($407+) Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA Movers
Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA, runs anywhere from $415 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $7,464 for full-service movers handling a larger 4 - 5 bedroom household. The two cities sit about 436 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 1 to 4 days door to door. Use our moving cost calculator to compare estimates and options for your specific move.
- Full-service moves for smaller spaces (studio apartments and 1-bedrooms) start around $1,109, while larger 4 - 5 bedroom relocations can reach $7,464 or more.
- Moving containers run $970 - $3,140, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $415 - $1,038.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,039 on this route. They also throw in 30 days of free storage and have 24/7 customer support.
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Compare moving options from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA
There are 3 main ways to move from Washington DC to Boston: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. Full-service is the most expensive but covers everything from labor to transportation, with a 2-3 bedroom move on this route averaging $2,039 - $4,904. Containers cost roughly 30% less than full-service for the same home size, and rental trucks run about 60% less, though loading is on you with either DIY option. At 436 miles, expect 1 to 4 days in transit no matter which service you choose.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 436-mile route from Washington DC to Boston, broken down by home size:
- Studio / 1 bedroom: full-service $1,109 - $3,888, container $970 - $1,729, rental truck $415 - $728, freight trailer $881 - $1,478.
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: full-service $2,039 - $4,904, container $1,216 - $2,384, rental truck $434 - $837, freight trailer $992 - $1,907.
- 4+ bedrooms: full-service $3,180 - $7,464, container $1,565 - $3,140, rental truck $509 - $1,038, freight trailer $1,265 - $2,416.
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated September 16, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA
For the 436-mile move from Washington DC, Maryland, to Boston, Massachusetts, full-service movers cost between $1,109 and $7,464. A long-distance moving company takes care of loading, hauling, and unloading. For an added cost of $453 - $3,020 (1 - 5+ bedrooms), crews will pack your boxes. The weight of your shipment and the mileage between the two cities are what drive your final cost. For scale, local movers in Washington DC generally start around $180 plus $85 per hour, per mover.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from Washington DC to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,109 - $3,888
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,039 - $4,904
- 4+ bedrooms: $3,180 - $7,464
Packing, storage, shuttle fees, and added coverage can stack on top of the base price. See the full add-ons and specialty services table below for what each runs from Washington DC to Boston.
The following are real quotes requested by moveBuddha readers in the past 90 days for moves from Maryland to Massachusetts. Prices are based on 1,500+ monthly pricing data points collected across our network of vetted movers and updated monthly.
Pro tip: Demand for full-service movers surges during peak moving season from May - September, pushing prices higher. Shifting your move to a cooler month could save you a meaningful amount on your total bill.
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Specialty moving services from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA
Specialty needs vary by market — 93% of Washington DC movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 85% nationally. In Boston, 96% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing100% of local movers | $755 - $7,550 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready93% of local movers85% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $302 - $1,812/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $453 - $3,624 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage30% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs58% of local movers | $1,510 - $4,530 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $3,775 - $15,100 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $1,131 - $2,149 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items53% of local movers46% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,510 - $3,775 |
| Piano | Any piano type70% of local movers71% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $1,208 - $5,285 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling39% of local movers | $453 - $2,265 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect27% of local movers22% nationallyTop pick: 495 Movers, Inc | $982 - $3,020 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $453 - $22,650+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $453 - $5,285+ |
What are the best full-service movers from Washington DC to Boston?
Look for Massachusetts Movers Association membership as a baseline when comparing movers in Massachusetts beyond this list.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is our pick for best overall value. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 support, and 30 days of free storage make Safeway the clearest value on this list.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list. AVL has been moving customers since 1995 and uses full-time in-house crews trained on high-value items like art and antiques.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage. One of the largest van line networks in North America, Allied offers fragile-only packing, 24/7 monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan against damage, loss, and breakage.
How much do local movers cost in Washington DC, MD?
Based on recent quotes for this route, a 2-bedroom move from Washington DC to Boston with a local mover averages $1,999 - $4,806. For moves under 500 miles, local movers in Washington DC, MD can be a smart choice. Many use hourly pricing models that may reduce your total compared to what a national carrier would charge, and tighter coverage areas often mean faster turnaround and more hands-on communication.
That said, licensing requirements still apply. Make sure any company you're considering is properly licensed for interstate moves for the route you need.
495 Movers, Inc (4.84/5 stars) is the top overall local mover in Washington DC, ranked #1 in Maryland, based on our analysis of feedback from 410 customers, 83.7% of which is positive.
Address: 640 Lofstrand Ln, Rockville, MD, 20850 | Founded: 2009
Moving container costs from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA
Moving containers from Washington DC, Maryland, to Boston, Massachusetts, cost between $970 and $3,140. The container gets dropped at your door and you load it at your own pace. U-Haul gives you 3 days to load and PODS gives you up to 30. Once you're done, the company handles all the transportation. If you need extra time, storage in Washington DC runs about $100/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from Washington DC to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $970 - $1,729
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,216 - $2,384
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,565 - $3,140
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Storage: Monthly rental charges begin after the first 30 days. Expect roughly $113 per month for smaller containers (7 - 8 feet) and around $227 per month for larger units (12 - 16 feet).
- Moving labor: Containers don't come with loading help, so many customers hire hourly movers for the job. Two movers for about 5 hours will run you around $1,057 in Washington DC, MD, per moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Added contents protection: Standard coverage only reimburses by weight. Full-value protection gives you more complete coverage for higher-value items and typically costs 1% - 2% of your total declared value, around $500 - $1,000 on a $50,000 shipment.
- Access: National providers generally operate in both cities, but verify that a facility near your Boston, MA, destination exists if you plan to access stored items.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Maryland to Massachusetts move in the past 90 days. Our pricing data is drawn from 1,500+ monthly data points across our vetted mover network and refreshed every month.
Pro tip: Before ordering moving containers, take a careful inventory of everything you're moving. A typical 1-bedroom home weighs around 3,000 pounds and fits in a single container starting at $970. Underestimating and needing 1 - 2 additional containers can push your total to $1,216 - $2,384, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise.
What are the best moving containers Washington DC to Boston?
- Units Moving and Portable Storage (4.3/5 stars)
- U-Pack (5.0/5 stars)
- MovingYourself (5.0/5 stars)
Want a hand without paying for full service? A container or truck move does not mean doing all the heavy lifting yourself. You can hire a labor-only crew in Washington DC to load and unload while you handle the drive, then book full help later if you change your mind. Three top-rated local crews for labor-only help in Washington DC:
- BoxStar Movers (5.0/5), 5 years in business
- Zip Moving And Storage, Inc. (4.9/5), 10 years in business
- Bookstore Movers, LLC (4.8/5), 20 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA
Plan on $415 - $1,038 for a rental moving truck on the 436-mile route from Washington DC, Maryland, to Boston, Massachusetts. The rental company provides nothing beyond the vehicle, so add:
- Fuel for the drive: $209 - $239
- Daily insurance: $45/day
- Equipment rentals: $11 - $30
- Washington DC daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.99 - $1.19
| Home size | Typical truck size |
|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | 10 - 12 ft |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | 15 - 17 ft |
| 4+ bedrooms | 20 - 26 ft (typically requires diesel) |
These are typical moving truck rental costs from Washington DC to Boston based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $415 - $728
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $434 - $837
- 4+ bedrooms: $509 - $1,038
Pro tip: The advertised base rate of $415 - $1,038 does not include fuel ($209 - $239) , lodging ($227/night for overnight stops), meals, or equipment rentals. When you add those up, the true cost of your move from Washington DC to Boston typically runs $600 - $1,200 more than the base rate alone.
What other costs come with rental trucks?
- Equipment: Tow dollies, appliance dollies, and moving pads are not included in the base rate. These extras often total between $113 and $529.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $227.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $209 and $239 for the 436-mile drive, depending on whether your truck runs on gas or diesel.
- Moving labor: If you'd rather not do all the heavy lifting, budget around $1,057 for 2 movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from Washington DC to Boston?
- Budget Truck Rental (4.3/5 stars)
- Penske Truck Rental (4.0/5 stars)
- U-Haul Truck Rental (4.2/5 stars)
The best truck rental companies for this route, based on moveBuddha's ratings.
Freight trailer costs from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA
If you're moving a larger household from Washington DC, Maryland, and want to stay in control of the loading process, freight trailers offer a practical middle ground between hiring movers and renting a truck yourself. A 28-foot trailer is delivered to your door, you load what you need, and the carrier handles the drive to Boston, Massachusetts.
Freight trailers are priced by the linear feet your belongings take up, so you only pay for the space you use. Most moves on this route fall between $992 and $1,907.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from Washington DC to Boston:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $881 - $1,478
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $992 - $1,907
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,265 - $2,416
Pro tip: Loading a freight trailer is a bit different from filling a container. The 4-foot ramp can be steep with large items, and getting the most out of 8 feet of vertical clearance takes planning. Since pricing is based on linear feet used, every inch of wasted space has a cost.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- Demand cycles: Trailer costs climb during peak moving season, especially from mid-May through mid-September when demand is at its highest.
- More space: You're billed only for the linear feet you use, but underestimating your inventory means paying for extra space, typically around $113 - $227 more per foot.
- Moving labor: Freight trailers don't include loading crews. Two movers in Washington DC, Maryland, for about five hours typically runs $1,057.
What are the best freight companies from Washington DC to Boston?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is our pick for best for large moves. The company is best known as a top moving container option for its hybrid model where you load and they drive, and that same model translates well to freight thanks to their 53-foot trucks and pay-by-the-foot pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack offers the best value freight trailer on this route. Beyond their flagship container service, U-Pack also runs freight trailers with the same no-deposit, no-upfront-fee model, charging only for the linear footage you actually fill.
- Terminal Transportation Services (4.7/5 stars): Terminal Transportation Services is our pick for best locally owned freight company. Their locally owned and operated facilities mean you work with support staff who know the route and the area, giving you more responsive scheduling than national-only carriers typically offer.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Boston fast. For interstate moves, freight is one of the quickest delivery methods out there. Just keep in mind that freight carriers expect you to be available to receive your shipment, so it works best when your move-in is locked in and you don't need temporary storage on either end.
Cost of living: Washington DC, MD vs Boston, MA
There's not a big cost-of-living gap between Washington DC and Boston to plan around. Cost of living index: 151 vs. 151. Average rent: $2,400/mo vs. $3,400/mo. The bigger factor in your budget is the one-time cost of the move itself, covered above. Walkability: 77 vs. 98. Safety index: 39.63 vs. 60.12.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Boston, MA to Washington DC, MD guide.
Why moveBuddha makes finding a mover easier:
In the past 3 months we've processed 10 quotes from Maryland to Massachusetts, so our pricing data reflects what movers are actually charging right now. Check our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers, the best way to avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and bad actors. We track 52 movers in Maryland, so you have real options to compare for this 436-mile move.
Our take
Full-service movers on the 436-mile route from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA, run $1,109 - $7,464 depending on home size. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack are a middle-ground option at $970 - $3,140, and rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul start as low as $415 for the most budget-conscious movers. Safeway Moving is our top overall pick for full-service moves, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,039, 30 days of free storage, and a 24/7 support team you can actually reach.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include General Electric and Fidelity Investments.
FAQs: Moving from Washington DC, MD, to Boston, MA
How long does a move from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 5 - 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are usually the fastest option outside of driving yourself, with deliveries in 3 - 5 days, though you'll need to be ready to receive your shipment on arrival. Driving a rental truck yourself puts the schedule entirely in your hands.
What are the best neighborhoods in Boston?
For families, Charlestown, East Boston, and Hyde Park are worth a look in Boston. If you're moving solo or without kids, Allston-Brighton, Back Bay-Beacon Hill, and East Boston tend to be popular picks instead.
What is the cheapest way to move from Washington DC, MD to Boston, MA?
Renting a moving truck is almost always the most affordable option, since you handle the loading, driving, and unloading yourself. A 2-bedroom rental truck move on this route averages $434 - $837. See our cheapest truck rental recommendations for the lowest available rates on your DIY move.
Is Boston a safe place to live?
Boston has a safety index of 60.12 out of 100 and a crime index of 39.88, compared to 39.63 and 60.37 in Washington DC. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What size moving truck do I need for this route?
Rental trucks generally range from 10 to 26 feet. A 15- to 17-foot truck covers most 2-bedroom moves, while a smaller 10- to 12-foot truck works for a studio or 1-bedroom. Homes with 3 or more bedrooms usually need a 20- to 26-foot truck, and anything that size typically runs on diesel rather than gas.
What percentage of Washington DC movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 70% of movers in Washington DC handle piano moves, and 53% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 71% and 46% nationally.
