a unique job market that may align with your career goals. Understanding these variations can play a pivotal role in planning your move, helping ensure financial stability in your new home.

Washington vs. DC Political & Religious Comparison

This guide provides a quick glance at the politics between Washington & DC , aiming to offer insights into the political and religious makeup of both areas. By comparing these aspects, you'll gain a better understanding of the communities and what to expect when moving from one place to the other.

Washington
DC
Political Make-up
Lean Democratic
Strongly Democratic
Local Politics
Progressive policies on environment and social issues
Focus on home rule and statehood issues
Religion
Less religiously affiliated
Diverse religious landscape with Christianity being predominant

In both Washington and DC, the Democratic Party holds significant influence, but the political landscape in DC is more deeply entrenched in favor of Democratic ideals, partially due to its unique status and concentrated urban setting. Moreover, while Washington state is known for its progressive stance on environmental and social policies, DC's local politics often spotlight the pursuit of greater autonomy and statehood recognition. On the religious front, Washington presents a more secular demographic compared to DC, where a more diverse and pronounced religious presence can be found, reflecting the city's wide-ranging cultural and demographic makeup. This comparison enables you to grasp the subtle yet impactful differences that distinguish the communities of your current and future home.

Education Guide When Moving from Washington to DC

This comparison aims to better understand the differences between school options in Washington and DC, helping you make an informed decision about your child's education as you plan your move.

WashingtonDC

Where most Seniors go to college (top 3)

University of Washington
Washington State University
Gonzaga University
Georgetown University
Howard University
American University

Top 3 Elementary Schools

Cascade Ridge Elementary (Issaquah)
Medina Elementary (Medina)
Bertschi School (Seattle)
Lafayette Elementary School (Washington)
Mann Elementary School (Washington)
Janney Elementary School (Washington)

Top 3 Middle Schools

International School (Bellevue)
Odle Middle School (Bellevue)
Washington Middle School (Seattle)
Deal Middle School (Washington)
Hardy Middle School (Washington)
Stuart-Hobson Middle School (Washington)

Top 3 High Schools

Lakeside School (Seattle)
Newport High School (Bellevue)
Garfield High School (Seattle)
School Without Walls High School (Washington)
Banneker High School (Washington)
Wilson High School (Washington)

Top 3 private high schools

The Overlake School (Redmond)
Seattle Academy (Seattle)
The Bush School (Seattle)
Georgetown Prep (North Bethesda)
Sidwell Friends (Washington)
National Cathedral School (Washington)

Top 3 private K-12 schools

The Bear Creek School (Redmond)
Seattle Country Day School (Seattle)
Eastside Preparatory School (Kirkland)
Maret School (Washington)
St. Albans School (Washington)
Georgetown Day School (Washington)

Top 3 School Districts

Lake Washington School District
Bellevue School District
Mercer Island School District
DC Public Schools

The comparison above reveals significant educational opportunities in both Washington and DC, with each location boasting top-rated institutions that cater to a range of academic preferences. For instance, Washington's University of Washington and DC's Georgetown University are flagship institutions that most seniors aspire to, each offering unique campus cultures and programs. On the elementary level, schools like Cascade Ridge Elementary in Washington and Lafayette Elementary School in DC highlight the commitment to early education in both places. Moreover, prestigious private institutions such as The Overlake School in Washington and Georgetown Prep in DC offer rigorous academic programs alongside a wide array of extracurricular activities, preparing students for success in higher education and beyond.

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