($556+) St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD Movers
Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Washington DC, MD, runs anywhere from $556 for a DIY rental-truck move of a small home up to $8,050 for full-service movers handling a larger 4+ bedroom household. The two cities sit about 814 miles apart, and a move on this route usually takes 2 to 7 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 $1,680, while larger 4+ bedroom relocations can reach $8,050 or more.
- Moving containers run $1,022 - $3,588, and renting a moving truck from Budget or U-Haul is the cheapest route at $556 - $1,450.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars) is our top recommendation for a move from St. Louis, MO, to Washington DC, MD. They're known for transparent pricing, with 2-bedroom quotes starting around $2,259 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 St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD
Moving options from St. Louis to Washington DC fall into 3 main service types: full-service movers, moving containers, and rental trucks. A 2-3 bedroom full-service move on this route costs $2,259 - $5,789 and includes all labor and transportation. Moving containers come in around 42% less for the same home size, while rental trucks land about 73% less, though both require you to load the truck or container yourself. This route spans 814 miles and typically takes 2 to 7 days.
Here is how full-service movers, moving containers, rental trucks, and freight trailers compare on the 814-mile route from St. Louis to Washington DC, broken down by home size:
| Home size | Full-service movers | Moving container | Rental truck | Freight trailer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1 bedroom | $1,680 - $4,462 | $1,022 - $1,884 | $556 - $1,059 | $929 - $1,731 |
| 2 - 3 bedrooms | $2,259 - $5,789 | $1,314 - $2,560 | $618 - $1,296 | $1,051 - $2,091 |
| 4+ bedrooms | $4,000 - $8,050 | $1,910 - $3,588 | $744 - $1,450 | $1,514 - $2,673 |
Pricing reflects moveBuddha's monthly dataset of 1,500+ live quotes across our vetted mover network. Last updated November 2, 2026.
Full-service moving costs from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD
Hiring full-service movers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington DC, Maryland, costs between $1,680 and $8,050. A full-service interstate moving company handles loading, transportation, and unloading across the 814-mile route, with optional professional packing available for an additional $332 - $2,216, depending on the size of your home. Your final cost comes down to two things: the total weight of your shipment and the distance between St. Louis and Washington DC. For a rough baseline, movers based in St. Louis tend to start around $247 plus $145/hour per mover on local jobs, before long-distance pricing takes over for a move this size.
Here's a breakdown of full-service moving costs by home size from St. Louis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,680 - $4,462
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $2,259 - $5,789
- 4+ bedrooms: $4,000 - $8,050
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 St. Louis to Washington DC.
Pro tip: Avoiding peak moving season dates (May - September) is one of the easiest ways to reduce costs. Off-season moves typically come with lower pricing and more room to negotiate since movers have fewer bookings.
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Specialty moving services from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD
Specialty needs vary by market: 68% of St. Louis movers offer storage-in-transit, compared to 60% nationally. In Washington DC, 70% of movers offer the same service.
| Service | When you need it | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Full packing | Full crew packing71% of local movers | $554 - $5,540 |
| Storage in transit | New place not ready68% of local movers60% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $222 - $1,330/mo |
| Shuttle fee | Truck can't reach door | $332 - $2,659 |
| Full-value protection | More than $0.60/lb coverage13% of local movers | $300 - $600 (1% - 2% of value) |
| Small moves | Under ~2,000 lbs67% of local movers | $1,108 - $3,324 |
| Office / commercial | Workplace relocation | $2,770 - $11,080 |
| Car shipping | Second vehicle | $830 - $1,577 |
| Antiques & fine art | Fragile, high-value items31% of local movers26% nationallyTop pick: McGuire Moving and Storage | $1,108 - $2,770 |
| Piano | Any piano type52% of local movers41% nationallyTop pick: All My Sons Moving & Storage | $886 - $3,878 |
| Pool table | Disassembly & re-leveling16% of local movers | $332 - $1,662 |
| Hot tub | Heavy, needs disconnect22% of local movers9% nationallyTop pick: ABC Quality Moving & Storage | $720 - $2,216 |
| Wine collection | Climate-controlled transport | $332 - $16,620+ |
| Pet relocation | Ground, air, or concierge | $332 - $3,878+ |
What are the best full-service movers from St. Louis to Washington DC?
Movers licensed to operate in Maryland are typically members of the Maryland Motor Truck Association, worth checking for before you book any of the three below.
- Safeway Moving (4.9/5 stars): Safeway Moving is the best overall value on this list. Flat-rate pricing, 24/7 customer support, and 30 days of free storage are included with every move.
- American Van Lines (4.9/5 stars): American Van Lines is the most experienced mover on this list, with 30+ years in business since 1995. AVL is one of the few national carriers that uses full-time in-house crews instead of contracted labor.
- Allied Van Lines (4.2/5 stars): Allied Van Lines is best for contents coverage, combining fragile-only packing, 24/7 shipment monitoring, and an optional full-value protection plan that covers damage, loss, and breakage.
Good to know: For moves over 500 miles, national full-service movers are the more cost-efficient choice. Local movers in St. Louis, MO, often charge 30% - 40% more at that distance because their operations aren't built for long-haul logistics. The exception is if you want a dedicated point-to-point truck with an average 2-day delivery, though that level of service generally increases your total cost.
Moving container costs from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD
Moving containers from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington DC, Maryland, cost between $1,022 and $3,588. You load everything on your own schedule (U-Haul gives you 3 days and PODS gives you 30). When you're ready, the company takes care of getting the container from point A to point B. Need more time than that? Extra storage in St. Louis typically runs around $90/month.
Take a look at moving container pricing by home size from St. Louis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $1,022 - $1,884
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,314 - $2,560
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,910 - $3,588
What other costs come with moving containers?
- Moving labor: Because loading is on you with a container move, hourly labor help is a popular add-on. In St. Louis, MO, two movers for roughly five hours costs around $776, according to moveBuddha data. Compare the best labor-only movers nationwide
- Storage: After the first month, ongoing rental fees kick in. A small container (7 - 8 feet) averages about $83 per month, while a 12- to 16-foot unit runs around $166 per month.
- Access: Most major container companies serve both St. Louis, MO, and Washington DC, MD, but confirm a facility is within reasonable distance if you need to retrieve items while in storage.
- Added contents protection: Full-value protection provides broader coverage than the standard liability in your contract. It typically costs 1% - 2% of your declared shipment value, about $500 - $1,000 on $50,000 worth of belongings.
Every price below reflects an actual quote from a moveBuddha reader planning a Missouri to Maryland 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 $1,022. Underestimating how much you have and needing an extra container means paying for another one, so getting your count right upfront saves you from a costly surprise. For reference, a 2 - 3 bedroom home typically runs $1,314 - $2,560.
What are the best moving containers St. Louis to Washington DC?
- 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 St. Louis 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 St. Louis:
- Simple Moves (4.7/5), 25 years in business
- TWO MEN AND A TRUCK (4.8/5), 32 years in business
- College Hunks Hauling Junk & Moving (4.9/5), 14 years in business
Moving truck rental costs from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD
A rental truck is the cheapest way to cover the 814 miles from St. Louis, Missouri, to Washington DC, Maryland, running $556 - $1,450. It's also the most hands-on option, and the base rate doesn't include:
- Fuel for the drive: $287 - $328
- Daily insurance: $33/day
- Equipment rentals: $8 - $22
- St. Louis daily rental rate: $19 - $39
- Per-mile fee beyond your free allowance: $0.69 - $0.99
| 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 St. Louis to Washington DC based on home size:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $556 - $1,059
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $618 - $1,296
- 4+ bedrooms: $744 - $1,450
Pro tip: Budget beyond the advertised rate of $556 - $1,450 when pricing out a rental truck from St. Louis to Washington DC. Fuel alone runs $287 - $328, and overnight lodging ($166/night), meals, and equipment rentals add up quickly. Most people spend roughly $600 - $1,200 more on meals, equipment, and other extras beyond fuel and lodging by the time the move is done.
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 $83 and $388.
- Lodging: An overnight stop typically averages around $166.
- Gas: Expect fuel to run between $287 and $328 for the 814-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 $776 for 2 movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for about 5 hours.
- Additional insurance: Damage protection plans generally add about $30 per day.
What are the best moving truck rentals from St. Louis to Washington DC?
- 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 St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD
For larger DIY moves from St. Louis, Missouri, freight trailers give you plenty of room without putting you behind the wheel. Standard trailers are 28 feet long. You load the section you need, and the carrier transports everything to Washington DC, Maryland.
Because freight companies bill by linear footage, your total is based on how much of the trailer you occupy, not the full length. For a 2 - 3 bedroom move on this route, pricing typically falls between $1,051 and $2,091.
Take a look at freight trailer costs based on home size for moves from St. Louis to Washington DC:
- Studio apartment / 1 bedroom: $929 - $1,731
- 2 - 3 bedrooms: $1,051 - $2,091
- 4+ bedrooms: $1,514 - $2,673
Pro tip: Freight pricing rewards efficient packing. Trailers are 8 feet tall and accessed via a 4-foot ramp, so technique matters, especially for heavy pieces. Since each additional linear foot adds to your quote, packing strategically is one of the easiest ways to control costs.
What other costs come with freight trailers?
- More space: Freight pricing is based on exactly how much of the trailer you fill. If your items take up more than expected, the added footage can increase your cost by between $83 and $166.
- Peak season impact: Moving during peak season (mid-May to mid-September) often means higher trailer rates as demand increases across the board.
- Moving labor: Unless you plan to load everything yourself, factor in labor costs. Two movers in St. Louis, Missouri, for roughly five hours typically average $776.
What are the best freight companies from St. Louis to Washington DC?
- MovingYourself (5/5 stars): MovingYourself is best for large moves. Best known as a top moving container option thanks to its DIY hybrid model (you load, they drive), MovingYourself also doubles as a strong freight choice with their 53-foot trucks and pay-for-the-space-you-use pricing.
- U-Pack (5/5 stars): U-Pack is the best value freight trailer on this list. In addition to their well-known container service, U-Pack offers freight trailers that follow the same pay-by-the-foot model with no deposits or upfront fees, making them one of the most flexible freight options for budget-conscious moves.
Pro tip: Freight trailers are a great option when you need your belongings in Washington DC 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: St. Louis, MO vs Washington DC, MD
The price of the move is only part of the picture. Here is how everyday costs compare once you are settled in Washington DC, side by side with St. Louis on housing, income, and taxes.
| Measure | St. Louis, MO | Washington DC, MD |
|---|---|---|
| Cost of living index | 84 | 151 |
| Average rent | $1,250/mo | $2,400/mo |
| Median home value | $180,206 | $594,337 |
| Average income | $55,279/yr | $101,027/yr |
| Unemployment rate | 6.3% | 7.0% |
| State income tax | Up to 4.8% | Up to 5.75% |
| Walkability score | 66/100 | 77/100 |
| Safety index | 30.35/100 | 39.63/100 |
| Air quality | Moderate | Good |
Cost of living index is relative to the U.S. average of 100. Figures reflect the latest available city and state data.
Moving the reverse route? We've got you covered with our Washington DC, MD to St. Louis, MO guide.
Why use moveBuddha to find your mover:
We've processed 10 real quotes from Missouri to Maryland over the past 3 months, giving us some of the most up-to-date pricing data around. Running your move through our moving cost calculator before you talk to movers helps you avoid low-ball or inflated estimates and steer clear of bad actors. There are 138 movers in our Missouri network to compare for this 814-mile move.
Our take
How you handle your interstate move from St. Louis, MO, to Washington DC, MD, comes down to your budget and how much time and work you're able to put into it. Hands-off relocations handled by full-service movers range from $1,680 - $8,050 on the 814-mile route and handle everything. Moving containers from PODS or U-Pack run $1,022 - $3,588 and put you in charge of loading. Rental trucks from Budget or U-Haul are the lowest-cost option at $556 - $1,450 with you handling everything. For full-service moves, Safeway Moving is our top pick, starting around $2,259 for a 2-bedroom move with 30 days of free storage and 24/7 live support.
Worth knowing beyond the move itself: Major employers in the area include Department of Homeland Security and US Navy.
FAQs: Moving from St. Louis, MO, to Washington DC, MD
How walkable is Washington DC?
Washington DC has a walkability score of 77 out of 100 and a bike-friendliness score of 70, compared to 66 and 58 in St. Louis. If you're used to getting around on foot or by bike, this is worth factoring into which neighborhood you pick.
Is Washington DC a safe place to live?
Washington DC has a safety index of 39.63 out of 100 and a crime index of 60.37, compared to 30.35 and 69.65 in St. Louis. Neither figure tells the whole story on its own, so it's worth digging into specific neighborhoods before you commit to an address.
What are some tips for saving money on a move from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD?
Cutting 500 pounds from your shipment, roughly one bedroom's worth of items, saves approximately $200 - $400 on a full-service move on this route. Beyond that, staying organized matters just as much. A solid moving checklist keeps you on schedule and helps you avoid costly last-minute mistakes.
What is the best time of year to move from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD?
Aim for a move between October and March, when demand drops and rates tend to be lower across all service types. Peak season runs mid-May through mid-September, and weekends and month-end dates are pricier regardless of season. A midweek, mid-month date outside peak season is your best bet for saving money.
How long does a move from St. Louis, MO to Washington DC, MD take?
Full-service movers and container companies typically complete this route in 2 to 7 days, since carriers consolidate shipments heading the same direction. Freight trailers are often one of the faster options outside of driving yourself, 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 percentage of St. Louis movers handle specialty items like pianos or antiques?
About 52% of movers in St. Louis handle piano moves, and 31% handle antiques and fine art, compared to 41% and 26% nationally.